Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade

DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE

(DFAT)

Level 25, Exchange Tower Sherwood Court (off, St Georges Terrace, Perth 6000

dfat.gov.au

What is the main focus of DFAT? DFAT works to make Australia stronger, safer and more prosperous, to provide timely and responsive consular and passport services, and to ensure a secure Australian Government presence overseas. The department provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the Government. We work with other government agencies to ensure that Australia’s pursuit of its global, regional and bilateral interests is coordinated effectively. DFAT is the lead agency managing Australia’s international presence. We manage a network of 121 overseas posts in five continents and have 6,078 staff located in Canberra, state and territory offices and overseas posts. Our officers are highly skilled at their work which includes; developing and implementing foreign, trade and development policy, negotiating international agreements, delivering an effective aid program, and providing high quality consular assistance. This business is often conducted in one of the 31 foreign languages in which DFAT staff are proficient. What is an interesting piece of work that DFAT has recently engaged in? As part of Bushfire Recovery, DFAT sent products from a range of Australian small businesses impacted by the 2020/21 summer bushfires to Australian Embassies and High Commissions around the world. Using our global diplomatic network, we were able to showcase the talents of Australian small businesses like Highfield Farm and Woodland in Mt Adrah (NSW) and Disaster Bay Chillies in Eden (NSW) on an international stage. Through DFAT’s AustraliaIndia Council grants program, Australian and Indian researchers shared knowledge and expertise in 3D printing and bioprinting to drive the development of a 3D printing solution that will generate new ears for patients using their own stem cells. DFAT’s Australia-India Council establishes innovative, dynamic and sustainable links between Australia and India, opening up opportunities for collaboration in areas that are beneficial to both of our countries. What kind of work do employees at DFAT do? Working at DFAT works to make Australia is more than just a job. It is a career that can provide you with the opportunity to do the kind of work that adds up to something meaningful. Whether we are promoting international trade and investment, helping in crises overseas, assisting Australian travellers, reducing poverty and supporting growth, we all share a common goal of advancing the interests of Australia and Australians internationally.

How does DFAT recruit? We advertise vacancies at different times, according to operational requirements to fill particular roles. All our vacancies are advertised on the careers pages of the DFAT website (dfat. gov.au/careers/Pages/careers. aspx). If you are interested in keeping track of future vacancies, you can visit our website and register to receive notifications of vacancies as they are advertised, by using the job alert function.

Does DFAT 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 DFAT offer any opportunities for graduates, and how can individuals apply? We will advertise for our 2023 Graduate Programs in late March/early April 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 $71,163 (plus 15.4% superannuation). Graduates are expected to commence in February/March 2023. DFAT also offers a generous relocation package to successful candidates.

What qualities does DFAT 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.