Cooperation and Cultural Action Attaché
Cooperation and cultural action attachés or advisors design, implement, and oversee France’s cooperation strategy abroad. They contribute to France’s cultural, educational, scientific, and linguistic influence, while strengthening bilateral ties with local institutions and partners.
What does a cooperation attaché do?
- Advise the head of the diplomatic mission on issues relating to all areas of the advisor’s expertise
- Assist the head of mission in coordinating and leading the network of ministry operators and partners present in the country
- Define and steer the cooperation strategy within the framework of the embassy’s action plan in liaison with French operators, local partners, and multilateral and European donors
- Promote French expertise and the image of France
- Contribute to the development of economic diplomacy by working in conjunction with other embassy departments
- Monitor the effective implementation of political priorities (ODA, French language, etc.) in the field
- Define and implement an annual program
- Coordinate the ministry’s operators and partners (notably the Alliance Française);
- Define the communication strategy
- Seek funding and raise funds from public and private donors.
What are the main skills required?
- Knowledge of French and local players in the field – Proficiency
- Budget and accounting management – Proficiency
- Human resources management and supervision – Expert
- Knowledge of cultural and creative industries issues – Proficiency
- Knowledge of international cooperation networks and procedures – Proficiency
- Knowledge of the university research sector – Proficiency
- Professional use of English – Independent
What are their main soft skills?
Cooperation and cultural action attachés must demonstrate:
- Excellent interpersonal and diplomatic skills, to represent France abroad and collaborate with a variety of partners.
- Adaptability and intercultural openness, which are essential for working in international and sometimes complex environments.
- Analytical skills and strategic thinking, in order to design and manage projects in line with foreign cultural policy priorities.
- Rigorous organizational skills, to manage budgets, teams, and cooperation programs.
- Creativity and initiative, needed to propose innovative actions and promote French culture.
- Resistance to stress and autonomy, in the face of diplomatic, administrative, and sometimes geopolitical constraints.
What is the work environment like?
Cooperation and cultural action attachés or advisors work within the Cooperation and Cultural Action Section (SCAC) of a French embassy. This section is the operational arm of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs in implementing France’s diplomacy of influence abroad.
Cultural cooperation attachés report to the head of the diplomatic post (ambassador); work closely with other embassy departments and collaborate with Ministry operators (French Institutes, Campus France, Alliances Françaises, etc.).
What are the career prospects for a cooperation attaché?
The career prospects for cooperation and cultural action attachés depend on their status. If they are hired on a contract basis, they can consider joining the civil service by passing the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs competitive examinations. Once they have civil servant status, they can progress to higher positions of responsibility within the French diplomatic and cultural network, both in France and abroad. They can expect to earn a starting salary of between €30,000 and €40,000 gross per annum. This salary may be renegotiated after a few years.
What training is required to become a cooperation and cultural action attaché?
Train for this profession by enrolling in ISIT’s International Strategies and Diplomacy program. This unique master’s degree is available on a work-study basis from the second year onwards. The work-study program will boost your employability and enhance your experience in the job market while you are still studying.