Third Secretary Campaign 2022

anon120222

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120778010#Comment_120778010

May I ask how long it took between being called for clearance, and official PAS confirm that you are cleared and being assigned? I've just submitted all my docs. I know it probably depends on your background, where you lived, etc.

IRL_25

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120781501#Comment_120781501

It took almost exactly two months from the date that I was called for clearance and the date that I received the official assignment message from PAS via the online portal. However, that's because I was extremely quick with submitting all the documents, and getting the employer/academic references, which they only asked for 6 weeks after calling me for clearance. Also, it's important to add that they still have not carried out the security clearance (which is different from police clearance), however, they're willing to let me start before this is completed.

I would imagine that it could be quicker if you don't need police clearance from abroad, which I did.

anon120222

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120781731#Comment_120781731

That's so helpful - thanks IRL_25 :) I've lived abroad too and got my documents to them quickly, so hopefully it's a similar timeframe.

UnderHeaven

PAS contacted me there last week to say DFA would be in touch for clearance and if I don't like that I can request PAS themselves to run the clearance. Seems like it is going pretty fast.

mistern0b0dy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120797891#Comment_120797891

yesss me too! Hopefully it does.

coffeee93

I just received a message though publicjobs yesterday asking to email an expression of interest if I was still interested in the TS post. I scored 33 in the precis. Says interview will take place early August but also says an expression of interest in not a guarantee that you will be called fro interview.

Singleissueuser

Got called for clearance documents. The prospect of looking for a room to rent in Dublin is becoming real :S

UnderHeaven

Clearance took around 3 and a half weeks. Now PAS needs to sign off. Pretty quick

Singleissueuser

Got a start date for October, looking forward to it. Would be great to link up with any other new starters :D

citylad07

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120952044#Comment_120952044

Congratulations! Can I ask when was your interview?

mistern0b0dy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120952044#Comment_120952044

me too! But I'm starting at the end of this month. Very quick. Best of luck :)

Singleissueuser

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120990831#Comment_120990831

Thanks :D My interview was in early June. My start date is a little late due to the notice period at my current job.

citylad07

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120991429#Comment_120991429

Thanks for the update. That's quite a quick turnaround time! Are you allowed to say where you were on your OOM? I'm attempting to make a long-term plan for myself... but's it's understandably difficult when you're on a panel.

citylad07

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120803346#Comment_120803346

How did you get on?

lucat

I got 36 in the DSO precis. Anyone who got 38+ was invited to interview in May. At this stage, what are the chances of them inviting anyone with a score of 37 or lower?

Singleissueuser

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120991460#Comment_120991460

I was 7 on OOM after the interview. Agreed, the uncertainty is the worst!

Stranger Things

Would the qualification of a 2.2 in a Level 9 Masters Degree be sufficient under the requirement: 

hold a first or second-class honours degree (minimum of Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications). Consideration may be given to relevant qualifications as deemed equivalent by the Public Appointments Service. 

Another question is whether would it be possible for admittance into the role without the knowledge of another language but a willingness to learn one to the Department's requirements. 

dory

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121040585#Comment_121040585

For the first I'm not sure, but I would presume what you have is fine.

For the second - from what I remember you get extra points , anything from 0 to 30 for your language skills. So if you're good enough in the other parts of the application process then no, you don't need those 30 points. But it's so competitive you would need some of the 30 anyway I would think.

readoutloud

https://dfa.ie/about-us/working-with-us/career-opportunities/development-specialist-officer.php

Might be of interest to some here.

dory

New DSO competition here: https://www.dfa.ie/about-us/working-with-us/career-opportunities/development-specialist-officer.php

EDIT: Just saw I was beaten to it!

countyireland12345

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121056773#Comment_121056773

I wonder why they have launched a new competition? I note it is being run directly by DFA. PAS ran a DSO competition earlier this year with a closing date in early February I think.

DinkaDeported

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120196403#Comment_120196403

If possible, I would also greatly appreciate being sent the message! I'm looking at applying for the Development Specialist role that was just announced.

Speaking of which, did anyone on this forum who previously applied for DSO have success?

Starby123

Hi, not sure if this is the correct thread but would appreciate any advice on the following - I have a Level 8 Business Mgt Degree (specialism HR) & Post Grad Level 9 Employment Law. I have completed additional HR courses. I applied for the A0 Graduate Competition (HR Stream), passed the online tests; got called to interview; passed the presentation/interview, and was awarded a high place on the panel. I was then asked to submit my qualifications and have since been told my studies do not meet the qualifying criteria and was removed from the competition. Has this happened to anyone on here or would you have any advice?

Daisies

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121057285#Comment_121057285

I heard on the grapevine that they did not get enough candidates with relevant qualifications who both cleared the psychometric testing and made it to a panel. The main DS comp is directly with DFA and requires a fairly thorough application form so I think it's probably an acknowledgement that with the specific skill set they are looking for, the broad approach like for 3rd sec doesn't work.

Keyla87

Hi dory,

Can you please let me know how is the language test for the DSO?

Is an online one or a conversation with someone that are fluent in the same language as you?

Also is there anyone here that are in the panel still for the DSO competition from January that hasn’t been called for the Precis?

Thank you all , this is very appreciated from someone that are really looking forward to get a job in the DFA.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121044024#Comment_121044024

anon120222

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121135251#Comment_121135251

Hi Keyla87,

The language test is part of stage 3, completed around the same time as the interview. It is an online MCQ test. If you do it in more than one language, they take your highest result. As mentioned previous, you mark is then added to your overall interview score.

People who scored highly enough in the Précis in January were then called for interview, and only if there were successful were they placed on the panel. So it's Précis -> interview -> panel.

useruser365

Can anyone who has gone through the language element previous explain how it works? I had a very good grade in leaving cert language years ago and have not used it since, my other language is one I use travelling (so ordering food etc.... not work standard at all). Is it better to try do the language test or just ignore them if you are not fluent/ very confident?

Thanks in advance - of course I may not be shortlisted for the next round of DSO but just in case!

IRL_25

Better to just do it anyways because as far as I understand it, you get points (out of 30) I believe based on your fluency, and that’s just a whole extra category that you’re scored on, added to the other categories. So for example if you had C1 level of Spanish you would get 25/30 points extra, which would mean you’d have an advantage compared to people who didn’t take the language test. At least this is how it worked for the Third Sec competition.

suntan

I’m in batch 2 and have been through the clearance process. Had the medical appointment almost a month ago as I had declared some health issues but they were happy to sign me off. Haven’t heard anything since then, anyone else in the same boat? Or can offer any advice? My interview was in March.

useruser365

Thanks so much, I had an A2 back in the day but genuinely don't know if I could speak a word now. Is it better to do a language test and fail it?!

pip1414

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120308492#Comment_120308492

Just wondering how long it took for the extra security clearance? I've been told I need this and have been advised it can take up to 16 weeks to complete

useruser365

Anyone hear anything from this application yet? - Other than an email response for the initial application?

Duffy the Vampire Slayer

On the topic of languages, what ones are most in demand in the DFA? I would assume the five UN languages apart from English, but are there any others that are particularly useful?

dory

German is important as well. But really, any language you care about enough to get very fluent in is the best one. Lots of people speak average French/German etc. If you want something unusual the Balkan languages would be good as we'll have embassies there some day. Spanish seems to be slightly underrepresented as well, as is Portuguese.

omolloy

I found out today I made the panel in Batch 5. Given there are over ten ahead of me in the order of merit does anyone know what the chances are of me being called and cleared before the new campaign starts, presumably in mid-2024?

Leyendecker

Anyone know how far the Department has gotten in calling the most recent DSO panel? I know they’ve called the first couple of people for clearance for sure.

jbears

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121513946#Comment_121513946

Would also be very eager to hear! I'm on the panel fairly far down and have heard nothing since the initial email

the5th

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120803346#Comment_120803346

I got a similar email the other day. I totally bombed the precis, I can't remeber the score but barely passed it. I must be around the very last. Surprised they're still looking at this comp, I'd almost forgotten about it.....

Did anything ever come of it for you?

TravelMoon

I barely passed the precis and received the same last week. Curious to see how things go from here on out. Have you heard anything since?

niallkenny83

I got an expression of interest email too on Jan 10th with a deadline for reply by 12pm Jan 12th. Unfortunately, I missed the email notifications 😔...and just saw them this morning. I expressed my interest but it will, most likely, not be considered.

Trevorfromtheshoppingcentre

Very short window after waiting two years!

the5th

Apologies I should check this more often. Just got emails re interview and language test. On reflection though I don't think I'll do it. Things have moved on for me since. Long time to be waiting!

pip1414

Just looking for some advice - I got assigned back in December and given a start for the beginning of February. They still haven't issued a contract because they say they're waiting on confirmation of my line manager, but have assigned me a division. I'm starting to get really worried as from next Friday, I might be unemployed! I emailed today asking for an update and expressing my anxiety over the situation, but no reply so I really don't know what to do?!

the5th

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121667283#Comment_121667283

That is very frustrating. Strange reason not to give you a contract, I got a contract in justice with no line manager because they deliberately didn't want me to know I was going to the IPO before I accepted..... (I quit after a month)

Did DFA give you even an informal indication of a start date? See what they say back to your email. And bear in mind that even if you do start next week it still might take several weeks for you to get on the payroll. It will happen though. You'll probably get a call at 15:30 on Friday.... 🙄

What was your interview like in December? I have mine in two weeks. I almost didn't do it, things have moved on for me since 2022, but I'll throw my hat in the ring. Any tips?

TravelMoon

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121407253#Comment_121407253

Have you been placed since, and if so did it take long? I placed in a similar position for Batch 6. Any indications on timelines would really be ace.

dory

new First Sec open competition just dropped. 2024 1st / 3rd sec comps prob deserve their own thread. I’m on a phone so can’t post link but a bit of googling should bring up the new comp.

exitstageleft

Looks like a new competition for Third Secs will open in July.