Embassy counsellor
Also known as: defence attache, political attache, counsellor of embassy, embassy officer, economic attache, cultural attache
About this occupation
Embassy counsellors supervise specific sections in an embassy, such as economics, defence or political affairs. They perform advisory functions for the ambassador, and perform diplomatic functions in their section or specialty. They develop policies and implementation methods and supervise the embassy section's staff.
A specialisation of diplomat.
Essential skills and knowledge
- maintain relations with local representatives
- ensure compliance with policies
- develop professional network
- analyse foreign affairs policies
- manage administrative systems
- foreign affairs
- advise on foreign affairs policies
- represent national interests
- advise on risk management
- diplomatic principles
- respond to enquiries
- foreign affairs policy development
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Management Analysts (O*NET 13-1111.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Gather and organize information on problems or procedures.
- Confer with personnel concerned to ensure successful functioning of newly implemented systems or procedures.
- Analyze data gathered and develop solutions or alternative methods of proceeding.
- Document findings of study and prepare recommendations for implementation of new systems, procedures, or organizational changes.
- Plan study of work problems and procedures, such as organizational change, communications, information flow, integrated production methods, inventory control, or cost analysis.
- Interview personnel and conduct on-site observation to ascertain unit functions, work performed, and methods, equipment, and personnel used.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Investigative, Enterprising
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Writing, Speaking, Complex Problem Solving
US median pay: US$101,860 a year (2025), 898,280 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageExtremely important (4.7)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (4.4)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.6)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.5)
- Economics or AccountingO*NET: Economics and AccountingImportant (3.5)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.3)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyImportant (3.1)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
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O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.