The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (the department) is the lead agency managing Australia's international presence. We manage a network of posts on five continents and have over 6000 staff located in Canberra, our state and territory offices and at our overseas missions.
We work with international partners and other countries to tackle global challenges, increase trade and investment opportunities, protect international rules, keep our region stable and help Australians overseas.
Our officers are highly skilled at their work, which includes:
In a career with the DFAT, you will learn new skills, be part of experienced and motivated teams, and do meaningful work that promotes and protects Australia's international interests.
Each year, we select a mix of new graduates, and graduates with several years of professional experience. It does not matter how old you are. We are seeking graduates with all degree backgrounds for policy and corporate roles across the department.
We strive for a workforce that represents the Australia we serve and encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds who share our values.
To be eligible for the DFAT graduate program, you must:
Roles are based in Canberra and will commence in February or March 2023.
Graduates usually spend several years in Canberra, gaining experience across the department, before being selected for an overseas posting, but you are eligible to apply once you have completed the program.
DFAT Application Process
Stage One: Online Application
Submit an online application via the DFAT Careers website by Sunday, 12 June 2022 at 11:30 pm AEST.
We ask you to complete a CV template where you can provide details of your academic background, work and/or volunteer experience, awards and achievements.
Stage Two: Online Assessment
After submitting your application, and if you meet the program eligibility requirements, we will invite you to complete an online assessment.
Stage Three: Assessment Centre
The assessment centre is the final stage of the selection process and will be held either in person or virtually.
It may include:
Referees
Referee reports help the selection committee verify information shared in your application and during assessment activities.
Merit pool and outcome
After the assessment process, suitable candidates will be placed in a merit pool. At this stage in the process, we will match suitable candidates to available positions and contact you with a verbal offer of employment. Verbal offers will be made in August 2022. Pending your security clearance being granted, we will provide a formal written offer of employment.
Feedback
We can provide feedback on request. A link to request feedback will be provided in your outcome notification email.
During the 12-month program, you will get:
Policy Officer, Disability, Indigenous and Social Inclusion Section/Human Rights Branch/Multilateral Policy Division at Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Bachelor of Laws at Macquarie University
Pacific Aviation Section (VNS) | Pacific Economic Resilience and Trade Branch (PEB) | Pacific Bilateral and Development Division (PBD) Office of the Pacific (OTP) at Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Science at Southern Cross University (SCU)