Employment Opportunities in the Department of Foreign Affairs

The Department of Foreign Affairs is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer.

All applicants will be subjected to a process of security clearance and qualification verification. Candidates will be subjected to a process of competency assessment.

Please forward your application, quoting the relevant reference number, to fax: (012) 440-8199, e-mail: Lulamaagency@mweb.co.za or hand deliver to Room 523, 1st Floor, Provisus Building, cnr Church and Beatrix Streets, Arcadia, Pretoria or to PO Box 1606 Rosslyn, 0200.

Closing date: 21 April 2006 at 12:00. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

Diplomatic Trainee/Cadet: Assistant Foreign Service Officer

Allowance:

R72 096 per annum (Ref. S10656)

The Department of Foreign Affairs is committed to promoting South Africa's national interests and values, the African Renaissance and the creation of a better world for all. The Department's overall mandate is to work for the realisation of South Africa's foreign policy objectives. In this regard, the Department operates at two distinct levels internationally, engaging in bilateral relations with individual countries and participating in multilateral institutions such as SADC, the African Union, United Nations and their various institutions and development programmes. The bilateral branches are formed according to geopolitical regions, namely Africa, Americas and the Caribbean, Asia and the Middle East and Europe. Multilateral relations are conducted through Branch: Multilateral and Branch: Africa Multilateral. The core business of the Department of Foreign Affairs is to manage South Africa's International Relations.

As part of its recruitment drive, the department invites confident and dynamic cadets (trainees) to participate in a 12-month long training programme at the DFA Foreign Service Institute (FSI). The training will include both theoretical (classroom-based) and practical modules on a variety of subjects relevant to the development of a well-rounded South African diplomat. Candidates who successfully complete the programme and perform at required standards as well as meet specific entry-level criteria will be offered permanent employment at the Head Office in Pretoria. After a minimum of a year of consistent hard work and excellent performance, a candidate may be considered for a posting to serve at anyone of South Africa's diplomatic missions (embassies) abroad. Diplomats represent South Africa in the international domain and are responsible for managing South Africa's external relations abroad. They inform the Government about political, economic and social developments, which have relevance for South Africa's domestic and foreign policies and decision-making as well as in building the country's public image. The nature of the work requires a keen interest in international relations as well as representational reporting abilities. Verbal and written proficiency in English is essential. South African diplomats need to be able to understand and adapt to foreign cultures and environments and, where necessary, be willing to study and speak foreign languages in order to communicate effectively.

Requirements:

• Applicants must be in possession of an appropriate 3-year Bachelor's degree with two or more of the following desired subjects: Economics, International Trade and Investment, Political Economy, International Relations
• Knowledge of Political Science, Development Economics, Law
• Proficiency in French and any other foreign language will be advantageous.

Competencies:

• Knowledge management
• Analytical skills
• Written and verbal communication
• Work output and co-operation
• Sense of responsibility and initiative
• Client service focus.

Personal attributes:

• Cognitive ability: Ability to understand high levels of complexity and systematic thinking
• Learning ability: Ability to continuously learn new things and deal with new situations
• Execution: Ability to operationalise and execute ideas and plans to ensure effective delivery
• Environmental understanding: ability to understand the environmental system
• Emotional Intelligence: Ability to deal with people, building trust relationships and understanding diversity
• Work ethics: Loyalty, to protect views or integrity
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to environmental changes and challenges
• Work life balance: Ability to strike a balance between health, spiritual, emotional, work life and family, etc
• Stress management: A sense of hardiness to deal with work challenges.

Training areas:

Serving on a bilateral or multilateral desk, the officer is required to work as a team member in support of South Africa's foreign policy and strategic objectives. Training will be provided in the following areas:

• Compiling, reviewing and updating country profiles/ profiles of international organisations and South African foreign policy interactions with them
• Monitoring trends and developments in foreign countries/international organisations
• Supporting South African missions abroad with appropriate information and/or materials to enhance their effectiveness
• Providing logistical and substantive support for diplomatic activities such as State, official or working visits and bilateral or multilateral interactions
• Assisting with the routine and developing work of the country desk
• Conducting research on relevant issues and drafting submissions, reports and briefing documents to facilitate the development and implementation of foreign policy priorities and objectives
• Liaising with counterparts in partner departments and foreign missions.

Enquiries:

Ms Lulama Mokoena, tel. (012) 440-8194, cell: 082 810 7720/ 072 747 6771.