Civil service DFA

RioBranco

Hi everyone

I am currently in the civil service and want to work abroad for as long as possible. Probably my best bet is to transfer to the Department of foreign affairs and apply to work in an embassy. But I don't have a degree, would I need a degree for this ? Are there any long term posts abroad where I don't need a degree ?

luckyboy

You don’t need a degree for any particular foreign posting. You don’t mention your Civil Service grade, but DFA sends officers at all grades from CO upwards on postings. The vast majority are in what are called the diplomatic grades (Third Sec, First Sec and Counsellor, which would be equivalent to HEO/AO, AP and PO), but general service grades such as CO, EO, HEO/AO, AP and PO can and do get to go on postings. Postings generally last 3-4 years (but can be shorter in more difficult locations). So, to answer your question, if you want to spend a lot of your career abroad, get yourself into DFA, and then apply for postings from there. Over a long career, you could maybe do 2 or 3 separate postings (more if you were lucky/enthusiastic). Hope this helps?

RioBranco

This is really helpful, thank you! My department currently offer a couple of posts in Europe but mostly Brussels which doesn't interest me. When you mention diplomatic posts such as third sec, would someone need a degree for those ? I thought I saw on PAS website that they did ?

M1ntyPyth0n

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058412809/civil-service-dfa

Justice has some Visa Offices around the world, I think you are sent out for a 2-4 year term? I would think it's internal competitions and you'd have to be in Justice for two years to be eligible . They mostly seem to be CO, EO grade with some added allowances. I'm not 100% on all details.

The Permanent Rep in Brussels would be recruiting for the Presidency, you said you didn't want to go there specifically but it would be short term and give you some good experience for later work abroad.

Strong foreign language skills or a degree in international relations, international development or law might give you a leg up. If you Google past competitions for the DFA, you should be able to see what the desirable / essential criteria are, including educational background

Nigel Fairservice

Most postings at CO/EO level in DFA are in Brussels.