Careers with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
General Recruitment - Eligibility
- Overview
- Career information
- Salaries and conditions of service
- Overseas service
- Eligibility for positions
- Training
- How to apply
- Further information
Australian Citizenship
Under the Public Service Act 1999 all applicants must be Australian citizens to be eligible for engagement as an employee of the department.
Workplace Diversity
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade recognises the diversity of the Australian community and the benefits associated with building a workforce that reflects this diversity. Consequently, the diversity of its employees is utilised to undertake core business more effectively. An emphasis is placed on assisting staff balance their work and personal life, removing barriers to workplace equity and fostering a working environment that is free from harassment and discrimination.
Recruitment is on the basis of merit.
Former Commonwealth Public Servant
Under the Public Service Act 1999 former employees of Commonwealth agencies are ineligible to apply for re-engagement by the Public Service within 12 months of taking a Redundancy Package.
Qualifications
Most positions we advertise do not require any specific qualifications. Should a particular vacancy require specific qualifications this will be clearly stated in the advertisement and in the selection criteria. Qualifications will usually be stated as ‘essential’ or ‘highly desirable’ e.g. 'Tertiary qualifications in accounting are essential and CPA accreditation is highly desirable'. If the qualifications are stated as essential, applicants without these qualifications will usually not be considered. If they are stated as highly desirable, applicants who can demonstrate equivalent skills, knowledge and experience will still be considered even though they may lack formal qualifications.
Security Clearance
Pursuant to Section 22 (6) of the Public Service Act 1999, a security clearance is a condition of employment for employees of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). If a person is selected for a position with DFAT (i.e the preferred candidate for a vacancy), he/she will need to obtain such a clearance from DFAT before they can commence work.
The Department is responsible for organising and conducting the security clearance process. This process consists of several steps. Apart from completing a number of forms, preferred candidates for vacancies will also be required to give their written consent to DFAT and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) to conduct checks and enquiries.
Depending on the level of clearance required, security clearances can take a significant time to be processed. A Top Secret clearance, for example, usually takes a number of months. It is important that candidates submit all forms promptly in order to avoid unnecessary delays.
If a preferred candidate is not successful in obtaining a security clearance, his/her offer of employment with this department will be withdrawn. However:
- should ASIO issue a qualified or adverse assessment, DFAT will advise the preferred candidate in writing so that, if the preferred candidate wishes, he/she can seek a review of ASIO's assessment by the Security Appeals Division of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal; or
- if the Department does not grant a security clearance to the preferred candidate on grounds other than the ASIO security assessment, the preferred candidate may request a review of that decision by first writing to DFAT's Secretary. If the preferred candidate is not satisfied with the outcome or the progress of this review, he/she may then request the Merit Protection and Review Agency (if he/she is a current Commonwealth employee) or the Commonwealth Ombudsman (if he/she is not a Commonwealth employee) to conduct a further investigation on the preferred candidate's behalf.
Once a person has been appointed to the department, loss of a security clearance at any time will result in the termination of the person's employment with the Department.
Medical Clearance
Before commencing work with DFAT you must successfully undergo a standard medical/fitness examination. Further information about this examination is provided to successful applicants with their commencement papers.
Careers Home Page | Frequently Asked Questions | Graduate Recruitment