Career Prospects at Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade

Its going to be a long path to rise in the ranks. But that is just the inherent nature of this ministry

I think it remains to be seen how long it will take to progress as even though there are standards there seems to be some discretion given to decision makers on this so we will see.

There is a very clear defined path for promotion opportunities which makes it somewhat easy to know when and where you are going. However, there is no autonomy to move around the Ministry, the next rotation is decided for you. There is also uncertainty on how long it will take to get a posting, which has obviously resulted in a number of young, talented policy officers leaving the Ministry.

In terms of career progression, there are few places which will offer such variety as MFAT. Unfortunately, promotion is tied to tenure, so even if you are excelling, or have external workplace experience, it won't count until you have done your time.

Each year you are assessed against a framework which will determine if/how far you move up the progression ladder.

Pay bracket promotions are available for application each year for the first 5 years or so. Plenty of opportunity to progress career with a range of amazing opportunities and the ministry shows a commitment to expanding our knowledge and experiences to make us better all-round foreign policy officers. Fairly rigid process of promotion and career advancement with not a huge amount of agency.

Every year you are assessed against certain standards and capabilities, which you can also have influence over. Overall, it takes time and dedication to progress - this place considers itself a career-Ministry and heavily incentivizes people to be life-long employees.

The time line for promotion is fixed and at times perhaps too drawn out. However, the opportunities for promotion are clearly communicated and outlined from early-on. Promotion opportunities at all levels are performance and competencies based

Clear career progression process although there is a backlog of people waiting for overseas postings and it generally takes 4-6 years to go on posting.

Very structured progression timeline with little variance for individual performance, mostly contingent on meeting expectations and time spent at the Ministry.

Promotion structure is very clear and unambiguous. Excellent development opportunities available, but takes a while to get there.

Fairly stepped out - mostly reliant on time spent; little room to jump ahead if you are able

MFAT takes a time in seat approach to promotion. Minimum 2 years to PO2.

Everyone is good - which makes it competitive.

It is pretty cool to think that you can start at MFAT as a fresh grad and go on to be a high commissioner or ambassador in the future. For foreign policy staff you are assessed against a suite of foreign policy capabilities to determine if you will progress upward. Throughout the progressions you also go on postings overseas. Join one of the zoom/in person events MFAT holds in advance of the grad recruitment to learn more about the career progression opportunities.