Note: The following information does not apply to local engagements.

Australian citizenship

In accordance with the Public Service Act 1999, all employees of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade must be Australian citizens.

Conduct and ethics

Working for the department both in Australia and overseas requires the highest standards of conduct. Exemplary ethical conduct on the part of the department's employees contributes significantly to the standing of the department in Australia and overseas and the overall effectiveness of its work.

Employees are required to uphold the Australian Public Service (APS) Values and comply with the APS Code of Conduct as enshrined in the Public Service Act 1999. Employees also need to comply with the department's Code of Conduct for Overseas Service, which takes account of the particular significance of the department's representational role outside Australia.

Security clearance

In accordance with Section 22 (6) of the Public Service Act 1999, a security clearance is a condition of employment for employees of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

All employees are required to undergo comprehensive security clearance processing prior to commencement with the department, and revalidated at regular intervals, determined by the clearance level. Should you be successful in securing a recommendation for engagement through a recruitment process you will be required to undergo a security clearance. The process for this will be conducted by the department. A face-to-face interview is a critical part of the security clearance process. This interview will be conducted in Australia. If you reside overseas please be aware that you will be required to travel to Canberra at your own expense to undertake the security interview. Interviews cannot be conducted by phone or over video messaging services such as Skype.

The security clearance process consists of several steps and can take between six and twelve months to complete, or sometimes longer to complete, depending on individual circumstances. In addition to providing detailed and comprehensive financial, relationship and other information, preferred candidates for vacancies will be required to give their written consent for the department and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) to conduct their own detailed background checks and enquiries.

If a preferred candidate is not successful in obtaining a security clearance, his or her recommendation for engagement with the department will be withdrawn. Once a person has been appointed to the department, loss of a security clearance at any time will result in the termination of the person's employment