Intercultural communication consultant

Intercultural communication consultants specialise in social interaction between parties of different cultures, advise organisations on international interactions in order to optimise their performance, and facilitiate cooperation and positive interaction with organisations and individuals from other cultures.

The following job titles also refer to intercultural communication consultant:

intercultural communications consultant
intercultural consultant
intercultural communication adviser
intercultural communication expert
intercultural communication specialist
intercultural mediator

Bachelor’s degree is generally required to work as intercultural communication consultant. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Intercultural communication consultant is a Skill level 4 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to intercultural communication consultant.

communication scientist
sociologist
thanatology researcher
educational researcher
media scientist

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of intercultural communication consultant. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of intercultural communication consultant with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of intercultural communication consultant.

Consultation methods: Techniques used to facilitate clear and open communication and the provision of advice between individuals, communities or the government, such as discussion groups or one-on-one interviews.
Business processes: Processes which an organisation applies to improve efficiency, set new objectives and reach goals in a profitable and timely manner.

These skills are necessary for the role of intercultural communication consultant.

Advise on public relations: Advise business or public organisations on public relations management and strategies in order to ensure efficient communication with target audiences, and proper conveying of information.
Monitor sociological trends: Identify and investigate sociological trends and movements in society.
Maintain internal communication systems: Maintain an effective internal communication system among employees and department managers.
Use consulting techniques: Advise clients in different personal or professional matters.
Analyse business processes: Study the contribution of the work processes to the business goals and monitor their efficiency and productivity.
Study cultures: Study and internalise a culture that is not your own to truly understand its traditions, rules, and workings.
Implement operational business plans: Implement the strategic business and operational plan for an organisation by engaging and delegating to others, monitoring progress and making adjustments along the way. Evaluate the extent to which strategic objectives have been achieved, learn lessons, celebrate success and recognise people’s contributions.
Show intercultural awareness: Show sensibility towards cultural differences by taking actions which facilitate positive interaction between international organisations, between groups or individuals of different cultures, and to promote integration in a community.
Use communication techniques: Apply techniques of communication which allow interlocutors to better understand each other and communicate accurately in the transmission of messages.
Apply knowledge of human behaviour: Practice principles related to group behaviour, trends in society, and influence of societal dynamics.
Listen actively: Give attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of customers, clients, passengers, service users or others, and provide solutions accordingly.
Implement strategic planning: Take action on the goals and procedures defined at a strategic level in order to mobilise resources and pursue the established strategies.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of intercultural communication consultant. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Training subject expertise: The topic, content and methods of the training, acquired by doing research and following training courses.
Project management: Understand project management and the activities which comprise this area. Know the variables implied in project management such as time, resources, requirements, deadlines, and responding to unexpected events.
Sociology: The group behaviour and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
Brand marketing techniques: The methods and systems used in researching and establishing a brand identity for marketing purposes.
Psychology: The human behaviour and performance with individual differences in ability, personality, interests, learning, and motivation.
Anthropology: The study of development and behaviour of human beings.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of intercultural communication consultant. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Cooperate with education professionals: Communicate with teachers or other professionals working in education in order to identify needs and areas of improvement in education systems, and to establish a collaborative relationship.
Write research proposals: Synthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the relevant subject and field of study.
Speak different languages: Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.
Develop communication strategies: Manage or contribute to the conception and implementation of an organisation’s internal and external communications plans and presentation, including its online presence.
Monitor company policy: Monitor the company’s policy and propose improvements to the company.
Teach intercultural communication methods: Advise individuals or businesses on their intercultural communication. Explain methods and ways to facilitate communication between people of other cultures.
Develop scientific theories: Formulate scientific theories based on empirical observations, gathered data and theories of other scientists.
Develop educational activities: Develop speeches, activities and workshops in order to foster access and comprehension to the artistic creation processes. It can address a particular cultural and artistic event such as a show or an exhibition, or it can be related to a specific discipline (theatre, dance, drawing, music, photography etc.). Liaise with storytelles, craftspeople and artists.
Conduct research interview: Use professional researching and interviewing methods and techniques to gather relevant data, facts or information, to gain new insights and to fully comprehend the message of the interviewee.
Conduct educational activities: Plan, perform and supervise educational activities for a variety of audiences, such as for school children, university students, specialist groups, or members of the public.
Analyse internal factors of companies: Research and understand various internal factors that influence the operation of companies such as its culture, strategic foundation, products, prices, and available resources.
Develop cultural activities: Develop activities adapted to the outreach and/or audience. Take into account difficulties and needs observed and identified from the perspective of enhancing curiosity and general capability to access to art and culture.
Write scientific papers: Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
Analyse external factors of companies: Perform research and analysis of the external factor pertaining to companies such as consumers, position in the market, competitors, and political situation.
Communicate by telephone: Liaise via telephone by making and answering calls in a timely, professional and polite manner.
Show diplomacy: Deal with people in a sensitive and tactful way.
Identify with the company’s goals: Act for the benefit of the company and for the achievement of its targets.

2432 – Public relations professionals

 

 

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References

1. Intercultural communication consultant – ESCO