 DCMs serve as chargé d'affaires (that is, as acting chief of mission) when the titular head of mission is outside the host country or when the post is vacant.DCMs typically serve as a key advisor to the chief of mission as well as a chief of staff, responsible for the day-to-day management of the post.The DCM will oversee the heads of sections (political, economic, public affairs, management, consular) at the embassy, such as the DCMs also serve as de facto ombudsmen, responding to employee concerns and quality of life issues.