Graduate Program

Applications for the 2010 AusAID Graduate Program are now closed. AusAID will advertise the 2011 Graduate Program in approximately March/April 2010 on the current vacancies page of this website.

AusAID needs people who want to make a real contribution to the elimination of poverty and the promotion of sustainable development. AusAID recruits graduates to fill approximately 20 places in its Graduate Program.

Who we are

The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) is an Australian Government agency within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade portfolio.

AusAID advises the Government on international development policy and manages Australia's overseas aid program. AusAID's work contributes to a global commitment to achieve eight 'Millennium Development Goals' to:

halve the number of people living in extreme poverty and hunger;
ensure that all children receive primary education;
promote sexual equality and give women a stronger voice;
reduce child death rates;
improve the health of mothers;
combat HIV & AIDS, malaria and other diseases;
make sure the environment is protected; and
build a global partnership for those working in development.

With a head office in Canberra, and strongly complemented by its field offices around the world, AusAID works in close partnership with Australian and foreign government officials, international and multilateral organisations (including the United Nations, World Bank and Asian Development Bank), the private sector, non-government and community organisations, and civil society. AusAID has working relationships with many more companies and organisations who help us design and deliver important programs of assistance.

Given Australia's geographic location, our assistance is primarily provided to the Asia-Pacific region with large programs of assistance in:

Papua New Guinea
Indonesia
Solomon Islands
Other Pacific Island Countries (including Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa, Kiribati and other small island states)
East Timor
Philippines
South East Asia (including Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Burma)

Significant assistance is provided to countries and regions in South Asia, North Asia, Middle East, and Sub-Saharan Africa. AusAID also responds on behalf of the Australian Government to emergencies and disasters that occur in developing countries.
For more information see All About AusAID.

Who we want

As a dynamic Government agency working in the changing international arena we look for highly talented, motivated graduates from varied backgrounds, for example:

Development Economics
Government or Public Administration
Asian and Pacific Studies
Law and legal studies
International Relations/Political Studies
Many other disciplines will be considered.

The successful applicants often have a strong record of academic achievement and may have honours, combined or higher degrees. However, academic qualifications are not the sole criterion for selection. We also assess applicants on the quality of work experience, extra curricular achievements and community activities. Thus we look for strong abilities in the following core capacities:

Strength in conceptual and analytical skills
Excellence in interpersonal, communication and team skills
Developed understanding of the importance of cultural sensitivity
Demonstrated adaptability, initiative and resourcefulness

But please note applicants for the graduate program as a minimum need a three-year bachelor degree from an Australian University, or an equivalent degree as recognised by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR) [external link]. If you have an overseas degree it is your responsibility to gain recognition through NOOSR at your own cost.

Our program

Each year AusAID recruits approximately 20 graduates to participate in the Graduate Program.

The Graduate Program is designed to ensure graduates are exposed to a number of areas within the agency to enable graduates to develop a broad knowledge and understanding of AusAID and whole of government policies, practices and programs; key economic, political, social and cultural issues in development; the management systems; corporate policies and processes and the various mandates influencing the aid program.

The program aims to promote the personal and professional development of graduates through:

participation in three work rotations across the agency, beginning in February, which will involve, under supervision, on-the-job training and skills development; and
an induction and training program throughout the first 11 months involving numerous courses, seminars and workshops conducted/arranged by the Agency and other relevant agencies, to provide you with the opportunity to acquire the appropriate knowledge and skills

A mentoring program has been developed. This is designed to promote a speedy integration into the Agency and to assist graduates to reach their full performance potential. This resource is designed to assist the graduate to handle the range of personal and professional demands in the workplace.

Professional development and your career

AusAID encourages life-long learning, in particular the continuation of formal studies. AusAID generously assists staff with the cost of formal relevant studies through the Study Support Scheme.

The training and work experience gained through the Graduate Program provides a solid foundation for a career with AusAID. Indeed, soon after completion of the program, most graduates are successful in gaining a promotion through a merit-based competitive process. Posting opportunities are available with AusAID, however it should be noted that AusAID staff that are posted have a thorough understanding of the Australian aid program, and generally have several years working experience with the agency.

Graduate profiles

For profiles of graduates who have participated in AusAID's graduate program, see our graduate profiles.

Salary and other conditions of employment

All AusAID graduates will work in Canberra and commence on a salary equivalent to Australian Public Service Level 3.

For graduates commencing in February 2009 the salary was $48,821. A new collective agreement is currently being negotiated, salaries will be reviewed prior to the commencement of the 2010 Graduate Program.

Other conditions of service include:

Flexible working hours based on a 37.05 hour week
Four weeks annual recreation leave
Cumulative personal/sick leave (18 days per year)
A comprehensive superannuation scheme
Long service leave (after ten years service)
Relocation assistance will be as per the AusAID Collective Agreement

For further information on salary and benefits see the AusAID Collective Agreement.