We recruit a number of specialists for roles which require specific skills and experience. These jobs are usually advertised when vacancies arise based on operational need.

Economists

Have you got what it takes to explain economics to foreign policy makers? The FCO's Diplomatic Service recruits economists who can apply their skills to policy issues in international macroeconomics, financial markets, trade and development. If you are recruited as an economics graduate, you could spend two years in London working on global economic policy or EU issues.  Soon after, you'll head overseas as a diplomat to a key G8 or EU partner or to a major emerging or developing market. There you would be the UK’s eyes and ears on key economic issues, and promote the government’s international priorities.

Afterwards you would have a range of high-flying economic jobs to choose from in London and overseas. You could also move into other foreign policy areas – anything from human rights to climate change or conflict resolution.

Economists with professional experience are also recruited from time to time, when vacancies arise.  Appointments are made by open competition. For information about vacancies and applications, see the Government Economic Service website.

Legal Advisors

The main centre of expertise in public international law within Government. Our FCO Legal Advisers provide legal advice to Ministers and officials within the FCO and beyond on a range of matters. This includes:

• public international law
• European Union law
• human rights law
• constitutional law
• law relating to the British overseas territories domestic law (including public law/judicial review and freedom of information, data protection, employment etc).

They also act for the Government before international tribunals (including the International Court of Justice, the European Court of Human Rights and inter-State arbitrations), and frequently attend conferences both in the UK and abroad as members of the UK delegation.

We have around 25-30 lawyers based in London with a number posted overseas - all members of the Diplomatic Service. At the moment, there are legal advisers posted to the UK Missions to the United Nations in New York and Geneva, the UK Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels, and the British Embassies in The Hague and Baghdad. We also have an FCO legal adviser seconded to the Attorney General's Office. Most legal advisers can expect to serve one or more tours of duty overseas.

Our Legal Advisers are also consulted by other Government Departments on issues of international law. They are not, however, part of the Government Legal Service, but maintain close ties on training and continuing professional development. Further details: FCO Recruitment enquiry line: 0845 450 2159 or 0845 450 2163  Email:  fcoenquiries@barkers.co.uk

International secondments

Following recent organisational changes, the International Secondments Team (IST) was created bringing responsibility for all international secondments into a single team. IST is responsible for the recruitment, training and deployment of serving and retired police officers and civilian specialists to international peace support operations and other missions.  

Read our dedicated section on international policing and civilian specialists.

Public appointments

The FCO is responsible for many things including nine Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs). We appoint qualified and experienced members of the public to the board of these Bodies.

Each appointments draws on the best of Britain's diverse society and like all government departments, we have an action plan to increase the representation of groups who are currently under-represented. Part of this includes our commitment to the:

• Equal representation of women and men in public appointments, and a pro rata representation of members of minority ethnic groups;
• Appointment on merit, using fair selection procedures, which recognise non-traditional career patterns are suitable qualifications for appointment.
• Appointments which are made by FCO Ministers follow the guidance laid down by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

We keep a record of those wanting to be considered for Public Appointments on a departmental database. NDPBs who make their own public appointments will be sent copies of completed nomination forms. Alternatively, individuals may wish to contact these NDPBs directly.

For more details see Public appointments explained on DirectGov.

Research analysts

Research Analyst roles provide an excellent opportunity to become one of Whitehall's leading experts on an area of foreign policy. To illustrate, recent campaigns have been for Research Analysts in the fields of International Terrorism, Africa, the EU, South Asia and the Middle East Peace Process.  Research Analysts provide the FCO with value-added research and analysis of political, social and economic developments.

They provide historical and forward-looking perspectives, challenging received wisdom where necessary and ensure FCO and wider-Whitehall customers are aware of what outside experts are saying about the subject.Applicants should have a broad and extensive understanding of their field.  Those without a postgraduate degree in a related subject and/or several years of directly related work experience are unlikely to be considered.  

For some vacancies, candidates will be required to have good operational language skills – this will be identified in the advert. Successful Research Analysts are strong team players with good interpersonal skills and self-motivation. IT/Internet skills and experience in data storage and retriveal are desirable. Research Analysts undertake research visits and participate in relevant academic events both in the UK and overseas.

Accountants

The FCO recruits Accountants to undertake a range of financial and management accounting roles. This can range from the formulation and delivery of financial policy and guidance, providing management accounting information for decision-making at corporate or local business levels, through to the operational management and development of the FCO's business critical finance systems.  We recruit both part- and fully-qualified accountants looking for a challenging role to develop their accounting knowledge, skills and experience.  

Our Accountants are flexible, technically sound, have good communications skills, and are comfortable  working with colleagues at all levels within and outside of the finance community.

Auditors

The Internal Audit Department (IAD) of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office plays a valuable role in providing the Audit & Risk Committee and the Board with assurance on control, risk management and governance.  Our Auditors conduct audits and reviews of the FCO’s systems, progammes and management processes at home and overseas.

The role involves developing our risk-based approaches to assurance work and facilitating the worldwide Control and Risk Self-Assessment methodology.  You should be prepared to travel up to a maximum of 15 weeks each year to some exciting destinations worldwide (usually no more than up to three to four weeks at any one time).You must possess a professional qualification (e.g. PIIA or equivalent) as well as have recent experience of systems and risk-based auditing and strong interpersonal, analytical and drafting skills.

Overseas security managers

The safety and security of our overseas staff and British Embassies /  High Commission buildings are of the utmost importance to us. Overseas Security Managers (OSM) play an important role in making this happen.

Being an Overseas Security Managers in the Diplomatic Service is a career which offers you a chance to see the world while doing work that makes a difference to Britain and British people.

OSMs spend most of their time working in our Embassies and High Commissions overseas and could be responsible for everything from operating electronic security systems to organising the special security needs of VIPs. Management is an important part of the job where they maybe asked to manage a guard force in countries where their knowledge of English cannot be assured.

Training is provided throughout an OSM's career to help learn new skills and develop existing ones, including foreign languages. OSM positions are recruited on an ad hoc basis when operational need arises. All available positions will be advertised on the current vacancies page.