Supporting your country of origin as a diaspora expert

Diaspora expert assignments are open to anyone with a migration history from one of the countries listed above. You must have obtained your vocational qualifications or degree in Germany or your degree is recognised in Germany, and Germany must be your ‘main centre of activity’ in terms of residence. You must also have at least five years of relevant professional experience in Germany or another OECD-country in the field in which you would like to work during your assignment.

With regard to short-term diaspora expert assignments, the partner institutions we work with are mainly public-benefit institutions, e.g. public bodies; municipal, regional and national authorities and public service providers; educational establishments; public health care providers; and civil society organisations. To qualify, partner institutions must have been operating for several years and must have at least five to ten employees. This is to ensure that the knowledge passed on during short-term assignments remains embedded in the institution and can continue to be used after the assignment. Support is primarily available for assignments with higher-level institutions and umbrella organisations, as these are more likely to generate a significant multiplier effect.

Yes. You can still apply to the GIZ for a short-term assignment as a diaspora expert even if you have not yet established contact with a partner institution. In such cases, we may be able to place you with a suitable institution based on your profile. Please register your interest on our website.

No. There is no formal employment relationship between you and the partner organisation during the short-term assignment. You work for the partner institution on a voluntary basis. However, the conditions under which diaspora experts work are set out in a cooperation agreement between you and the partner institution.

If you have received a funding commitment and are unsure what the regulations are regarding your current employer and how the expense allowance is to be viewed under tax law, please contact your tax advisor. Unfortunately, GIZ is not authorised to provide information about your individual situation.

The support we provide for diaspora experts is aimed at those with a migration history living in Germany who wish to contribute to development in their country of origin on a voluntary basis. Provided that the voluntary work you undertake in the form of a short-term assignment meets our conditions, we can support you by providing various services and benefits and help to cover your costs by means of a subsidy. Please note however, that this support does not create an employer/employee or client/contractor relationship.

The subsidy agreement is a contract signed by the GIZ and the diaspora expert once an application for support has been approved. It sets out all the terms and conditions under which GIZ will provide financial support for the assignment. The subsidy agreement must be signed by both parties before you travel to the country in question and before the assignment starts. Please read the agreement carefully as it sets out the contractual rights and obligations of both sides.

• Payment of your travel expenses in the form of a country-specific travel allowance
• Conclusion of an insurance package that includes travel health insurance (for acute illnesses), travel accident insurance and travel liability insurance
• Payment of an expense allowance per day as a diaspora expert
• Payment of a lump sum for consumables that you need to carry out your assignment (€300)