Two Countries Represented in Atlanta Seek North Carolina Honorary Consuls 

Two countries with diplomatic representation in Atlanta are seeking new honorary consuls in North Carolina. 

Canada and Ireland, whose full consulates in Atlanta cover the Southeast U.S. including the Tar Heel State, have issued calls for new diplomats there. 

Canada is looking for a Raleigh rep, ideally proficient in French, who boasts a solid network and reputation, along with demonstrated ability to represent the country’s interests in the state. The country is promising a $20,000 honorarium, generous for a position where compensation usually comes in the form of perks rather than cash. Learn more on LinkedIn 

Ireland, meanwhile, didn’t specify where its North Carolina consul should live, only that the ability to consular services to Irish nationals on weekdays will be a requirement, and that “familiarity with North Carolina political and administrative systems” is a plus. Expressions of interest are being accepted through June 5 at atlantacg@dfa.ie. Learn more here

Honorary consuls, while officially approved by the U.S. State Department as diplomats, differ from career foreign service officials in that they usually serve on a volunteer basis and are long-term local residents of the state or region they cover. Some focus more on economic and public diplomacy, while others also have the ability to issue passports and process visa applications. Some have time-limited contracts, while others can serve for decades uninterrupted.

The majority of the 70-plus countries with diplomatic outposts in Georgia are represented by honorary consuls. 

Ireland recently named a new honorary consul in Tennessee, as did Germany, while Belgium and other countries have expanded there and to other states including South Carolina and Alabama.

Canadian Consul General Rosaline Kwan has visited Raleigh, the North Carolina capital, at least twice during her tenure.