Government departments

As a civil servant working in a government department, you can find entry-level jobs at either Executive Officer level or Administrative Officer level depending on your previous experience. Jobs are advertised through national newspapers or through public job websites with application forms being the preferred method of application.

Executive Officer is the first level of management in the department and your role will involve project management and staff management. As an administrative officer you may be involved in the formation of the policies and strategies that aim to improve economic, financial, international and environmental issues.

Higher Executive Officer is a mid-management role, in which you are required to manage and lead a diverse team, manage projects and budgets and help to develop government policy. The Assistant Principal Officer role is diverse and can involve managing large teams, handling projects and budgets, strategic management and helping to develop government policies.

If you want a career as a Diplomat, the job of Third Secretary is the first step in doing so. This involves advising the government on external relations and being the official communication channel for foreign governments and international organisations.

An application form and verbal and numerical tests as well as group exercises and interviews may form part of the selection process.

Government departments in the Republic of Ireland

Government departments in Northern Ireland