Careers
DFAT embraces diversity for global influence, and encourages people from all backgrounds to work here. At DFAT, you can experience rewarding careers and opportunities offered by an organisation that is truly global in scope – with over one hundred and twenty workplaces across the world, and in every Australian state and territory.
DFAT promotes inclusive workplaces, equitable opportunities, and a diverse workforce at all levels. As the department that represents Australia to the world, our goal is to fully understand, reflect and project the diversity of modern Australia so we can influence the world around us. Your unique qualities, attributes, skills and experiences are an asset in our workplace.
Through the Inclusion, Equity and Diversity Strategy 2024-2027 – Embracing Diversity for Global Influence (the Strategy), the department aims to:
- build everyone's leadership and capability in inclusion, equity and diversity principles
- remove barriers and ensure workplace equity through our policies, systems and platforms
- make our overseas network more inclusive and reduce barriers to overseas careers for people from different backgrounds
- build a more diverse organisation at all levels.
These efforts will see us draw even more strongly on diversity in undertaking our core business effectively. The approach outlined in the Strategy speaks to people in all their diversity, and emphasises several focus areas:
- First Nations people
- people with disabilities
- neurodivergent people
- carers
- LGBTQIA+ communities
- cultural and linguistic diversity
- gender equality
- age inclusion.
Leadership
DFAT has dedicated senior leaders who are champions for instilling an inclusive workplace culture across the organisation and through leading by example in their work area.
- First Nations Champion
- Disability Champion
- Pride Champion
- Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Champion
- Gender Equality Champion
- Mental Health Champion
Capability
Building our knowledge and ability to foster inclusion helps everyone to lead.
Our training is comprehensive and growing. We provide training and briefings to leaders, state and territory office staff, staff going overseas for a posting, locally engaged staff in our overseas workplaces, and new staff. Everyone has access to various of e-learning courses on unconscious bias, First Nations cultural awareness, disability confidence, and more.
Reconciliation
We aim for an organisation that is culturally safe for First Nations people, where Australia's history and the experiences of First Nations people are understood and accepted, and where racism and prejudice are eliminated from our services, programs and workplaces. We maintain an ongoing approach through our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and through our efforts under Closing the Gap.
Diversity networks
DFAT’s diversity networks help employees connect with others, share their experiences and perspectives in a safe and accepting environment, and provide feedback to the department on various diversity matters.
Networks include:
- Indigenous Employees Network
- Disability Network
- Pride Network
- Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Network
- Workplace Gender Equality Network
Gender equality
DFAT participates in the Commonwealth Public Sector Gender Equality Reporting program. This program has been designed to provide a picture of gender equality in Commonwealth public sector workplaces, enable benchmarking and comparisons between employers and highlight key areas for action on gender equality. To provide more details on DFAT’s report, we have developed an Gender Pay Gap Employer Statement which outlines the goals that will guide our efforts to sure all employees are treated fairly and equally.