This vacancy uses the Success Profiles Framework and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Ability.
Please see the Hints and Tips that are provided for your information about how to prepare Behaviour examples at the Application and/or Interview stage.
Application Stage
You will be required to complete a short online application form. You will then be invited to complete a Civil Service Verbal Test and a Civil Service Numerical Test. If you successfully pass these tests, you will be invited to complete the final stage of the application which will comprise of the following:
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A CV detailing your career history (including any relevant qualifications). CVs will be assessed against the Essential Criteria outlined in the Person Specification section above.
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A Personal Statement of 500 words explaining how you consider your skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with specific reference to the Essential Criteria. These responses will be explored further during the interview process for shortlisted candidates.
The Behaviour you will be assessed on at the application stage are as follows:
- Communicating & Influencing
Please ensure that you allow sufficient time to complete the whole application process before the closing deadline.
IMPORTANT: If you are applying under the Disability Confident Scheme and require Reasonable Adjustments in order to complete your application/online tests, please ensure Government Recruitment Service (GRS) are aware of this on the date of application and certainly by the closing date.
In the event of a large number of applications, we may conduct an initial sift by a lead criterion. For this campaign we will be prioritising Communicating & Influencing. Only candidates who meet the minimum standard in this Behaviour will have the rest of their application fully assessed.
Interview Stage
At the start of your interview, you will be asked a non-assessed warm-up question about your motivation for applying for the role.
The Behaviours you will be assessed on during the interview are as follows:
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Communicating & Influencing
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Changing and Improving
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Managing a Quality Service
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Delivering at Pace
Please note that the FCDO carries out name-blind (anonymised) recruitment to help build a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The personal information on your Application form and/or CV will be concealed during the sifting phase, and only the names of those who are being invited for Interviews will be made known to the Panel.
The FCDO has appointed the Government Recruitment Service to manage the process.
Please see the timetable below for indicative dates:
Closing date for completed applications
23:55 on Monday 28th September 2026
Online Testing
Between Thursday 27th August and Monday 28th September 2026
Panel Interview
Week commencing Monday 2nd November 2026
If you are successful at the application stage, you will be invited to attend a panel interview (in person) at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in East Kilbride. There may be the option to conduct the interview by Microsoft Teams for overseas candidates. If this is preferred, you must make this clear at the application stage.
There may be other opportunities in the future. Candidates who meet the required level at interview, will be kept on a Reserve List for 12 months. Should this, or another substantially similar role arise within this period, we may fill it with a Reserve candidate from this campaign. There is no guarantee that Reserves will be offered a role. If you are conditionally offered, and accept, a role your name will be removed from any other FCDO Reserve Lists.
Please note that the FCDO will not reimburse any travel costs or expenses incurred as part of the selection process.
Current FCDO staff members are advised that this is an external campaign and, as such, you will be required to go through the same process as all other candidates.
If you have any questions please email: [email protected]
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
If you have any questions please email: [email protected]
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
Contact Government Recruitment Service via [email protected] as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Complete the Assistance required section in the Additional requirements page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if youre deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Further Information
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Any move to FCDO from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicants details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems reading the Candidate Pack, such as through screen reader software, please contact our Team via [email protected] and we will share a Word version of this.
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure Scotland on your behalf.
However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing [email protected] stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on 0870 609 6006 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email [email protected]
This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
