Working Life

A role as a Third Secretary within the Department of Foreign Affairs includes responsibilities across a number of areas, particularly public policy. This includes preparation of analysis and research papers, preparing briefing material for Ministers and senior officials, liaison with Irish Embassies, Consulates and other diplomatic offices abroad as well as Government departments and organisations.

This role includes work abroad so there will be a requirement to serve for extended periods of time in a representative capacity in different countries. Successful candidates must therefore, have a high degree of adaptability, resilience and a commitment to work in foreign languages.

The day-to-day duties working in a mission abroad could range from organising high-level Irish Government visits, promoting trade, assisting Irish citisens in difficulties and managing mission budgets and development programmes. During this period, under the guidance of experienced colleagues, Third Secretaries will be involved in aspects of the work of a number of divisions (Political, EU, Overseas Development Aid, Foreign Earnings, and Anglo-Irish).

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

The role of Third Secretary in the Department of Foreign Affairs is recruited for by Publicjobs.ie.

The selection process for this competition typically comprises of a number of elements. These may include one or more of the following:

• Completion of an online assessment questionnaire
• Online and/or paper-based assessment test(s)
• Shortlisting of candidates on the basis of the information supplied in their application
• A competitive preliminary interview(s)
• Interview(s) / online video interview(s)
• Presentation/analysis exercise
• Group/team exercise
• Work sample test
• Any other tests or exercises that may be deemed appropriate, including language proficiency tests

Applicants must successfully compete and be placed highest, in order to be considered for advancement to the next stage of the multi stage selection process. The number to be invited forward at each stage will be determined from time to time by the Publicjobs.ie. More detailed information will be made available to the relevant candidates if they are invited to progress through the process.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €34k - €65k

Salary will be based on Public Appointments service- Civil service scale. Scales will depend on date of entry to Civil service. 

Data Source(s):
Gov.ie/ PAS/ Forsa

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: National government administrative occupations, Local government administrative occupations, Officers of non-governmental organisations.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

The strong employment growth rate for this occupation relates mainly to growth between 2020 and 2021, with employment levels falling by 7,000 since 2022. Despite this there was a relatively high level of recent job hires for this occupation in 2023, and it also featured strongly in online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP) data. At 59%, this occupation had the highest share with third level qualifications across the group potentially leading to a level of skills mismatches.

Job openings are likely to continue, particularly given the size of the occupation and the slightly higher than average share of older workers. Upskilling and reskilling may also be required for those already employed in these occupations in order to reach targets set out in the Civil Service Renewal Plan 2024 in areas such as in digital skills.

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