Political affairs officer
Also known as: political aide, campaigner, political consultant, political advisor, prime minister adviser, political campaign officer
About this occupation
Political affairs officers analyse developments in foreign politics and other policy matters, monitor conflicts and consult on mediation measures, as well as other developmental strategies. They write reports to ensure communication with governmental bodies, and develop policies and implementation methods.
Essential skills and knowledge
- advise on risk management
- write situation reports
- foreign affairs policy development
- foreign affairs
- analyse foreign affairs policies
- advise on foreign affairs policies
- advise on conflict management
- government policy implementation
- monitor political conflicts
- advise on legislative acts
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants (O*NET 43-6011.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Manage and maintain executives' schedules.
- Make travel arrangements for executives.
- Prepare invoices, reports, memos, letters, financial statements, and other documents, using word processing, spreadsheet, database, or presentation software.
- Coordinate and direct office services, such as records, departmental finances, budget preparation, personnel issues, and housekeeping, to aid executives.
- Answer phone calls and direct calls to appropriate parties or take messages.
- Prepare responses to correspondence containing routine inquiries.
- Typical education (US)
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Enterprising, Social
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Writing, Service Orientation, Coordination
US median pay: US$76,590 a year (2025), 459,910 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 LanguageVery important (4.2)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.3)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.2)
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 Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
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.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
- Administrative Services Managers
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
- Office Clerks, General
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
- Correspondence Clerks
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
- Receptionists and Information Clerks
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants
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.