Work Environment
Diplomats typically work in the following Career Sectors:
Videos & Interviews
Videos on the Web
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The Work
- Representing the Government on international issues affecting the country
- Promoting policy and businesses to overseas governments, individuals, organisations and the media
- Negotiating international agreements e.g. drug control or endangered species
- Developing an understanding of local business practices and helping companies understand legislation surrounding the export of their goods and services
- Gathering information about the political and economic state of the host country
- Report writing and advising government ministers on relevant developments
- Detail project planning, anticipating problems
- Co-ordinating workload to ensure accurate project delivery
- Working to frequent tight deadlines
- Organising high-level Irish Government visits and hosting social functions
- Assisting Irish citisens in difficulties abroad
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Analyse and understand the local and national implications of proposed legislation.
- Appoint nominees to leadership posts, or approve such appointments.
- Confer with colleagues to formulate positions and strategies pertaining to pending issues.
- Debate the merits of proposals and bill amendments during floor sessions, following the appropriate rules of procedure.
- Develop expertise in subject matters related to committee assignments.
- Hear testimony from constituents, representatives of interest groups, board and commission members, and others with an interest in bills or issues under consideration.
- Keep abreast of the issues affecting constituents by making personal visits and phone calls, reading local newspapers, and viewing or listening to local broadcasts.
- Maintain knowledge of relevant national and international current events.
- Make decisions that balance the perspectives of private citisens, public officials, and party leaders.
- Negotiate with colleagues or members of other political parties in order to reconcile differing interests, and to create policies and agreements.
Further Information
Qualities - Diplomat
- Adaptability and resourcefulness
- Analysis and evaluation
- Strong planning and organisational skills
- Ability to persuade and influence and to cultivate institutional and personal relationships at many levels.
- Willingness and ability to work in foreign languages
- Communication skills (both orally and in writing)
- Presentation skills
- Ability to work independently
- Interest in public affairs and in international relations
- Awareness of political, economic, social and cultural life
Interests - Diplomat
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.
Entry - Diplomat
Third Secretary is the entry grade to a diplomatic career. Diplomat is basically a training grade from which (subject to suitability for the role), a Third Secretary can be promoted to First Secretary.
Further competitive processes open the path for promotion to Counsellor and higher roles, such as Ambassador.
The role of Diplomat is open to graduates of all disciplines, in particular those who have qualified as a solicitor/barrister. A first or second class honours degree is essential.
Training & Development
Higher Education CAO Entry: Economics, History, Law, Politics, Business, Public administration, and Modern languages NFQ Level 6-8 Search CAO courses
Post Graduate study From NFQ Level 9 may enhance options in developing you career in Diplomatic service in a Business or social & political context
Professional Development
Last Updated: April, 2023
Pay & Salary - Diplomat
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €34k - €86k
Salaries vart based on role, location, salary scale, duties, and experience.
Data Source(s):
PAS/ Gov.ie
Last Updated: August, 2024
* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.
View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available
Labour Market Updates - Diplomat
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
The changes in classification as a result of the introduction of the new Labour Force Survey in 2017 are partly responsible for the strong employment growth rate for this occupation, although employment also grew strongly between 2019 and 2020, and continued to grow in 2022. Those employed are primarily female (69%), working full-time (90%), and over half (55%) held third-level qualifications. With a higher than average share of persons employed aged 55 years and older (31% compared to 19% for all occupations), replacement demand is likely to result in opportunities opening up for these roles even if employment growth slows.
There was a significant number of vacancies advertised online for clerical officer roles across the civil service and Government administration roles. However, recent job hires for 2022 far exceeded employment growth indicating that job churn is a feature of this occupation. While job openings are set to continue, 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.
Useful Contacts - Diplomat
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EU Careers - European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO)
- Candidate Contact Service, Office C-80 00/40, B1049 Brussels
- 00800 6789 1011
- Click Here
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Public Appointments Service
- Chapter House, 26/30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 C7W6
- (01) 858 7400 or Local: 1890 44 9999
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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European Movement Ireland
- 8 Lower Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2,
- (0)1 662 5815
- [email protected]
- Click Here
