Teresa Sweeney

Human Resources Section, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

2015 was a particularly busy year in Human Resources II, which coordinates assignments to Ireland’s diplomatic missions around the world for staff from all Government Departments. Sixteen other Government Departments have over ninety staff posted abroad at any one time; together with Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade staff, this means we are usually responsible for at least 300 people posted abroad from Ireland at any given time.

In total, over 270 officers were on the move in 2015, and there were also a large number of short-term assignments. Each move and assignment generates a wide range of tasks, including organising flights and temporary accommodation for staff, and dealing with leases.

One of the interesting aspects of the job is the constant contact with staff around the world. In May and June, I worked on seven pre-posting briefing sessions for officers going abroad, which is a great opportunity to get to know colleagues from all across the Department and the Civil Service. I and my colleagues are one of the main links between an officer and home throughout a posting.