Overseas service

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has around 83 posts in over 75 countries and territories.

Approximately each quarter, the Department advertises, internally, forthcoming vacancies at all its overseas missions. Ongoing (permanent) employees of the Department in Australia can apply for these overseas postings which are usually for a period of three years. Employees are not required to go on overseas postings, although officers are encouraged to see overseas postings as an integral part of their service and career development with the Department.

Working overseas is one of the most interesting and challenging parts of a DFAT employee's career. However, there are a number of factors relating to overseas service that potential employees should carefully consider before contemplating a career with DFAT. Potential staff should weigh these considerations carefully against the unique professional and personal opportunities and rewards that overseas service provides:

• culture shock - fitting into the local community is not always easy, even if one does speak the language
• working in difficult climates/exposure to natural disasters e.g. cyclones in tropical countries
• health and security problems in some posts – e.g. unhygienic conditions, limited medical facilities, criminal violence and terrorism
• homesickness and disruption to family and social life, especially for staff with children
• disruption to a spouse's career and possible loss of second income
• education opportunities for children vary and in a small number of posts appropriate educational facilities are not available
• isolation/local restrictions e.g. restriction on contact and travel for women in some countries.