Note: The following information does not apply to local engagements.

Australian citizenship

In accordance with the Public Service Act 1999, all employees of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade must be Australian citizens.

Conduct and ethics

Working for the department both in Australia and overseas requires the highest standards of conduct. Exemplary ethical conduct on the part of the department's employees contributes significantly to the standing of the department in Australia and overseas and the overall effectiveness of its work.

Employees are required to uphold the Australian Public Service (APS) Values and comply with the APS Code of Conduct as enshrined in the Public Service Act 1999. Employees also need to comply with the department's Code of Conduct for Overseas Service, which takes account of the particular significance of the department's representational role outside Australia.

Security clearance

In accordance with 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.

All employees must obtain and maintain a security clearance as a condition of employment with the department. Security clearances are reviewed and renewed at regular intervals based on the clearance level held.

If you are selected for employment, the department will manage your security clearance process. As part of this process, you may be required to attend a security interview. Depending on your circumstances, the interview may be conducted by videoconference, or you may be required to travel to Canberra at your own expense. Interview arrangements are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

The security clearance process can take several months to complete and requires you to provide personal information and consent to background checks and enquiries by the department and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).

If you are unable to obtain the required security clearance, an offer of employment may be withdrawn. Once employed, you must continue to hold the required clearance. Failure to maintain a security clearance may result in the termination of your employment.

DFAT works with a panel of vetting service providers to complete parts of the security clearance assessment. As part of the process, you may be contacted directly by one of these providers to arrange interviews, collect information, or undertake assessment activities on behalf of the department. The department's current vetting service providers are:

• Cogent Business Solutions Pty Ltd
• Ernst & Young
• Omni Executive Pty Ltd
• Sirras Consultants Pty Ltd
• Staff Check Pty Limited