Government and public administration : Opportunities abroad

What are my chances of getting a job overseas?

Opportunities exist to work abroad with UK government institutions and other governing bodies, particularly:

• European Union (EU);
• Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO);
• Department for International Development (DFID).

With experience it is possible to work in foreign government and public administration, as well as with organisations such as the United Nations (UN) the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

See working abroad for more information and links.  

Will my qualifications be recognised?

Qualifications are recognised by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department for International Development, however specific requirements will vary according to the position advertised.

When the EU needs to recruit staff with particular knowledge or skills, rather than advertising vacancies, competitions are held. These are advertised on the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) website. The selection procedures will involve competency-based assessments.

Some key competencies sought include:

• analysis and problem solving;
• prioritising and organising; 
• working with others;
• leadership.

At graduate entry level there will be two stages - for most jobs this will involve computer-based testing in individual EU countries and an assessment centre in Brussels. Every candidate must:

• be a citizen of a Member State of the EU;
• be entitled to full rights as such a citizen; 
• have fulfilled obligations imposed by the laws on military service; 
• have thorough knowledge of one of the official languages of the EU and satisfactory knowledge of a second.

Candidates must also meet specific requirements relating to qualifications and professional experience.

Where are the opportunities?

European Union (EU)

The European Union (EU) is made up of three main institutions:

• European Parliament (EP);
• Council of the European Union;
• European Commission.

The majority of staff are based in Brussels or Luxembourg and competition for places is fierce. Various EU institutions and agencies offer work experience.

There are a number of other agencies that play specialised roles, including the European Central Bank and the European Economic and Social Committee.

Aims of the European Union (EU) include promoting social and economic progress, building common foreign and security policies and developing European citizenship.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is the government department responsible for promoting British interests overseas and supporting British citizens and businesses around the world. The FCO has a global network of offices in over 170 countries. Local offices recruit both generalist (e.g. administrative and policy posts) and specialist staff (e.g. economists or legal advisers). 

Department for International Development (DFID)

The Department for International Development (DFID) is part of the UK Government managing Britain's aid to poorer countries and working to eradicate extreme poverty. As well as headquarters in London and East Kilbride, DFID has offices in around 40 developing countries and provides aid to around 90 countries. Career areas include health, social development and education advisers.

General UK-based vacancies may lead to overseas opportunities.