About the department Applications for this position close on Sunday 12 April at 11.30pm AEST. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) serves as Australia's foreign service, leading and coordinating 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 is an inclusive workplace, both in Australia and across the global network, committed to embracing and projecting the diversity of the Australian community, striving to create safe work environments where staff are respected and valued, and everyone has equitable access to opportunities, and dedicated to achieving the objectives outlined in DFAT's Inclusion, Equity and Diversity Strategy 2024-2027 . Each year DFAT selects a range of graduates with varying experience, academic qualifications, and backgrounds. We aim to build a workforce that represents the Australia we serve and encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds who share our values . 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 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 About the program The DFAT graduate program has two streams: Policy and Corporate. This relates to the Corporate Stream . If you wish to apply for both streams you need to submit separate applications. During the 18-month program, you will complete four placements within the department and 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. Through the delivery of exceptional client services and expert advice relating to relevant corporate legislation, policies and procedures, a corporate role will allow you to become a trusted adviser working with departmental employees at all levels, including senior leadership. Your expert advice and support will enable other areas across the business to meet the strategic objectives and deliver on government outcomes. 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 Experience corporate graduates will gain during the program will place them in a competitive position to apply for overseas transfers in roles such as Second Secretary and Vice Consul (Corporate), or mixed duties positions, at the end of the program.
