Graduate Trainees
What does the job involve?
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) operates in a very demanding international environment, implementing foreign and trade policy across a network of more than 80 overseas posts. Diversity is a key feature of a career in the department. Flexibility, quick thinking and the ability to acquire new skills are fundamental requirements of the job.
Our Graduate Trainees can look forward to a challenging and rewarding career. From the time they begin the training program, Graduate Trainees can be involved in providing research and advice on the full spectrum of Australia's international interests - from politics and international law to trade and security, and a great deal in between. They may also take on roles managing resources and programs. The range of work in Canberra is very broad, and employees generally fill many diverse positions during their careers.
Given the wide variety of work graduate trainees undertake in the department in Canberra, there is no typical description of the day-to-day activities of a graduate. Some of the types of work that graduates trainees might be involved in could include, but is not restricted to: contributing to policy development on all aspects of the department's operations; researching and analysing reports, treaties, and economic or political reporting; organising and reporting on international or domestic meetings; managing aspects of Australia's bilateral relationships; organising visit programs for visiting overseas dignitaries or delegations; accompanying these international visitors on their programs; briefing ministers and senior officials; undertaking presentations; writing reports, briefs, letters, media releases; liaising with our overseas posts/other government agencies/the wider community for input into the myriad of issues the department covers; and assisting in the department's Emergency Call Unit during consular emergencies.
Within a few years of joining the department, Graduate Trainees can expect to leave on their first overseas posting. When serving overseas, they will represent their country and the Australian government in a formal capacity. Depending on their location, former Trainees might specialise in particular aspects of foreign or trade policy - such as multilateral trade or human rights - or might be required to carry out a wide variety of tasks, from economic analysis to organising public affairs events, managing the small Direct Aid Program and arranging Ministerial visits.
Once they finish their postings, our staff are required to return to Canberra where they should expect to spend at least two years. They may then choose to apply for further overseas postings.
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