Department of Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC) Overview

The purpose of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is to 'enrich Australia through the well managed entry and settlement of people'.

Since its establishment in 1945, DIAC has managed the arrival and settlement in Australia of nearly seven million migrants from 200 countries, including more than 700 000 refugees under the Humanitarian Program.

During 2007-08, DIAC staff:

• helped around 143 000 people migrate to Australia 
• resettled another 13 000 refugees under the Humanitarian Program 
• issued a total of 4.6 million visitor and other temporary entry visas 
• conferred Australian citizenship on more than 121 000 people and approved a further 107 600 to attend citizenship ceremonies and 15 000 by descent or resumption 
• worked with other agencies to ensure the integrity of Australia's border.

The department's key objectives, as set out in The DIAC Plan are to:

• manage the lawful and orderly entry and stay of people in Australia, including through effective border security 
• promote a society which values Australian citizenship, appreciates cultural diversity and enables migrants to participate equitably. 

The Department of Immigration & Citizenship Graduate Program

As a graduate with us, you will have an opportunity to contribute to making a difference in people's lives.

We are a large department of 7 000 people, who work collectively together to make a positive contribution to Australia and who have a real influence on people's lives - people are our business.

The program is designed to allow you to experience a number of areas within the department and enable you to develop a broad knowledge of the portfolio and the work of different business areas. You will gain valuable experience and a good understanding of policy, program, and service delivery work.

As a graduate you could be involved in work as diverse as:

• temporary and permanent migration initiatives which meet Australia's economic, social and demographic needs 
• settlement and citizenship 
• multicultural affairs 
• international engagement and border management 
• interpreting and applying legislation 
• refugee and humanitarian issues 
• human resource management and corporate services.

The Graduate Development Program promotes the personal and professional development of graduates through:

• participation in three supervised work rotations 
• induction and orientation 
• extensive formal and on-the-job learning with courses and workshops that include an overview of the Australian Public Service, project management, policy formulation, change management and techniques for career management 
• Performance Development Agreements and learning and development objectives with constructive feedback to further develop your capabilities.

The Graduate Development Program provides a solid base for a career with the department and the Australian Public Service. At the completion of your probation and after the 10 month program, you will be well placed to gain promotion through a merit-based selection process.

Who we are Seeking

We are seeking approximately 25 generalist graduates for 2011, who are committed to enriching Australia and have the highest ethical and professional standards.

Consideration is given to the contribution an individual can make to the department and their skills, behaviours and capabilities.

Opportunities exist in a number of different areas which is why we recruit from a broad range of degree disciplines, including but not limited to:

• accounting, business, commerce, human resource management 
• arts, humanities, social science, 
• Asian studies, international relations 
• public policy, government administration, political science 
• law, legal studies.

The department understands the benefits of building a workforce that reflects the Australian community. We encourage the employment of people with disability, Indigenous Australians, mature age people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

The majority of our graduate positions are located in Canberra, ACT, with a limited number of positions available at State and Territory Offices. Our generalist graduates should have a willingness to relocate to Canberra if required.

How to Apply

Our generalist graduates are required to:

• have completed a three-year Bachelor degree from an Australian university, or a degree recognised by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition as equivalent, by 31 December 2010
• be an Australian citizen. Applicants must be granted Australian citizenship by 30 November 2010.

If made an offer you will be required to undergo and satisfy a Government security clearance, and undergo and satisfy a medical clearance by a nominated medical practitioner.

Applications for the 2011 Generalist Graduate Development Program will open on Monday 1st of March 2010.

From the 1st of March 2010, you can apply online for the 2011 Generalist Graduate Program by visiting the department's Online Recruitment System:

http://immigrationgraduates.nga.net.au

Applications close at 11.30pm on Sunday the 4th of April 2010.