To facilitate the assignment of persons to Iraq, Pakistan, and Afghanistan or to posts vacated by members of the Service assigned to Iraq, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, the Secretary of State may waive the application of the provisions of section
8344 or
8468 of title
5 on a case-by-case basis for employment of an annuitant in a position in the Department of State for which there is exceptional difficulty in recruiting or retaining a qualified employee, or when a temporary emergency hiring need exists.