Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Employment Highlights
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Ieshia E. Butler

Nassau,The Bahamas

Summary

Seasoned diplomat from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, adept in policy analysis and fostering diplomatic relations. Demonstrated excellence in international negotiation and strategic planning, with a proven track record of enhancing bilateral ties and coordinating high-level diplomatic engagements. Skilled in teamwork and technical writing, my career is marked by significant achievements in advancing government priorities.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Head, Bilateral and Regional Affairs Bureau

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Nassau, The Bahamas
01.2025 - Current
  • Primarily responsible for providing technical advice to facilitate the preservation and enhancement of bilateral ties with countries, with the view of promoting and advancing the priorities of the government of The Bahamas;
  • Oversee all technical matters in the Bureau pertaining to the following regions: Asia and Oceania; Africa and the Middle East; and Europe & the EU
  • Oversee all administrative and personnel matters within the Bureau.
  • Liaise with the Director General, Deputy Director General, and other Bureau Heads.
  • Preparation of Cabinet Memoranda, Talking Points and Country Briefs pertaining to the Bilateral and Regional Affairs Bureau;
  • Coordinate high-level diplomatic visits and high-level meetings

Second Secretary/Vice Consul/Alternate Representative to the OAS

Embassy of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas and Permanent Mission of The Bahamas to the OAS
06.2018 - 10.2024
  • Primarily responsible for human rights, education, scholarships, science, gender affairs, disability, and social issues;
  • Monitor US government policies and legislative changes, including Senate/Congressional hearings, on matters relative to assigned portfolio responsibilities;
  • Responsible for the Ambassador’s engagement with Colombia as non-resident Ambassador to Colombia;
  • Oversee Embassy Internship Program;
  • Assist the Deputy Chief of Mission and Finance Attaché with chancery and administrative duties such as the Embassy’s accounts and human resources;
  • Assist with the Embassy’s social media which includes the maintenance of the Embassy’s website, Instagram and Facebook page;
  • Assist with oversight of the following OAS committees: Inter-American Social Charter; Inter-American Council on Integral Development (CIDI), including the Inter-American Committees of Education (CIE), Science and Technology (COMCYT), and Social Development (CIDES); Inter-American Management Board (IACD); Special Multilateral Fund of the Inter-American Council for Integral Development (FEMCIDI); Inter-American Children’s Institute (IIN); Committee for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against People with Disabilities (CEDDIS); Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR); Secretariat for Access to Rights and Equity; and Unit for Social Development and Education

Foreign Service Officer

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Nassau, The Bahamas
08.2013 - 06.2018
  • Rotations in the Office of the Permanent Secretary, International Relations Division, CARICOM, Legal Affairs Division, Office of the Director General, Economic, Trade & Sustainable Development/Technical Assistance, Foreign Service Training, Passport Office, Office of the Foreign Minister;
  • Preparation of Cabinet Memorandum/Speeches/Talking Points/Country Briefs pertaining to assigned portfolio;
  • Provide updates to the Minister, Permanent Secretary and Director General on matters of importance;
  • Serve as the Liaison between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Prime Minister, relevant Ministries and agencies;
  • Attend international and regional meetings and conferences relevant to portfolio;
  • Represent the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at inter-ministerial meetings on matters pertaining to assigned portfolio;
  • Provide translation of documents from Spanish to English and vice versa on behalf of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
  • Conduct interviews with apprehended Cuban nationals and provide translation for Immigration Officers at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre;
  • Any other duties as assigned by the Minister, Permanent Secretary or Director General

Trained Spanish Teacher (K-12)

Ministry of Education
Nassau, The Bahamas
01.2005 - 06.2013
  • Facilitate student achievement in Spanish through speaking, reading, listening, writing and aspects of Spanish culture;
  • Prepare students for the Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (B.G.C.S.E.);
  • Assist with implementation and training of staff members with the Software Technology Inc (STI) program;
  • Train staff members to use the Promethean Interactive Whiteboards

Grade Level Year Head/Junior Administrator

S.C. McPherson Junior High School
01.2007 - 01.2010
  • Monitor teachers and classes in assigned grade level;
  • Plan school events/activities and professional development seminars for teachers;
  • Assist with discipline and other duties assigned by administration;
  • Organize instructional and sporting activities for students;
  • Assist with coaching junior girls’ volleyball and senior boys’ softball teams

Education

Diplomatic Training Programme - Senior Diplomats from OAS Permanent Missions

Clingendael Academy
The Hague, Netherlands
01.2022

High Level Mediation and Negotiation Workshop - The Role of Women in Peacebuilding

Virtual
01.2022

International Course in Diplomacy -

Andres Bello Diplomatic Academy
Santiago, Chile
01.2015

Mexican Foreign Policy Course - for Diplomats from Latin America & the Caribbean

Mexico City, Mexico
01.2014

Professional Programme for Young Diplomats - from the Caribbean

Beijing, China
01.2014

Master’s Degree - Business Administration (MBA)

Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
01.2010

Bachelor of Arts Degree - Secondary Education, Spanish Certification: (Distinction)

The University of The Bahamas
Nassau, Bahamas
01.2004

Skills

  • Diplomatic relations
  • Policy analysis
  • International negotiation
  • Technical writing
  • Cultural competency
  • Strategic planning
  • Organizational skills
  • Teamwork and collaboration

Employment Highlights

  • Head, Bilateral and Regional Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 01/2025, Present, Providing technical advice to facilitate the preservation and enhancement of bilateral ties., Overseeing technical matters in the Bureau pertaining to Asia and Oceania, Africa and the Middle East, and Europe & the EU., Managing administrative and personnel matters within the Bureau., Liaising with various government officials and preparing Cabinet Memoranda, Talking Points, and Country Briefs.
  • Second Secretary/Vice Consul/Alternate Representative to the OAS, Embassy of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas and Permanent Mission of The Bahamas to the OAS, 01/2018, 12/2024, Responsible for human rights, education, scholarships, science, gender affairs, disability, and social issues., Monitoring US government policies and legislative changes., Overseeing the Embassy Internship Program and assisting with social media.
  • Foreign Service Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nassau, Bahamas, 01/2013, 12/2018, Rotations in various divisions and preparation of Cabinet Memorandum/Speeches., Providing updates to senior officials and representing the Ministry at meetings.
  • Grade Level Year Head/Junior Administrator, 01/2007, 12/2010, Monitoring teachers and classes, planning school events, and assisting with discipline.
  • Trained Spanish Teacher (K-12), Ministry of Education (S.C. McPherson Junior High & R.M. Bailey Senior High Schools), Nassau, Bahamas, 01/2005, 12/2013, Facilitating student achievement in Spanish and preparing students for examinations.

Languages

English
First Language
Spanish
Advanced (C1)
C1

Timeline

Head, Bilateral and Regional Affairs Bureau

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
01.2025 - Current

Second Secretary/Vice Consul/Alternate Representative to the OAS

Embassy of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas and Permanent Mission of The Bahamas to the OAS
06.2018 - 10.2024

Foreign Service Officer

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
08.2013 - 06.2018

Grade Level Year Head/Junior Administrator

S.C. McPherson Junior High School
01.2007 - 01.2010

Trained Spanish Teacher (K-12)

Ministry of Education
01.2005 - 06.2013

Diplomatic Training Programme - Senior Diplomats from OAS Permanent Missions

Clingendael Academy

High Level Mediation and Negotiation Workshop - The Role of Women in Peacebuilding

International Course in Diplomacy -

Andres Bello Diplomatic Academy

Mexican Foreign Policy Course - for Diplomats from Latin America & the Caribbean

Professional Programme for Young Diplomats - from the Caribbean

Master’s Degree - Business Administration (MBA)

Nova Southeastern University

Bachelor of Arts Degree - Secondary Education, Spanish Certification: (Distinction)

The University of The Bahamas
Ieshia E. Butler