Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2019 Graduate Program

Our two-year graduate program will kick-start your career in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), whether focusing on policy or corporate management roles. During the course of the program, you will undertake a tailored learning package delivered through DFAT's Diplomatic Academy. You will develop a broad knowledge and understanding of the Government's foreign, trade and aid policy priorities and the department's financial and corporate context and service delivery to Australians overseas through our consular and passports services. You will also complete work placements, giving you first-hand experience of the department's diverse range of priorities, including:

• bilateral economic and political relations
• international trade negotiations, investment and economic analysis
• humanitarian assistance
• development and aid program management
• international security
• public diplomacy
• commercial, administrative and international law
• multilateral and global issues
• financial, human and asset management, including security and property
• project management
• consular and passport services.

The aim of the Graduate Training Program is to equip graduates with the insight and skills to make a real contribution to many aspects of international life. The training program includes a two-week induction, a one week mid-term block of policy and tradecraft course and a six week International Graduate Program (IGP), where we invite junior diplomats from other countries to participate. The IGP is designed to give participants both an academic and a practical overview of subjects such as Australian Culture & Values, Development Policy & Practice, Diplomatic Tradecraft, Economic Literacy for Non-Economists, International Law, International Policy & Tradecraft, Presentation Skills, Promoting & Protecting Human Rights, and Trade Policy & Negotiations as well as diplomacy-focused professional skills training and a business travel program undertaken in other states and territories.

After you have completed the program, you will have an ongoing APS Level 4 position in Canberra. You will also be eligible to apply for positions in one of our overseas posts, although it can be a few years before graduates take up overseas positions.