Roles in the diplomatic service
The mission of the Department of Foreign Affairs is to serve the Irish people, promote their values and advance their prosperity and interests abroad, and to provide the Government with the capabilities, analysis and influence to ensure that Ireland derives the maximum benefit from all areas of its external engagement.
High level goals of the Department
- To serve our people at home and abroad and to promote reconciliation and cooperation
- To advance Ireland's interests, influence and values in our shared Europe
- To work for a fairer, just, secure and sustainable world
- To advance Ireland’s prosperity by extending our influence and promoting our interests internationally
- To strengthen our effectiveness and capacity to deliver on our goals
Role of the Third Secretary
Third Secretary is the recruitment level for the Irish diplomatic service and is the first step towards more senior and responsible posts in the Department of Foreign Affairs.
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.
Working abroad
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 challenges of working in a mission abroad could range from organising high-level Irish Government visits, promoting trade, assisting Irish citizens in difficulties and managing mission budgets and development programmes.
Varied responsibilities
The Department seeks graduates who have the necessary personal qualities, skills and attributes to undertake the demanding and varying responsibilities of the position, including representing Ireland abroad, and to progress to the most senior positions in the diplomatic service.
Summary conditions of service
Personal qualities
In order to be effective in the role, Third Secretaries should be able to demonstrate:
- a high degree of adaptability, and resilience
- highly-developed interpersonal and communications skills
- a keen interest in, and understanding of, Irish public affairs, foreign policy and international relations
- an ability to project key messages abroad about Ireland’s economic and trade capacity, performance and business potential, and to deliver on economic, trade and cultural promotion opportunities
- an ability to contribute to the management and delivery of Ireland’s programme of development cooperation
- a high degree of resilience and resourcefulness in dealing with particularly challenging situations, often involving Irish citizens in difficulty abroad
- a knowledge and/or aptitude for foreign languages
Discover our people
Meet some of the Third Secretaries currently working across the Department of Foreign Affairs, at home and abroad.
Third Secretary, Deputy Head of Mission, Irish Embassy, Denmark
Emily Ghadimi
"I studied Law at UCD before undertaking a Masters in Public International Law at the University of Amsterdam. I have been admitted to the New York State Bar.
I started in DFA as a Desk Officer in the Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Unit, mainly covering nuclear issues, including writing briefings, statements and policy documents, and attending EU and UN meetings. This gave me invaluable policy and multilateral experience.
I am currently the Deputy Head of Mission at the Irish Embassy in Copenhagen, which covers Denmark, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland, managing a team of four staff. Here, I've gained fantastic insight into bilateral and political relations in a dynamic country and region."
Third Secretary, Strategic Projects, Global Ireland Unit
Karl Redmond
"I studied International Relations at DCU, and did a Masters in International Development at UCD before starting as a Third Secretary.
I previously worked as a Clerical Officer and Executive Officer in other government departments, giving me great insight into the varied work of the Civil Service.
In Global Ireland Unit, I'm responsible for the administration and management of largescale funding programmes, the preparation of briefing material for senior officials, the development of memos to Government, the drafting of responses to Leaders Questions, and the management of staff.
I will undertake my first posting later this summer to Ireland’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York - a very exciting opportunity."
Third Secretary, Irish Embassy, Beijing
Maureen Ryan
"I studied Portuguese and East Asian Studies with Chinese at the University of Manchester and then did a Master's Degree in International Politics.
I began my DFA career in the Asia Pacific Unit as Desk Officer for Southeast Asia and ASEAN. The role had oversight of eleven countries so it was busy working on a daily basis with our six embassies and broader Team Ireland in the region. The role required that I keep up to date with all developments including political and economic, to assist in preparing briefings as well as preparations for incoming and outward visits. My time on the Desk also coincided with Ireland's tenure on the United Nations Security Council.
I am now posted to the Irish Embassy in Beijing where I am the political officer and head of education. My work in the Embassy has been fascinating given China is such an important player on the global stage."
Third Secretary, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Unit
Ahmed Baky
"I hold an MSc in International relations of the Middle East from the University of Edinburgh and a BSc in Political Science and History from University College Dublin.
As a Third Secretary within the Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Unit, my work focuses on supporting the development of Irish foreign policy related to conventional weapons. This includes representing Ireland’s policy engagement at various multilateral UN and EU meetings, treaties, and conventions.
In August 2024, I will take up my first posting in Embassy Washington as a Public Diplomacy officer, a role and experience I am looking forward to."
Third Secretary, Protocol Division
Kate Hall
"Following a BA in Applied Languages from University of Limerick and an MA in EU International Relations and Diplomacy from the College of Europe, I joined DFA in Protocol Division.
My first few months were a whirlwind – organising State and Official Visits, travelling in Europe and South America in preparation for President Higgins’ outward visits, and supporting our Consular Services for Irish citizens in the Middle East. I also collaborated with our Public Diplomacy team to establish the Global Ireland Young Leaders programme.
I am delighted to be taking up the role of Deputy Consul General in our new Consulate General in Munich this summer."
Apply now
The Public Appointments Service (PAS) is recruiting high calibre graduates for the Irish diplomatic service who will contribute to the development and implementation of Ireland’s foreign policy and in representing, promoting and protecting the interests, values and economic well-being of Ireland and its citizens.
You can find more information about how to apply at publicjobs.ie. The closing date for applications is 8 August 2024.