2025-26 - DFAT Temporary Employment Register

What we do

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (the department) promotes and protects Australia’s international interests to support our security and prosperity globally.

We work with international partners and other countries to tackle global challenges, increase trade and investment opportunities, protect international rules, keep our region stable and help Australians overseas.

The department manages Australia’s international presence – a network of over 120 embassies, high commissions, consulates-general and representative offices across five continents – and we have over 6,000 staff located in Australia and overseas.

Our staff are the diplomats, negotiators, consular officers, and advisers developing and delivering Australia’s foreign, trade and development policy on behalf of Australia and Australians.

Who we are

At the very heart of everything we do as a department are our people. Our people represent Australia to the world, promoting and protecting our international interests to ensure our security and prosperity globally. It’s important to us that our people reflect the rich and diverse cultures, experience, and background of the broader Australian community that we represent. That is why we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are respected for who they are and encouraged to contribute to their full potential.

The opportunity

The department’s temporary employment register is for applicants who would like to register a general expression of interest in working with the department. The department will use the register to access appropriately skilled and experienced individuals for short term employment opportunities when staff are required at short notice.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for flexible, adaptable, professional staff to contribute to the department’s work across a broad agenda in support of Australia’s international engagement. We are interested in individuals with expertise across all areas of the department’s work, both policy and corporate management.

Through our online application form, you will be able to express in interest in roles from APS Level 3 to Executive Level 2. Positions may be full-time or part-time and for varying periods up to 18 months, depending on business needs and requirements.

DFAT employees are expected to adhere to the APS Values and Code of Conduct and the DFAT Values Statement.

Your application will remain valid until 30 June 2026 . Applications are not carried over after this time, if you previously applied for the 2023-24 Temporary Employment Register you will be required to submit a new application.

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must be an Australian citizen.

The department requires the successful applicant to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 2 security clearance (or Baseline, Negative Vetting Level 1 or Positive Vetting (PV) where positions are designated as such in the DFAT Security Framework or PV organisational chart, respectively). Loss of a security clearance at any time may lead to termination of employment. Employment with the department can, however, commence on lower-level clearances or without a clearance, in some circumstances, and the department will work with you to facilitate this if you are successful.

Depending on the role into which you are placed, you may also be required to obtain and maintain a Working with Vulnerable People / Children registration (or equivalent).

Please note that this register is an expression of interest and does not guarantee an offer of employment.

Who to contact

Enquiries about the temporary employment register should be directed to the DFAT Recruitment Team via DFAT.Careers@dfat.gov.au.

Your application will remain valid until 30 June 2026. Applications are not carried over after this time, if you previously applied for the 2024-25 Temporary Employment Register you will be required to submit a new application.