About the department The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) serves as Australia's foreign service. DFAT leads and coordinates the nation's international agenda by engaging with foreign governments and organisations to advance strategic, security, and economic interests. From Australia and across our overseas posts, we cultivate relationships and networks to provide strategic insights, deliver international development and humanitarian assistance, lead on crisis response and offer consular and passport services. DFAT values diversity and is committed to improving employment outcomes for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. DFAT is an inclusive workplace across Australia and our global network, dedicated to creating respectful, safe environments and advancing the goals of DFAT's Inclusion, Equity and Diversity Strategy 2024-2027. As Australia's representatives abroad, we aim for a workforce that reflects the nation's diversity. During the program you will be provided with: • an ongoing position, commencing at an APS 4 classification and advancing to an APS 5 classification upon completion of the program • a starting salary of $84,115, increasing to $92,753 at completion of the program • 15.4% employer contribution to your superannuation • targeted training and development at the award-winning Diplomatic Academy • an inclusive and flexible working environment • access to employee and professional networks • relocation package if you need to relocate to Canberra • Generous leave conditions with 22 days annual leave every 12 months, 20 days of personal / carers leave credited upon commencement, attractive parental leave benefits. Additional cultural, ceremonial and NAIDOC leave is available for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People. All graduate roles are based in Canberra and will commence in early 2027. Opportunities to apply for overseas service are available to DFAT employees throughout their career, whether they are working in policy or corporate fields. The key duties of the position include The DFAT graduate program has two streams: Policy and Corporate. During the 18-month program, you will complete four placements within the department, and you will develop first-hand experience across a range of DFAT's work areas. Corporate roles offer a wide variety of roles that will build your capabilities and pique your interests in DFAT's Consular, Passports, Corporate and Enabling Services. In the Policy stream you will work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders to design, manage, and implement key Australian Government policies and programs across the world. Corporate graduates may be placed in some of the following roles: • Overseas Property Office Accounting and Financial Management Human Resources (HR) Diplomatic Security • Corporate Communications • Information Communication Technology (ICT) • Corporate Law Australian • Passport Office • Consular and Crisis Management Policy graduates may be placed in various roles, such as: • Bilateral Economic and Political Relations • International Trade Negotiations, Investment, and Economic Analysis • Development and Aid Program Management • International Security • International Law • Public Diplomacy • Multilateral and Global Issues • Strategic Communications The experience graduates will gain during the program will place them in a competitive position at the end of the program to apply for overseas transfers in roles such as Second Secretary (corporate or policy/trade/development), or mixed duties positions. Reasonable adjustments Please let us know If you require a reasonable adjustment. Please contact DFP Recruitment by emailing dfat.graduates@dfp.com.au or call 1300 184 817. All requests for reasonable adjustments will be considered and managed in consultation with you.
