The opportunity
The Australian Permanent Mission to the United Nations and International Organisations in Vienna offers the training opportunity for Australians to undertake a 5-6 month traineeship to support Australia’s engagement in Vienna-based multilateral organisations covering nuclear, drugs and crime, and security issues. You will have the opportunity to contribute to public diplomacy and corporate activities and gain first-hand experience of how a busy overseas mission works. You will develop research, reporting, program development, public diplomacy and digital communication skills, mentored by Australian diplomats. There may be opportunities to participate in external meetings with multilateral organisations and non-government stakeholders, and contribute to the Australian Embassy’s bilateral work.
We envisage two traineeships in 2027.
About us
The Australian Permanent Mission to the United Nations and International Organisations in Vienna undertakes a wide range of multilateral functions. The Permanent Mission is accredited to UN and other international organisations in Vienna, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The Permanent Mission is co-located with the Australian Embassy which is responsible for Australia’s relations with Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia.
Under the guidance of experienced officers, you will be involved in supporting activities that advance Australia’s interests at the international level in a wide range of areas.
Potential tasks include, but are not limited to:
- Assist in preparation for, and attendance at, multilateral meetings and conferences by taking notes and contributing to the drafting of reports.
- Support the research and presentation of information on multilateral, bilateraland/or public diplomacy issues.
- Assist with preparations and program development for official visits.
- Contribute to the drafting of content for the Permanent Mission’s webpage and X (Twitter), LinkedIn and Facebook accounts.
- Assist in engagement for outreach activities and contribute to the Permanent Mission’s events.
The traineeship covers a busy period in the calendar of the multilateral organisations in Vienna, including major meetings on nuclear issues and transnational crime.
The Mission’s office hours are 08:30-16:30 (Monday-Friday) and UN meetings are usually 10:00-18:00.
The Mission seeks a postgraduate or undergraduate student or a recent graduate with enthusiasm for multilateralism and international affairs, and with the education and abilities to contribute to advancing Australia's national interests. Applicants should possess relevant qualifications and background, with preference being given to those who have recently completed or have completed at least four (4) semesters of tertiary studies in areas such as political science, international relations, international law, international security, defence studies or science and technology. Prior exposure to, or demonstrated knowledge of, the United Nations system is highly desirable. If you graduated some time ago and have substantial work or internship experience, you may prefer to apply for positions advertised by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra.
We are looking for candidates who share our values and are:
- talented, highly motivated and committed to the Australian national interest;
- good communicators with excellent oral and written communication skills;
- strategic thinkers and practical problem-solvers;
- team players with good organisational skills;
- flexible, adaptable and resourceful, with an ability to work under pressure; and
- respectful, ethical and sensitive to, and appreciative of, diversity.
Eligibility
Before lodging an application for a position, please ensure that you meet the minimum criteria for consideration listed below.
You must:
- be an Australian citizen (this is a mandatory requirement);
- obtain, or be able to obtain, a relevant visa to have the right to work in Austria for the duration of the traineeship
- possess relevant qualifications and background with preference being given to those who have completed, or are completing, tertiary studies in areas such as political science, international relations, international law, international security, defence studies, or science and technology;
- have an interest in multilateralism, and be able to demonstrate this;
- be willing to undergo a mandatory police check; and
- be willing to re-locate to Vienna for a period of up to six months, on a primarily self-funded basis, which includes arrangements and costs for travel, visa, passport, accommodation, and health insurance.
The traineeship is funded and a stipend of EUR1,523.15 per month will be paid.
Conduct and Ethics
The Permanent Mission demands the highest standards of professional conduct from its staff. Ethical conduct by staff and trainees contributes significantly to the efficiency and effectiveness of the workplace and to the standing of the Mission and its employees in Australia and internationally. In agreeing to participate in the Mission’s Traineeship Program and undertake duties as directed, trainees are required to comply with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Locally Engaged Staff Code of Conduct, which takes account of the particular significance of the department's representational role outside Australia.
How to apply
To apply you will need to submit:
- your resume (2 page maximum)
- a written reference;
- a letter of support from your university (optional, but encouraged if appropriate); and
- a document responding to the questionnaire below.
Cover letters are not required and any cover letters will not be considered as part of the application.
Questionnaire
Applicants are asked to complete the below traineeship questionnaire. Responses should be no more than 150 words in length per question. The questionnaire is designed to assess your suitability to perform the duties of the position including personal qualities, experience, skills and knowledge relevant to the work of a trainee at the Mission.
- Why are you applying for this traineeship?
- Explain your interest in international relations, and what understanding you have of the work and goals of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
- Briefly outline a recent achievement, project or task that demonstrates your analytical and research skills and your ability to think strategically.
- Demonstrate your ability to work effectively as part of a team and build strong working relationships.
- Demonstrate your ability to solve problems under pressure.
- (Optional): Do you speak any languages other than English?
The Commonwealth Government of Australia employs staff overseas to perform work for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and other Australian Government Agencies at overseas posts (including embassies, high commissions or consulates).
Locally Engaged Staff (LES) support and complement the professional capacities of Australian Public Service (APS) employees by providing essential in-country knowledge, skills, networks and continuity at overseas posts in over 100 locations. LES form an important part of our global workforce and make a significant contribution towards the Australian Government’s objective of advancing Australia’s national interests.
The Human Resources Section based in the Australian High Commission London is responsible for managing all local job vacancies across the European region. This includes other categories of employment, including Head of Mission Domestic Staff positions usually appointed to work directly to the Ambassador or High Commissioner and assistance with Internship Programmes.
Personal data provided during the recruitment process will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Notice and relevant data protection laws.
