Call for Applications: Diaspora Advisory Committee

Call for Applications: Diaspora Advisory Committee

The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is launching a new policy concept to strengthen its long-term partnership with diaspora communities. To ensure diverse perspectives guide this initiative from the start, BMZ is establishing a dedicated Diaspora Advisory Committee

Background and Strategic Vision

The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) has a long history of cooperation with diaspora communities and partners in countries and regions with which they maintain transnational ties. Through their expertise, networks, and commitment, diaspora communities in Germany make significant contributions to advancing sustainable development in BMZ partner countries.

By developing a political concept on diaspora cooperation in the context of German development cooperation, BMZ aims to take stock of these experiences and further strengthen diaspora cooperation as a strategic area of engagement. This diaspora concept and the process of developing it are aligned with BMZ’s broader reform agenda to make international cooperation more locally led, inclusive, and responsive to diverse perspectives.

While primarily serving as internal guidance for German development cooperation, the concept also aims to provide a response to calls from diaspora partners for clearer strategic orientation and stronger institutional anchoring of cooperation. Drawing on previous experiences, proven instruments, lessons learned, and international good practice, the concept will define guiding principles for cooperation and identify both established and innovative approaches based on empirical evidence of what works and what does not.

Eligibility criteria

Economic development, livelihoods and social protection
Remittances, diaspora investment and diaspora entrepreneurship
Trade, private-sector cooperation and sustainable finance
Safe and regular migration and mobility
Diaspora cooperation, transnational engagement and diaspora policy
Locally led development, localisation and equitable partnerships
Reconstruction, peacebuilding, conflict prevention and fragile contexts
Good governance, democracy, human rights, civic and political participation
Gender equality, social inclusion and equality of opportunity
Climate change, environment, biodiversity and energy transition
Food security, agriculture, water and rural development
Public health and social services
Education, skills and youth
Science, research, technology, digitalisation and innovation
Decolonisation and post-colonial perspectives in development cooperation

Active co-design: Continuous support and drafting of the concept from September 2026 to July 2027.
Kick-off event: Participation in a kick-off event in Berlin on 16 September 2026.
Co-design workshops: Participation in a minimum of two one-day evidence-based workshops in a hybrid format, currently planned for December 2026 and February 2027.
Substantive feedback: Regular commenting and feedback on draft versions of the concept, from the initial outline to the final draft.

The Role of the Diaspora Advisory Committee

Overall responsibility for the process lies with BMZ Division 221, Forced Displacement and Migration, supported by the GIZ Sector Project Migration and Development. Diaspora representatives will be involved in the drafting process from the outset through a Diaspora Advisory Committee. This committee will bring together diverse perspectives and expertise across thematic and regional areas.

Please note that the Committee will have an advisory, non-decision-making role. Its members will provide independent perspectives and recommendations. BMZ will consider the committee’s input in developing the concept and will provide feedback on how substantive recommendations have been taken into account

How to Apply

Please send a copy of your CV and a brief, one-page cover letter to migration@giz.de by Monday, 24 August 2026.

In your cover letter, you should explain your interest in participating and what you think you can bring to the process. Please also confirm your availability to participate in the workshops and indicate if you would be available to attend the kick-off on 16 September 2026 in Berlin.