Diplomatic Service operational officers work for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), protecting and promoting British interests throughout the world. They work in the FCDO headquarters in London and in British embassies, high commissions and consulates abroad.
The Work
You could be:
dealing with a range of issues and policies, such as counter terrorism, human rights or climate change
running an office and organising the work of other staff
dealing with correspondence and accounts
preparing documents for meetings and chairing the meetings, sometimes in front of senior officials
assisting British citizens abroad, issuing visas or arranging VIP visits
advising British businesses about the trading situation in overseas countries
informing the media – television, radio and newspapers – about British policies
amending travel advice for people travelling abroad
organising and managing ministerial and diplomatic visits.
Pay
The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:
where you work
the department in which you work
the demand for the job.
Diplomatic and Development Fast Stream recruits would start on £31,186 a year. If you are based in London you may receive an additional location allowance. There is a good pension scheme.
On completion of the scheme you would earn between £45,000 and £55,000 a year.
Conditions
You would be based in an office and work regular hours.
You would initially work in the FCDO in London or Glasgow, then be posted overseas. You must be prepared to work anywhere in the world.
Working hours overseas are not fixed, so you need to be flexible.
The work may be stressful, especially if there are changes in foreign policy or after a natural disaster or terrorist attack.
Entry is currently through the Civil Service Fast Stream route – Diplomatic and Development Scheme or Diplomatic and Development Economic Scheme. See the Civil Service Fast Stream website for details.
To get in you should have a 2:2 degree for the Diplomatic and Development route and 2:1 degree for the Diplomatic and Development Economics route. Entry to a degree (SCQF Levels 9-10) course normally requires 4-5 Highers, plus English at least to National 5.
To join the Diplomatic Service you must be a British citizen, and have lived in the UK for at least 5 of the previous 10 years. Exceptions to this rule such as having served overseas with HM Forces or worked with UK Government are listed on the FCDO website.
Entry is competitive and you will have to take tests and attend an interview. In addition, you will have to go through medical and security checks.
The FCDO offers internship schemes over the summer. Check the website for details.
It helps to have an aptitude for learning languages. The FCDO is particularly interested in applications from those who can speak an additional language.
If you have dual nationality (including British), this will not prevent you from applying. However, you should get in touch with the recruitment office at the FCDO for advice on any potential difficulties with the country of your second nationality.
Experience of living or working abroad can be helpful.
willing to move, as you will change jobs every few years
prepared to work in challenging conditions
good at identifying and solving problems
adaptable, to cope with different cultures.
You should have:
good written and spoken English
good teamwork skills
the ability to learn new languages
strong organisational ability
commercial and financial awareness.
Training
The Diplomatic Service Fast Stream scheme runs over 5 years.
You would train on the job under the supervision of experienced staff.
Years 1 and 2 would be based in London or Glasgow followed by Years 3 - 5 based overseas.
When you start, you would have an induction course on the aims, work and structure of the Diplomatic Service.
You would continue to attend other courses, and before your first posting abroad, you would have training in relevant areas, including languages.
Getting On
In the Diplomatic Service, there is a well-structured promotion system.
Promotion is based strictly on experience and performance.
Work in the Diplomatic Service provides very useful experience which can be put to good use in other jobs both in the public sector and also in private business.
More Information
The FCDO has a global network of 280 diplomatic offices, with around 17,000 employees.
Get more information on careers in the Civil Service from their Careers website.
2025
