About the department 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. Working at DFAT is a vocation where every day brings new challenges and opportunities to do meaningful work and represent Australia's interests globally. With a focus on learning and development, backed by our leading-edge Diplomatic Academy, DFAT offers a diverse range of career paths within a supportive environment. Staff have the chance to engage in international deployments while contributing to efforts both at home and abroad. DFAT fosters a high-performance culture driven by a resilient, motivated, and diverse workforce committed to serving the country. Upholding APS Values, we prioritise achievement, leadership, valuing people, and collaboration. Our strength lies in diversity, which enables us to find common ground as we work with people around the world to solve complex global issues. 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 . DFAT offers attractive conditions of service, as outlined in DFAT's 2024 Enterprise Agreement , including a competitive remuneration package with 15.4% employer contribution to your superannuation, 22 days annual leave every 12 months, 20 days of personal / carers leave credited upon commencement, attractive parental leave benefits and flexible working environments. The key duties of the position include About the program DFAT's Cadet Program offers a unique pathway into a meaningful and globally focused career. As a cadet, you'll continue your studies while gaining practical experience across financial management, corporate operations, and services that support Australians around the world. You'll learn from a high-performing, diverse workforce and access professional development through the Diplomatic Academy. On successful completion, you'll secure a permanent APS4 role in DFAT's Finance Division opening the door to a dynamic career in Australia and the possibility of future overseas postings. Few departments offer the same combination of national impact, international exposure and long-term career growth. During the 12-month - maximum 36-month program, you will complete two placements within the department and develop first-hand experience across a range of DFAT's Financial Management areas. You will be provided with: • An ongoing position, commencing at an APS 3 classification and advancing to an APS 4 classification upon completion of the program. • A fulltime salary of $75,065 (pro rata based on hours worked), increasing up to $84,115 on successful completion of the program. • 15.4% superannuation. • Access to relocation provisions following the successful completion of the program. (NB: During the program, if relocation to Canberra is required it is at the expense of the Cadet.) The Cadet program requires: • In-person attendance within Canberra offices. • Successful completion of a 12-month probationary period with a 6-month review. • Active participation in the performance management process - maintaining a performing well throughout each rotation. • Completion of all mandatory training and development activities. • Maintain a satisfactory level of performance, attendance and conduct during the program. o A minimum of 600 hours work per annum over a 12-36 month program o Flexible work arrangements are available to support candidate completion of a bachelor's degree. o The number of hours and working pattern will be agreed to between the cadet and their supervisor (e.g. during semester breaks, several hours a week, two days a month etc). o The program can extend to a maximum of 36 months to allow completion of bachelor qualifications. • Completion of a bachelor level degree in an approved discipline - see below. On completion of the cadetship, you will: • Will be placed into a permanent position with DFAT at the APS4 level. • Opportunities for a diverse career across DFAT, including future opportunities for postings overseas. • If relocation to Canberra is required, the department will assist with relocation costs. You will work to support the department to deliver on its key priorities by providing the financial services needed for the department to carry out its work. This will involve assisting the management of assets, budget, procurement, and grants in line with the department's objectives. Rotations may include: • External Budget • Internal and Capital Budgets • Finance Business Partners • Procurement and Grants Management • Financial Accounting • Financial Operations
