Expert Roster

In the past, the Federal Foreign Office operated several rosters for civilian personnel in peace operations and election observation missions. After its foundation in 2002, ZIF has taken over roster management and merged these rosters into a single roster of experts.

1. Size and Division

The expert roster currenty comprises more than 1,000 German nationals. It covers a broad spectrum of expertise needed in international peace operations and election observation and assistance. Maintaining and expanding the size as well as the quality of this roster is vital to ZIF’s work. At present, ZIF’s roster lists candidates in the following fields of expertise:

• Democratization
• Elections
• Human Rights
• Rule of Law
• Civil Administration
• Media Development
• Public Information
• Political Affairs
• Legal Affairs
• Mission Administration and Support
• Infrastructure and Economic Affairs
• Monitoring
• Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR)
• Humanitarian Affairs
• Refugees
• Reconciliation

2. Candidate Sourcing

In the light of a growing demand for civilian personnel, ZIF is trying to pro-actively mobilize and attract qualified professionals through: Public information (online & print), institutional networking, targeted campaigns, job fairs, word of mouth, mission visits and reaching out to overseas nationals and diaspora. The great majority of experts in our roster come from:

• International organizations
• Development cooperation
• Domestic and international NGOs
• Justice institutions
• Education and research
• Media
• Armed forces
• Police service
• Parliament, politics
• Public administration
• Corporate sector

3. Admission to the Roster

In line with requirements for different professional categories in peacekeeping and crisis management missions, ZIF has determined a set of generic criteria against which all applications are evaluated. These include:

• University degree or other relevant training
• Multi-year work experience ( international)
• Possibly previous exposure to crisis situations
• Fluent English & Russian/French/Spanish
• Excellent interpersonal and intercultural skills
• Very good physical condition
• Driving licence & computer skills
• Available on short notice, flexible and mobile

German nationals who have successfully completed the basic training course at ZIF and have confirmed their availability for mission assignments are admitted to the roster. Candidates who have not attended a ZIF training course but who offer equivalent qualification and experience are screened and approved on a case-by-case basis.

4. E-Recruitment System

The administration of the expert roster is supported by a data management system designed specifically for ZIF's needs. ZIF recruitment staff can conduct quick and targeted identification of candidates, communicate with pool members and evaluate the roster. In order to ensure that contact and other essential information, such as availability for deployment, are up to date, members are regularly reminded to update their personal file on-line. In October 2009 ZIF will launch its new database and e-recruitment system.

5. On-line Information

In the password-protected member zone of the ZIF website, registered members of the roster have access to a discussion forum, an alumni directory, and a message board. This service promotes networking, communication, and exchange of experience among candidates as well as serving mission personnel. But most importantly, vacant positions in international peace operations are posted in this section.

6. Special Sub-Rosters

Experts are assigned to sub-rosters according to types of assignment and professional specialization. Sub-rosters include:

• General long-term mission roster
• Election observation
• Young Professionals
• Justice Rapid Response

updated September 2009