noun
legation staff; attaché
Refers to a staff member of a legation, a diplomatic mission of lower rank than an embassy. The term is somewhat historical; modern usage often prefers 大使館員 for embassy staff.
彼は公使館員として海外に赴任した。
He was posted overseas as a legation staff member.
公使館員の仕事は多岐にわたる。
The work of a legation attaché covers a wide range of duties.
Compound of 公使 (kōshi, 'minister') + 館 (kan, 'building') + 員 (in, 'member'), literally 'member of a minister's building', i.e., a staff member of a legation.