“Every firework needs an initial spark. I like to think of myself as the initial spark.” This is how one diaspora expert described his role during a short-term assignment in his country of origin.

We use the term “diaspora expert” for qualified individuals with a migration background who currently live and work in Germany but wish to support their country of origin by volunteering at local organisations for a short period. Many organisations around the globe are seeking expertise that is not always available in the local labour market. Expertise that helps them connect to the latest international developments, processes, and technology, or initiate cross-border collaborations.

Diaspora experts bring in-depth knowledge and skills in their professional field. They are also familiar with the cultural nuances of their countries of origin, they often speak the local language(s) and have a strong intrinsic motivation to contribute to the advancement of their countries of origin. However, working as a diaspora expert is not a one-way experience. Almost all diaspora experts report a deep sense of personal fulfilment and happiness after their assignments. This stems from the opportunity to contribute to development in their country of origin and give something back to their fellow countrymen and -women.

We support these assignments in two ways: by covering the costs of the assignment and in finding a suitable organisation looking for international expertise – in case an organisation and a diaspora expert have not already found each other. Our support is available for assignments lasting between two weeks and three months.

We support assignments at statal or public-benefit organisations such as administrative bodies, academic institutions, chambers of commerce, civic groups, and non-governmental organisations. Our offer is open to people from a wide range of careers and sectors, including managers, financial advisors, organisational developers, engineers, legal specialists, doctors, vehicle mechanics, skilled manual workers, and healthcare professionals. To qualify for support, the assignment must have a development focus. Funding is provided primarily, but not exclusively, for assignments in the priority areas of gender equality, climate protection and health care.

Since 2016, we have supported more than 1,000 diaspora experts and their short-term assignments around the globe. Some of their stories can be found below. We currently support diaspora experts who wish to take up assignments in the following countries: Albania, Cameroon, Colombia, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, India, Kosovo, Nepal, Serbia, Tunisia, Ukraine and Viet Nam.