Foreign Affairs Assistant

The main objective of a country's diplomatic service is to establish friendly and mutually beneficial relations with other countries. In South Africa, the diplomatic service is administrated by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Candidates are recruited for service in South Africa, or in other countries where a diplomatic or consular mission represents the Republic.

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Foreign affairs assistants are responsible for secretarial and clerical support at overseas missions. Their duties include general secretarial work, making appointments and travel arrangements, assisting at official functions, helping with the guest lists and arranging the seating for functions, acting as host or hostess at receptions, operating the computer and applying the necessary security measures.

Although the work is strenuous, it is also very interesting. Assistants are stationed in Pretoria or at overseas missions. A foreign affairs assistant, who is assigned to an overseas mission, must undertake to remain there for four years.

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Personal Requirements

• integrity, discretion and flexibility
• good interpersonal and organising skills
• hold South African citizenship
• secretarial and computer skills
• sound health to cope with the rigorous routine
• pass a selection process
• obtain security clearance for yourself and your spouse, if applicable

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How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

National Senior Certificate

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What to Study

The Department of Foreign Affairs offers a one-year, in-service training course at their training centre in Pretoria.

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Employment

Department of Foreign Affairs

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Further Information

Department of International Relations and Cooperation
O R Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria, 0084 
Tel: (012) 351-1000
www.dfa.gov.za

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Getting Started

• try to obtain vacation work as a clerk or assistant with the opportunity of dealing with people.
• make an appointment to speak to a foreign affairs assistant about this type of career

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