Minister Flanagan Announces Recruitment Competition for New Diplomats

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan T.D., today announced details of a new “Third Secretary” graduate-level recruitment competition to the Irish Diplomatic Service.

Minister Flanagan stated:

“I am delighted to announce that on behalf of my Department, the Public Appointments Service is today launching a competition to recruit the next generation of Ireland’s diplomats at Third Secretary graduate entry-level.

Ireland’s Diplomatic Service offers a hugely interesting, challenging and rewarding career through representing and serving our citizens in some 80 locations at home and across the globe.

We want applicants from a range of different backgrounds who have practical experience or a strong interest in international relations, economics and trade promotion and development cooperation. Those with skills in languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese and Russian, as well as French, German and Spanish, would also be particularly welcome.

As Ireland’s economy continues to grow in strength, this modest renewal of our diplomatic staff numbers will enable us to continue representing, promoting and protecting Irish interests and values and those of our citizens abroad over the years ahead. Our diplomatic missions play an important role in trade promotion. Our thriving exports and increased market access around the world are key drivers of our position as Europe’s fastest growing economy for the second year in a row.

Representing Ireland overseas as a member of our Diplomatic Service requires resilience, adaptability and strong communication and social skills. It is a huge honour and a great public service. I hope that as many of our outstanding graduates as possible will apply to join us in working for Ireland and Irish people everywhere.”

The period for submitting online applications runs until 15th October, 2015. Full details are available on the  Public Appointments Service website.

ENDS