Diplomatic Service Officer

Typical Salary

£25,000 To £45,000

Typical Hours

37 to 40 a week

on call attending events or appointments

How To Become a Diplomatic Service Officer

You can get into this job through:

a university course
working towards this role
applying directly
a graduate training scheme

College / University

You could take a degree before applying to join a graduate training scheme. Most subjects are accepted.

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

Routes into this Career

If you already work in the Civil Service, you can apply to join the Diplomatic Service, depending on your skills and experience.

You can apply directly to employers if you have some of the relevant skills and knowledge needed for this role.

To join as a diplomatic administrative officer you'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C). If you apply to become an operational or policy officer, you'll usually need A levels or equivalent qualifications.

Other Routes

If you're a graduate with at least a lower second class degree, you can apply to the Diplomatic Service Fast Stream programme, which leads to senior management posts in the service.

You can also apply through the Government Economic Service Fast Stream to join the Diplomatic Service as an economist. You'll need an upper second class degree in an economics-related subject to do this.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

administration skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to work well with others
to be flexible and open to change
sensitivity and understanding
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
knowledge of English language
excellent verbal communication skills
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day duties will depend on your role. You may:

monitor and analyse overseas events
develop policies and strategies towards different countries
deal with press and communications at home and abroad
promote overseas investment into the UK
give consular support to UK citizens abroad
process visa applications for people looking to visit, study or work in the UK
handle queries and give advice face to face, using email or in written form
write and check reports and official documents
give admin support to other embassy staff

Working Environment

You could work in an office or be based overseas.

Career Path & Progression

You'll have access to a wide range of Civil Service training, designed to prepare you for your first overseas posting. This includes foreign language training.

You'll be encouraged to identify your own training needs as part of an appraisal and staff development programme.

After 2 years, you can apply to join the Fast Stream programme if your manager thinks you have the potential for senior management.

Volunteering Opportunities

It will help if you have some relevant work and life experience, like a proven interest in other countries and culture, international relations or a foreign language.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office offers a number of work experience schemes for people from different backgrounds who may be interested in joining them.

Tips & Information

Further information

You can find out more about working in the Diplomatic Service through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Civil Service Careers.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

meet the Civil Service nationality requirements
pass enhanced background checks
pass security checks