FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

In order to be able to send civilian experts on missions at short notice ("secondment"), ZIF has built up the ZIF Expert Pool since 2002. It now comprises well over 1,500 profiles of experts and managers from various fields of activity. 

The ZIF Expert Pool consists of experts from three different fields of competence: peace operations, humanitarian deployments, and election observation missions. Different application procedures, selection processes, and application deadlines apply for these three fields. Acceptance as an expert in one field of the ZIF Expert Pool does not automatically lead to acceptance in all three fields. However, it is possible to apply for several fields in separate procedures, i.e. it is possible to belong to several fields of the ZIF Expert Pool.

Depending on the type of assignment, the position, and the organization, the application may be reserved for members of the ZIF Expert Pool or for members of a specific field within the ZIF Expert Pool only. For example, only members of the ZIF Expert Pool of the field of competence “election observation” may apply for election observation assignments.  Please refer to the call for applications to see whether it is restricted to the ZIF Expert Pool or to a specific field of the ZIF Expert Pool.

As a member of the ZIF Expert Pool you get immediate access to current job postings with concrete application instructions and helpful tips. Furthermore, central contact persons within ZIF support you during your application, during the selection process, and also during your assignment. In addition, as a member of the ZIF Expert Pool, you can participate in preparation and specialization courses by ZIF and its national and international training partners at reduced rates. Access to our ZIF networks offers further opportunities for exchange.

Peace Operations

ZIF publishes so-called "seconded positions" in international organizations and their peace operations on its website. In Germany, ZIF is exclusively commissioned by the German Federal Foreign Office for nominations and secondments to these positions. As a member of the ZIF Expert Pool you have direct access to these vacancies. Due to the restricted circle of applicants, you have a higher chance of success. For positions that are also open to people outside the ZIF Expert Pool, ZIF Expert Pool members will be given preference if they have comparable qualifications.

Humanitarian Operations

ZIF is a member of the Standby Partnership (SBP) network and receives all calls for seconded positions in UN humanitarian operations. Only members of the ZIF Expert Pool in the field of humanitarian operations can apply for these positions through ZIF. The support provided by ZIF during the mission is a great added value for the applicants.

Election Observation Missions

Since its foundation, ZIF has been deploying (seconding) election observers on behalf of the German Federal Foreign Office. As a member of the ZIF Expert Pool for the field of election observation, you have exclusive access to tenders for short-term and long-term election observation positions for OSCE/ODIHR missions as well as to EU election observation tenders. The pre-selection of German election observers for these organizations is managed exclusively by ZIF.

We understand the ZIF Expert Pool as an active pool of applicants. We cannot guarantee placement in an assignment, but we pursue the constant goal of finding the right candidate for every position and every need. For this purpose, we require active pool members who are available for assignments as soon as they are accepted into the ZIF Expert Pool and who actively and regularly apply for vacancies. A secondment via ZIF is a building block of an (international) career path and can be relevant at different points in your career. We would be pleased if you keep us and your profile in ventus up to date regarding your availability and qualifications.

Different assignments require different qualifications and specific prerequisites. You should therefore only apply positions that correspond to your field of competence (peace operations | election observation | humanitarian deployments). Certain calls are also open to all fields. If you are interested in more than one type of mission, you can apply in separate procedures for the different fields of the ZIF Expert Pool.

For the field of election observation, an alternative application procedure for members of the ZIF Expert Pool applies. We provide information about the respective application procedure and application periods on our website and directly on ventus.

Our recommendation: If you are interested in applying for another field of competence, please do not hesitate to contact us! You will find your contact person on the respective application page.

More information on

- our application page for election observation missions

- our application page for peace operations

- our application page for humanitarian missions

We offer deployment opportunities in civilian roles in:

• Peace operation;
• Humanitarian operations ;
• Election observation missions . 

The duration of the assignments varies from approximately one week (short-term election observations), three to six months (humanitarian assignments), and at least one year to several years (peace operations).

The application is exclusively online. When the ZIF Expert Pool is opened, you will find the call for applications for the different mission areas or fields of competence of the ZIF Expert Pool at our vacancies as well as in the login area.

Peace Operations

For more information on the application process and on the job profiles currently sought in international peace operations, click here.

Humanitarian Operations

For more information on the application process for humanitarian operations and on the humanitarian profiles currently being sought, click here.

Election Observation Missions

For more information about applying for election observation missions, see here.

Application for Peace Operations

Your path to peace operations is via the ZIF Expert Pool and our job postings. Our job postings are primarily addressed to pre-selected and prepared members of the ZIF Expert Pool, but also open to external experts from outside the pool for certain postings. Information on this can be found in the respective job advertisement.

ZIF recruits for the peace operations Expert Pool on a regular basis, usually twice a year. We will inform you about the next application period on the ZIF website in overview of open vacancies and also on ventus.

Further information can be found here.

In order not to miss any pool openings or calls for applications, we recommend you set up a customized job and training alert on ventus.

Application for Humanitarian Operations

The application process for humanitarian assignments consists of two steps: In the first step, you complete the admission procedure for the ZIF Expert Pool for the field humanitarian operations. In the second step, you apply via ZIF for a specific position in a humanitarian mission.

You can become a member of the humanitarian field of ZIF Expert Pool by applying for one of the humanitarian profiles listed on the ZIF website. Applications are possible on a continuous basis. Requirements for the application include relevant technical expertise in a profile area and several years of experience in humanitarian contexts. Once you are a member of the ZIF Expert Pool, you will be granted access to the ZIF membership area and can apply to advertised positions in a humanitarian assignment.

Further information can be found here.

In order not to miss any pool openings or advertisements, we recommend that you set up a customizable job and training alert on ventus.

Applying for Election Observation Missions

The application process for election observation missions consists of two steps: In the first step, you complete the admission procedure for the ZIF Expert Pool for the competence field of election observation. In the second step, you apply via ZIF for a specific activity in an election observation mission.

We usually open the ZIF Expert Pool for the competence field of election observation once a year.  We will inform about the next application period in due course on the ZIF website in our overview of open vacancies and also on ventus.

In order not to miss any pool openings or calls for applications, we recommend that you set up a customizable job and training alert on ventus. Further information can be found here.

You will have to fulfill all mandatory application requirements to be included in the ZIF Expert Pool for one of the three fields of competence (peace operations, humanitarian operations, election observation operations). If you are not sure whether you meet the requirements, please feel free to contact us before applying.

Peace Operations

You apply for membership in the ZIF Expert Pool field of Peace Operations via a specific call for applications for the pool opening, published periodically on our website. Your application is submitted via ventus. All applications received will be reviewed on the basis of uniform selection criteria based on requirements coordinated with the host organizations and current needs for the ZIF Expert Pool. You can read our general application requirements here.

The application process includes the following steps:

1. ZIF-internal review of the online application;

2. competency-based interview (CBI);

3. submission of a police clearance certificate;

4. preparation courses (Comprehensive Core Course CCC, HEAT);

5. admission to the ZIF Expert Pool for the field peace operations.

For more information on the selection process for the ZIF Expert Pool field peace operations, click here.

Humanitarian Operations

You can become a member of the ZIF Expert Pool in the field of humanitarian operations by applying for one of the humanitarian profiles published on our website. Prerequisites for the application include relevant technical expertise in that profile area and several years of experience in humanitarian contexts. Your application is submitted via ventus. We review incoming applications on an ongoing basis.

The application process includes the following steps:

1. Preview of the online application;

2. preliminary interview;

3. competency-based interview (CBI);

4. reference check, police clearance certificate;

5. preparation courses (Humanitarian Briefing, HEAT);

6. admission to the ZIF Expert Pool for the field of humanitarian operations.

For more information on the selection process for the ZIF Expert Pool field of humanitarian operations, click here.

Election Observation Missions

You apply for inclusion in the ZIF Expert Pool in the field of election observation via a specific call for applications during a pool opening, published on our website. You submit your application via ventus. All applications received will be reviewed on the basis of uniform selection criteria based on requirements coordinated with OSCE/ODIHR and the EU. One of the requirements for your application is the completion of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation e-learning course. You can read our general application requirements here.

The application process includes the following steps:

1. internal review of the online application;

2. your submission of a police clearance certificate;

3.  preparatory course (ZIF course for Short-Term Observers STO);

Admission to the ZIF Expert Pool for the field peace operations. Detailed information on the selection process for the ZIF Expert Pool field of election observation can be found here.

Security clearances are conducted by the Federal Republic of Germany, represented by the Federal Ministry of the Interior. It is not a general requirement for applying to the ZIF Expert Pool, nor for positions in assignments. Nevertheless, a security clearance is required for some assignments in international organizations and their peacekeeping missions, and you must be willing to undergo the required screening.

Please be aware that a basic (police) clearance is mandatory for acceptance to the ZIF Expert Pool or before recruiting you directly for a position.

All job openings by the ZIF and Federal Foreign Office are published on the ZIF website, in the ZIF member area, or on ventus. We recommend that you set up a customizable job and training alert on ventus. This way, you will receive job postings according to your interests and areas of expertise conveniently via email. Depending on the type of assignment and position, we also approach members of the ZIF Expert Pool directly.

Peace Operations

The ZIF newsletter provides regular information on current vacancies.

Humanitarian Operations

In addition to the ZIF newsletter, humanitarian experts receive push messages on their smartphones in order to enable a response at short notice.

Election Observation Missions

Election observers can subscribe to the ZIF newsletter and receive news of vacancies through a short message via email.

Candidates for seconded positions in peace operations can only apply through a member or participating state of the organization conducting the operation. In Germany, this application is made through ZIF. The German Foreign Office commissions us to advertise and recruit for these positions. In case of successful selection by the organization, you will receive an employment contract from us and we will place you in the international organization.

For contracted positions, interested persons can apply directly to the respective organization and, if successful, will be contracted directly by the organization. The applicant's home country government is not involved in the selection process. The vast majority of positions in UN peacekeeping missions are contracted positions, in EU and OSCE missions it is about 30%. We are happy to support you in the application process for contracted positions advertised on our website.

Peace Operations

You can find out about the currently advertised positions in peace operations on our website and on ventus. Depending on the organization and the position, applications can be submitted directly through ventus or through the recruiting system of the host organization. In the job postings, you will find further information about the job, the application requirements and the recruitment procedure, as well as the application deadline.

Even if you apply directly through the recruiting system of the receiving organization, your application (for seconded positions) will first be received by ZIF. After the application deadline, ZIF, together with the German Federal Foreign Office, makes a pre-selection and proposes suitable candidates to the receiving organization. Only when you have been nominated for a position by ZIF in consultation with the Federal Foreign Office, i.e. proposed for a position, will the respective organization have access to your application documents.

In most cases, this is followed by a selection process with the receiving organization. In some cases, the selection process is already carried out by ZIF. We support you throughout the selection process.

Our tip: Set up an alert on ventus. This way, you will never miss a call for applications and will automatically receive an email when we publish new assignments suitable to your expertise.

Humanitarian Operations

As soon as you are a member of the ZIF Expert Pool, you will receive access to the ZIF membership area and can apply with us for advertised positions in humanitarian missions.

You can find the currently advertised positions on our website and on ventus. In the job postings, you will find further information about the job, the application requirements, as well as the application deadline. You apply directly via ventus for a position that suits your expertise.

Due to the short nomination period, it is important that you keep your CV and profile up to date in ventus. This way, we can quickly forward your profile to the receiving organizations when you indicate your interest.

We screen the applications continuously and nominate suitable candidates within 72 hours to the respective UN partner organization. If selected, they will invite you to a telephone interview as part of their own selection process.

Our tip: Set up an alert on ventus. Depending on your configuration, you will receive the latest calls for suitable applications directly in your email inbox (even on a daily basis, depending on your settings).

Election Observation Missions

Once you are a member of the ZIF Expert Pool, you will have access to the ZIF Member Area and can apply for positions as Short-Term Observer (STO) in an election observation mission. Once you have worked as an STO several times, you are welcome to apply as a Long-Term Observer (LTO).

Please find the currently advertised positions on our website and on ventus. Further information about the application requirements as well as the application deadline are in each advertisement. You can apply via ventus.

Our tip: Set up a daily alert for election monitoring on ventus! That way, you will never miss an announcement and will automatically receive an email when we publish new assignments. Since application deadlines range from 48 hours to a week, this can be very helpful.

You will receive more information about this in the preparation course.

Peace Operations

When applying for seconded positions in international peace operations, each organization has specific selection processes. The selection process is already begun by ZIF in some cases, but you will always go through a separate selection process with the host organization. ZIF proposes suitable candidates to the host organization ("nomination"). Candidates who are shortlisted complete an interview and, if necessary, an online test. Depending on the organization and position, the selection process may differ or include additional steps. After selection for a position, we will contact you immediately. Please note that the duration of the application process varies and may take several months. Therefore, please apply well in advance of a planned assignment.

Humanitarian Operations

If you apply for a humanitarian position advertised by ZIF, we will review your documents immediately. ZIF then proposes (“nominates”) suitable pool members to the respective UN partner organization.  The respective country office of our UN partner organization will review your application and, in some cases, invite you to a telephone interview. We will keep you informed about the process and, if your nomination is successful, ZIF and the UN partner will help you prepare your deployment. 

Election Observation Missions

In case of an application for an election observation mission, ZIF reviews all applications received and informs about acceptance or rejection by e-mail at short notice. For election observation missions with OSCE/ODIHR, ZIF makes the selection; For missions with the EU, ZIF proposes (“nominates”) suitable candidates to the EU and the EU then makes the final selection decision. You will receive more information about this in the preparation course and after each selection.

Secondment takes place on the basis of the Secondment Act (Sekundierungsgesetz, or “Act on the Regulation of Secondment Within the Framework of Civilian Crisis Prevention Operations”), in its revised version of 7 June 2017. Under this law, secondment contracts can be concluded through an employment or secondment contract between the secondee and ZIF. A contractual relationship between the secondee and the mission or receiving institution does not exist.

Peace Operations, Humanitarian Operations and Long-term Election Observation Missions

The secondment of civilian experts to peace operations, humanitarian operations and long-term election observation missions is based on a German employment contract, with ZIF as employer, which entails a salary and a comprehensive social insurance coverage.

Further information is available here.

Short-term Election Observation Missions

Short-term election observers receive special secondment contracts with ZIF and a corresponding expense allowance for their voluntary work that varies with the country of assignment.

Peace Operations

Employment contracts for secondments in peace operations are generally concluded for a period of twelve months, with the possibility of extension.

Humanitarian Operations

Employment contracts for humanitarian operations vary between three and twelve months.

Election Observation Missions

Short-term election observers with the OSCE/ODIHR receive a secondment contract of between seven and 14 days. Long-term election observers with the OSCE/ODIHR receive an employment contract of between four and eight weeks, depending on the mission’s requirements. In EU election observation missions, separate contracts are concluded between the EU and election observers, and not with ZIF.

The remuneration of experts in peace operations and humanitarian operations, as well as of long-term election observers, consists of (i) the basic salary, (ii) the foreign service allowance, in particular the foreign supplement (insofar as the statutory prerequisites are met) and (iii) the daily allowance, if applicable, paid by the receiving institution. In addition, there may be special payments and wage increases as part of the TVöD labour agreement. Short-term election observers receive an allowance for their voluntary work.

The base salary is determined by the TVöD Bund labour agreement. Within this framework, and based on your area of work, your vocational experience, as well as your education, training and qualifications, an expert committee will determine a salary group and level of experience from the TVöD or the salary ordinance (Entgeltordnung, EntgO). You will receive detailed information about this after you have been selected for a position.

If you are in an employment relationship and would like to take a temporary leave of absence for the secondment, please discuss this with your employer in a timely manner and involve him/her in the planning of your assignment. ZIF and the Federal Foreign Office have, in principle, no influence on your leave of absence or time off, but can under certain circumstances provide assistance. The final decision regarding your leave of absence lies with your employer.

Yes, they are covered in all areas of social security, in particular with regard to the risks of a foreign assignment. Further information is available in the protected ZIF members’ area, during the selection or preparation process and upon request.

Not automatically, but depending on the insurance company, it is possible to get family members co-insured under the framework contract at the expert’s own expense.

Already in the admission process for the ZIF Expert Pool, we prepare you for future assignments through participation in specialized training courses. We also welcome your regular participation in further training and specialization courses on your own initiative. We are happy to support you in these efforts by offering ZIF courses for members of the ZIF Expert Pool and enabling their participation in the training courses of our partner organizations.

Peace Operations and Humanitarian Operations

Upon selection, experts joining a peace operation or humanitarian operation are put in touch with colleagues that are already in the mission area. They also take part in an  “onboarding day” at ZIF for further preparation and to clarify any open questions. International organisations also offer specific pre-deployment training or briefings.

Election Observation Missions

In election observation missions, briefings are normally held over the course of several days, once personnel has arrived in the host country. 

Peace operations

For some EU and OSCE assignments, the Federal Foreign Office issues ZIF secondees a service ID if this is necessary for work. This does not entail any diplomatic rights.

Humanitarian operations and election observation missions

Election observers and humanitarian experts do not, as a rule, receive a service ID.

Whether or not you require a visa depends on your country of assignment as well as on the receiving organisation. We will naturally assist you in applying for your visa. The costs will be covered either by the receiving organisation or by ZIF.

Yes. Proof of your fitness for duty is provided to ZIF by means of a so-called G35 examination for “Foreign assignments under special climatic and health condition” (based on the principles of the German Statutory Accident Insurance, DGUV). ZIF covers the costs associated with the examination

Die Sicherheitsüberprüfung in Deutschland ist ein Verfahren zur Überprüfung einer Person, die mit einer sicherheitsempfindlichen Tätigkeit betraut werden soll. Sicherheitsüberprüfungen werden aus Gründen des Geheimschutzes und des Sabotageschutzes durchgeführt. Ziel ist es, staatliche Verschlusssachen und die Verschlusssachen von supranationalen und internationalen Organisationen zu schützen und mögliche Sicherheitsrisiken auszuschließen.

Für Sekundierungen auf Stellen mit sicherheitsempfindlicher Tätigkeit ist eine Sicherheitsunbedenklichkeitserklärung nach deutschem „Gesetz über die Voraussetzungen und das Verfahren von Sicherheitsüberprüfungen des Bundes und den Schutz von Verschlusssachen (Sicherheitsüberprüfungsgesetz - SÜG)“ notwendig. Die Höhe der geforderten Unbedenklichkeitserklärung gibt die aufnehmende Einrichtung bei Ausschreibung der Stelle bekannt.

Im Rahmen einer Sekundierung durch das ZIF ist das Team Sicherheitsmanagementoffice (SMO) die zuständige Ansprechstelle für sämtliche Belange, die das Thema SÜ tangieren. Zum Zweck der vollständigen Vorlage der individuellen Anträge zur Erlangung einer passenden SÜ bei der zuständigen Stelle – dem Geheimschutzreferat des Auswärtigen Amtes – übernimmt das ZIF die koordinierende Funktion im Beantragungsprozess . Im Bedarfsfall wenden Sie sich daher bitte an Stephan Bauer (s.bauer@zif-berlin.org) oder an den Organisationsbriefkasten des Team SMO (smo@zif-berlin.org).

Sofern Sie bereits zum Zeitpunkt des Bewerbungsprozesses über eine SÜ verfügen oder verfügt haben, bitten wir Sie dies entsprechend anzugeben und ggf. eine Kopie Ihrer Sicherheitsunbedenklichkeitserklärung beizulegen. Alternativ können Sie uns den Namen der ausstellenden Stelle mitteilen. Das ZIF Team SMO regt dann bei Bedarf eine Übergabe der Sicherheitsakten an das Auswärtige Amt an. Für den Fall, dass Sie über keine (aktuelle) SÜ verfügen, wird sich ZIF Team SMO nach erfolgreicher Nominierung mit Ihnen in Verbindung setzen und Ihnen die Formulare für eine Beantragung der SÜ zukommen lassen.

Das Votum, das sich aus der SÜ ergibt, trifft eine Aussage dazu, ob eine sekundierte Person mit einer sicherheitsempfindlichen Tätigkeit beauftragt werden kann oder nicht. Mitunter kann eine SÜ jedoch nicht durchgeführt werden, weil Verfahrenshindernisse vorliegen, die durch Ersatzmaßnahmen nicht aufgefangen werden können. Auch in diesen Fällen kann eine sekundierte Person nicht mit einer sicherheitsempfindlichen Tätigkeit betraut werden.

Verfahrenshindernisse entstehen, wenn z.B. im Überprüfungszeitraum einer SÜ – die bei Antragsstellung zurückliegenden 5 Jahre – längere Zeiträume in Staaten mit besonderem Sicherheitsrisiko (gem. „Staatenliste“ des SÜG) und/oder in Staaten verbracht wurden, in denen aus verschiedenen Gründen keine Abfrage der örtlichen Sicherheitsbehörden durchgeführt werden kann. Zwar können Referenzpersonen für diese Zeiträume befragt werden; als hinlängliche Ersatzmaßnahme für die Abfrage bei Sicherheitsbehörden kommt dieses Verfahren jedoch nur in Betracht, wenn damit nicht der überwiegende Zeitraum des 5-Jahres-Zeitfenster abgedeckt werden muss. Ähnliches gilt, wenn Sie ihren Wohnsitz in einen dieser Staaten verlegt haben oder die bei der Sicherheitsüberprüfung mitbetrachtete („mitbetroffene“) Person – die Ehegattin/der Ehegatte bzw. die Lebenspartnerin/der Lebenspartner – nicht hinreichend überprüft werden kann.

Wenn es zur Feststellung eines Verfahrenshindernisses kommt, kann dies zur Folge haben, dass die aufnehmende Einrichtung einen Arbeitsantritt oder Verbleib in der Mission ablehnt und das Aufnahme- sowie Arbeitsverhältnis zu Ihnen als sekundierte Person aufgehoben werden muss.

Durch eine Häufung von Auslandsaufenthalten in einer Vielzahl von Staaten, die Verlegung des Wohnsitzes oder auch durch die mitbetroffene Person kann die Durchführbarkeit einer Sicherheitsüberprüfung unmöglich werden (siehe oben „Verfahrenshindernisse“). Dies gilt auch, wenn die Auslandsaufenthalte durch Sekundierungen des ZIF entstanden sind. Daher empfiehlt es sich bei Interesse an einer Wahrnehmung von sicherheitsempfindlichen Tätigkeiten, die Verweildauer in diesen Staaten auf ein Minimum zu reduzieren (max. 2 Jahre in Folge) und zwischen diesen Verwendungen in EU-Staaten zu leben und tätig zu sein. Zudem muss stets bewusst sein, dass durch eine fortgesetzte Tätigkeit in diesen Staaten (oder durch den Aufenthalt der mitbetrachteten Person) die Wahrscheinlichkeit, dass eine Sicherheitsüberprüfung durchgeführt werden kann, drastisch reduziert wird und man perspektivisch nicht in sicherheitsempfindlichen Tätigkeiten eingesetzt werden kann.

Es obliegt daher der sekundierten (oder an einer Sekundierung interessierten) Person selbst, sich über die jeweiligen Voraussetzungen, insbesondere im Zusammenhang mit einer erforderlichen SÜ, vorab und regelmäßig zu informieren. Gerne können Sie sich bei Rück- oder Verständnisfragen zu diesem Thema an Stephan Bauer (S.Bauer@zif-berlin.org) oder an den Organisationsbriefkasten des Team SMO (smo@zif-berlin.org) wenden.

Als Sekundierte:r des ZIF sind Sie verpflichtet, Ihr persönliches Rexx-Profil immer auf dem aktuellsten Stand zu halten. Als Person, die in sicherheitsempfindlicher Tätigkeit eingesetzt werden möchte oder eingesetzt wird, sind sie insbesondere dazu verpflichtet, über Veränderungen in folgenden persönlichen Verhältnissen zu informieren:

• Änderungen des Namens, des Vornamens, des Wohnsitzes und der Staatsangehörigkeit,
• Beginn oder Ende einer Ehe, einer Lebenspartnerschaft oder einer auf Dauer angelegten Gemeinschaft.

Hilfreiche Hintergrundinformationen und weitere Hinweise zu Fundstellen im Netz finden Sie unter hier.

Das ZIF Team SMO steht Ihnen immer gern für Auskünfte zur Verfügung.

Unless covered by the receiving organisation, ZIF pays for the travel expenses to and from the place of deployment at the start and end of the secondment, in accordance with the Federal Travel Expenses Act (Bundesreisekostengesetz, BRKG).

That depends on the deployment.

Peace Operations

In general, all EU missions within the framework of the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) are “non-family missions” which do not allow family members to be present in the place of deployment. OSCE missions can be either non-family or family-missions, although the majority are family-missions.

In non-family missions, the mission is only responsible for its staff member’s safety and welfare, evacuation etc. Even where the presence of family members is not prohibited, the staff member assumes that responsibility at his/her own risk.

Humanitarian Operations

As a rule, humanitarian deployments are non-family missions, in which the mission only bears responsibility for the staff member’s safety and welfare, evacuation etc. Even where the presence of family members is not prohibited, the staff member assumes that responsibility at his/her own risk.

Peace Operations and Humanitarian Operations

In peace operations and humanitarian operations, experts are embedded in the security structure of the mission for the duration of deployment and will receive a special security briefing upon arrival. They can also contact the ZIF security team around the clock during deployment.

Election Observation Missions

Each election observation mission has at least one security expert, who acts as direct point of contact for the duration of deployment.

Peace Operations

Seconded personnel in peace operations are embedded in the structures of the receiving organisation or mission and are subject to the privileges and immunities that the international organisation has agreed with the host country.

Humanitarian Operations

Humanitarian experts are employees of ZIF for the duration of the deployment and “Experts on Mission” for the UN partner organisation. In all security-related matters, they are on equal footing with the other international employees of the partner organisation.

Election Observation Missions

Election observers do not enjoy special status. They are guests who are deployed in the country at the invitation of that government. In addition, they are accredited with the host country, which officially gives them the right to observe the elections.

Peace operations and humanitarian operations

In civilian peace operations and humanitarian operations, you are entitled to time off under the TVöD labor agreement, and if applicable under the regulations of the receiving organizations.
 

Election observation missions

Long-term election observers do not have the possibility of applying for time off during their assignment. This is paid as part of the salary.

The work as a short-term election observer is done on a voluntary basis. There is no entitlement to time off.

During deployment, ZIF offers a wide-ranging support package, including a central point of contact and mission visits, in some cases together with staff of the German Federal Foreign Office and other federal ministries. In many peace operations, ZIF also appoints a “civilian coordinator” who acts as a direct ZIF point of contact in the mission itself and as a liaison between ZIF, the Federal Foreign Office and the mission. The first point of contact for all disciplinary and operational questions (e.g. vacation, business trips etc.), remains the mission.

Depending on the country of deployment, you will automatically meet other ZIF experts. Other opportunities are mission visits by ZIF and the Federal Foreign Office, as well as networking events or trainings. Furthermore, the ZIF Expert Pool provides access to a network of over 1,400 people, some of whom meet regularly in ZIF networks in various regions.

In many peace operations, ZIF appoints a so-called “civilian coordinator” who acts as a direct ZIF contact person in the mission area. This person serves as a liaison between ZIF, the Federal Foreign Office and the mission. At the same time, they can provide assistance with practical questions on the ground. For questions regarding secondment, a responsible HR desk officer is your central contact person at ZIF. The first point of contact for all disciplinary and operational questions (e.g. vacation, business trips etc.), however, remains the chain of command within the mission.

Upon return, a debriefing/offboarding takes place by telephone or in person. Returnees can also undergo a post-deployment medical examination.

Yes. ZIF organises an annual meeting of returnees, which focuses on an exchange of experiences, stress management and professional next steps.

As part of the social security provisions under your employment contract with ZIF, you are entitled to unemployment benefits. However, a full claim to unemployment benefits following your deployment abroad exists only if you register as seeking work with the employment agency (Agentur für Arbeit) at least three months before the end of your secondment contract. You can contact the employment agency online or by phone. In addition, claims to unemployment benefits exist only if you are a resident of the Federal Republic of Germany.