Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

What qualities does the organisation look for in future graduates/ employees?

The department continues to build and renew the workforce by bringing in a mix of people with a wide range of skills, experience and knowledge. For each intake we are looking for: • future leaders • strong academic achievers • critical and curious thinkers • team players who build relationships with stakeholders and peers • excellent communicators • practical problem solvers, who are flexible, adaptable, resilient and resourceful • candidates who display professionalism and high ethical standards.

We look at each candidate’s application, including their qualifications and professional experience. We take into account transferable skills from a range of employment options, not just those which have direct subject matter relevance to DFAT’s work. A candidate who has worked in hotel management or other areas of hospitality, for example, may bring skills in problem solving, adapting to change and managing people – all skills strongly relevant to working in DFAT.

Does the organisation offer any opportunities to students who are still studying, and how can individuals apply?

Unfortunately, DFAT is unable to offer internships or work experience in Canberra. Some of our embassies and high commissions overseas and other portfolio agencies do offer internships.

Does the organisation offer any opportunities for graduates, and how can individuals apply?

Each year DFAT runs a graduate program. Applications for the 2022 Policy Graduate Program will open 9 March 2021. A corporate management graduate program will not be held in 2022. We welcome candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds. Each year we select a mix of fresh graduates and graduates with several years of professional experience under their belt. DFAT places no limits on the age of candidates. These are ongoing entry level positions, with graduates commencing at an APS3.2 with a salary of $68,467 (plus 15.4% superannuation). Graduates are expected to commence in February 2022. DFAT also offers a generous relocation package to successful candidates.

Department of the Premier and Cabinet

Dumas House, 2 Havelock Street West Perth WA 6005 hrrecruitment@dpc.wa.gov.au | (08) 6553 5848 | (08) 6552 6153

www.wa.gov.au

Administration of the Executive, Government Servicer and Government Policy Management.

What is the main focus of the organisation?

The Department’s purpose is to lead the public sector in providing whole-ofGovernment advice and support to the Premier and Cabinet in their service of the Western Australian community. It also plays a central role in Executive Government functions.

Our strategic priorities include: • Working with the Australian

Government • Influencing economic and social development • Delivering key infrastructure and major projects • Supporting Aboriginal economic and social development • Driving digital transformation

What kind of work do employees at the organisation do?

A large proportion of the Department’s employees are engaged in research supporting development of policy advice to government. The advice includes preparation of briefing notes, Cabinet submissions and formal responses to various enquiries, both state and national. Many employees undertake project work to implement both our strategic priorities and additional tasks assigned by government on an ad-hoc basis.

A large part of the Department’s role concerns central coordination across the whole of the Western Australian public sector and state-wide communication campaigns, such as those required during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent recovery implementation.

The balance of staff engage in administrative work in areas such as finance, human resources, recordkeeping and information technology to provide practical support to Departmental staff, the Premier, Ministers and all Members of Parliament together with all the staff in their Ministerial and Parliamentary Electorate Offices.

Whatis an interesting piece of work tht the organisation has recently engaged in

In March 2020, when a State of Emergency was declared in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department established the Pandemic Coordination Unit. This drew on resources from across the agency and the public sector to support whole-of-government planning, coordination and communication. An Information Coordination Centre, operating from Dumas House, reported directly to the State Emergency Coordinator. Communications kept the public up to date with developments, and also kept them informed as the WA Roadmap for COVID-19 was rolled out. COVID Safety Plan tools and guidelines were developed in collaboration with other public sector agencies to help businesses and communities adopt COVID-safe practices.

The inter-governmental relations team worked closely with their counterparts in each state, territory, and the Australian Government to share information and develop advice for the Premier’s attendance at National Cabinet meetings. The rapidly changing priorities of 2020 created a unique environment that saw the Department fast-track remote working methods, online meetings, and fostered new levels of collaboration across the public sector. The Department continues to deliver a central coordination role to oversee and report on implementation of the WA Recovery Plan.