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 Policy 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. 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. 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 policy graduates will gain during the program will place them in a competitive position to apply for overseas transfers in roles such as Second Secretary (policy/trade/development), or mixed duties positions, at the end of the program. Eligibility Eligibility requirements You must meet the DFAT general eligibility requirements to apply for the Graduate Program. You also need to: • be an Australian citizen at the time of application; and • have completed at least a bachelor’s degree between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2026 Prior to starting the graduate program, successful candidates need to obtain an Australian national security clearance at Negative Vetting Level 2. Notes Eligibility requirements We are looking for graduates with a range of experiences and from diverse backgrounds. People who have a genuine interest in working with Australia’s international partners to tackle global challenges, increase trade and investment opportunities, protect international rules, keep our region stable and help Australians overseas. Further, we need graduates who will help us manage departmental resources and assets in Australia and overseas. We welcome applications from all academic backgrounds, including, but not limited to international relations, economics, social sciences, public policy, education, commerce, law, defence, development, health sciences, public policy, history, journalism, communications, linguistics, humanitarian support, cyber security, nuclear science and STEM. It is important our graduates can work collaboratively with others, manage relationships, have humility, drive and accountability. We also look for respectful people who are curious; adaptable; have resilience and through analytical thinking; and can problem-solve. All employees of the department are expected to abide by the APS Values and Code of Conduct and the DFAT Values Statement.
