Kate tells us about her role as a Third Secretary with the Department of Foreign Affairs and how working in the Diplomatic Service can lead to a challenging and rewarding career.
Please tell us a little bit about your role.
I joined the Department of Foreign Affairs in early 2023. My first assignment was to Protocol Division, which comprises two sections: State and Official Visits, Conferences, Official Hospitality on one side and Diplomatic Corps, Privileges and Immunities on the other. I have had the opportunity to work on both sides of the Division since beginning in DFA. The work we do touches upon almost all aspects of diplomacy and we regularly coordinate with the vast majority of the Department’s divisions. The role of a Third Secretary in Protocol Division can range from the management of correspondence from abroad for Áras an Uachtaráin to arrangement of a seating plan in line with order of precedence of the Diplomatic Corps to coordinating air and land movements during an Official Visit. Working in Protocol builds a solid foundation for all future roles and helps you to gain insight into the overall work of the Department. After only a year and a half, I am delighted to be taking up the role of Deputy Consul General in Ireland’s new Consulate General Munich this summer. This is my first posting abroad and being involved in the establishment of a new mission is an invaluable and exciting experience for any Third Secretary.
What were your reasons for applying for your role?
I always had an interest in the diplomatic service. I took part in the Iveagh Scholars programme as a Transition Year student back in 2015, which involved spending a week in the Department of Foreign Affairs. This experience opened my eyes to the possibility of a career in diplomacy. I studied a BA in Applied Languages at the University of Limerick, spending semesters in Argentina and France, and an MA in EU International Relations and Diplomacy Studies at the College of Europe in Bruges. My academic pursuits aligned well with my professional interests and only furthered my desire to work for DFA.All that being said, the role of Third Secretary is a broad one and there is no “correct” background that makes the perfect candidate. We have a wide range of academic and professional experiences within the Department. Above all, being a Third Secretary requires you to take initiative and demonstrate resilience in difficult situations and everyone can bring their own unique experience to the role.
What do you value most about your job?
Third Secretary is the entry-level role for the diplomatic service. Despite often being the most junior person in the room, Third Secretaries are given a high degree of responsibility and are immediately operational in their units. Within my first six months, I led on several inward visits from Foreign Ministers, travelled to the UK for an outgoing Presidential visit and to Chile for a visit assessment, and had significant responsibility for the visit of President Biden. The opportunity to learn by doing is one of the most valuable elements of the role of Third Secretary.
What are some of the benefits and supports available to you?
The diplomatic service benefit from all of the standard civil service entitlements: permanent contract, pension, annual leave entitlements, and much more. We are comprised of a diverse and inclusive workforce, with ample opportunity for progression and upskilling. There are constant opportunities for further training provided by the Department, with a plethora of language classes, OneLearning courses and in-house workshops made available to colleagues. There are a number of staff-led initiatives, which greatly enhance the Department. These include (to name a few): the Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (GEDI) working group, the Parents and Carers Network, and the LGBTQ+ Network. We also benefit from a Disability Liaison Officer and a Wellbeing Programme. There are plenty of varied social activities, including Choir, Beekeeping, and Golf. All Third Secretaries are also eligible to join Fórsa, the largest Irish trade union for the public service. There is an active Third Secretary branch in DFA, which regularly advocates on behalf of its members.
What opportunities has this role provided for you?
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my job has been offering support to Irish citizens abroad through the Department’s 24/7 Consular Service. From lost passports to urgent medical emergencies, Irish citizens can find themselves in very distressing situations abroad, and our response team is there to serve the public for such situations. My experience of working for our Consular Service has been vital for my professional development, but more importantly, it has been incredibly rewarding to assist Irish citizens at a difficult time in their lives and to see the impact that my work can have. I have also been fortunate enough to pursue other interests in work, such as collaborating with our Public Diplomacy team to establish the Global Ireland Young Leaders programme. Being able to voice your ideas and bring them to life, with the support of your colleagues, is one of the greatest aspects of the role.
What has surprised you since starting this role?
The opportunities available to move within the Department are extensive. Not only do Third Secretaries go on postings abroad, but most of us will also work in a wide range of Divisions in HQ. One year you might be writing briefs for the Minister for meetings and engagements with other Foreign Ministers and the next you could be managing grants to diaspora organisations abroad. The representation and promotion of Ireland's interests abroad also extends beyond our political engagement. Assignments in our Communications Unit, Economic Unit or Culture Unit, for example, allow Third Secretaries to develop their skills and interests in other areas.
What aspect of the role do you particularly enjoy?
I work with dedicated and inspiring colleagues, many with a vast amount of experience in serving Ireland and advancing our interests abroad. The Department is also very sociable and colleagues interact at all grades. The connections that I have been able to make during my time in HQ will be invaluable to me while on posting and I look forward to furthering these over my coming years in the Department.
Would you recommend a career in the public sector and why?
I would recommend a career in the diplomatic service for anyone that values taking pride in their work and wants to contribute to the promotion of Ireland at home and abroad. Ireland’s diplomatic service offers you the stability of the civil service, while also allowing you to live and work abroad for years at a time. The role is demanding and it requires you to relinquish a certain amount of control over your own life. You will not always be given your first choice in where you go on posting or where you are assigned in HQ. Serving Ireland and its citizens abroad is a privilege and a very exciting one at that, but that does not mean that it is not difficult at times. If it’s something you’re interested in pursuing, my advice would be to jump in with an open mind and a willingness to grasp new opportunities with both hands.