Diplomatic Service Officer
What is the work like?
As an officer in the Diplomatic Service, you would work for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) either in the UK or abroad. You would promote and protect British interests and citizens overseas, and provide advice and support to ministers developing UK foreign policy.
The work of the FCO is very varied and covers every area where British interests and citizens are involved internationally, for example:
- political – monitoring political and economic developments in the host country, and representing Britain to that country's government and media
- commercial – helping British companies to trade in the host country, and promoting investment into Britain
- consular – helping British citizens in the host country, and processing visa applications from local people who wish to come to Britain.
Your day-to-day duties would depend on your grade. For example:
- C4 Fast Stream Officers – researching issues and helping to develop policy and strategy
- B3 Operational Officers – varied duties including handling visa applications, casework and managing clerical staff
- A2 Executive Assistants and A1 Administrative Assistants – providing clerical support.
As a UK-based Fast Stream or Operational Officer, you might be responsible for one country or geographical area, or for a specific foreign policy issue that affects many countries.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
The qualifications and experience you need to join the Foreign and Commonwealth Office will depend on the grade you start in.
To join as a C4 Fast Stream officer, you must have a degree of at least class 2:1 in any subject. You must then pass a series of skills-based online and practical tests. See the Civil Service Fast Stream website for more information on the recruitment process.
For executive assistant (A2) posts you will need at least 5 GCSEs (A-C) including English and maths, or equivalent qualifications. For administrative assistant (A1) posts you will need 2 GCSEs (A-C) including English, or equivalent qualifications. The educational requirements for operational officers (B3) are still under review, and you should check the FCO website for the latest information.
Each job's selection process involves several stages, and can take up to twelve months for the higher grades.
For Fast Stream and operational grades, previous work experience in management, business or public administration would be useful. Your potential for learning foreign languages will also be tested at the final interview stage.
You will find it useful to have experience of office work for the administrative grades, and your typing skills will be tested during the selection process.
For all grades of job in the FCO, you must be a British citizen aged 16 or over, and you must have lived in the UK for at least two of the previous ten years (so that security checks can be carried out, you must have lived for at least three consecutive years in the same country).
What further training and development can I do?
You would start with an induction course, which introduces the work of the Diplomatic Service and the FCO in general. You will have access to a range of training opportunities throughout your career, especially in the early years.Language training is important, and the FCO encourages all staff to take advantage of their in-house language training centre to prepare for overseas postings.
Where can I go for more information?
Pilgrims Well427 London Road
Camberley
Surrey
GU15 3HZ
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Administrative assistants start on £17,732 a year.
- Executive assistants start on £19,914 a year.
- Operational officers start on £22,568.
- Fast Stream officers start on around £24,500 a year.
Salaries for London-based staff include an allowance of £3,000 a year. Staff working overseas may be paid additional allowances.
Figures are intended a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your basic working hours would be 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. However, when overseas, your hours and conditions may vary according to the culture and climate of your host country. Some jobs may involve being on call 24 hours a day.
You would usually spend up to two years in London when you first start work with the FCO, and then be posted overseas at least once in your career. Most overseas postings last between three and four years.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- an interest in international affairs
- willingness to work anywhere in the world
- initiative and quick thinking
- good problem-solving skills
- excellent written and spoken communication skills
- the ability to get on with people from all societies and cultures
- an organised approach
- tact and maturity
- flexibility and adaptability
- foreign language skills, or the ability to learn languages.
What opportunities are there?
There is a clear career structure through the grades. Promotion depends on merit and ability. As a Fast Stream officer, you could progress to senior management within four or five years.
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