FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

The ZIF Expert Pool, established in 2002, allows ZIF to deploy (“second”) German civilian experts to three different types of mission: peace operations, election observation missions and humanitarian operations. It currently comprises well over 1,400 profiles of experts and senior-level staff from a wide spectrum of professional backgrounds.

Each of the three types of mission has a different application process, and applications are submitted for one type only. Being admitted as an expert for one type of mission does not automatically lead to admission to all three types.

Only members of our ZIF Expert Pool can be recruited, trained and seconded by ZIF. We only recruit outside the ZIF Expert Pool in exceptional cases, i.e. if there is special demand and/or if experts with extensive and/or specialised operational experience are needed

Members of the ZIF Expert Pool have exclusive access to current job openings with concrete application instructions and helpful tips.  

Peace Operations and Humanitarian Operations

In Germany, “seconded positions” in peace operations and humanitarian operations are only filled by ZIF, on behalf of the German Federal Foreign Office. ZIF provides a central point of contact and offers access to preparatory and specialised courses by ZIF and its international training partners, as well as access to our ZIF network. Further information on the ZIF Expert Pool is available here.

Election Observation Missions

Members of the ZIF Expert Pool for election observation have exclusive access to job openings for short-term and long-term positions in OSCE/ODIHR and EU election observation missions. The pre-selection of German election observers for these organisations is carried out exclusively by ZIF.

The ZIF Expert Pool is an active pool. Members are expected to actively apply to vacancies and be available for deployment at short notice, although placement cannot be guaranteed.

Different deployments require different qualifications and specific preparations. Members can only apply to vacancies that match their profile, i.e. peace operations, election observation or humanitarian operations.

ZIF deploys German civilian experts to the following types of mission:

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

The duration of deployment varies between approximately one week for short-term election observation, three to six months for humanitarian operations and several years (at least one year) for peace operations.

Note: To apply you must be a German national and application is only possible online.

Peace Operations

For more information about applying and the profiles currently sought for peace operations, see here.

Humanitarian Operations

For more information about applying for humanitarian operations and the profiles currently sought, see here.

Election Observation Missions

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

Applying for Peace Operations

The ZIF regularly recruits experts into the ZIF Expert Pool in order to be able to place pre-selected and trained experts quickly and targeted in international organizations and their peace operations. In recent years, we have recruited twice a year with a specific deadline, thus adding up to 50 new experts from a wide variety of profiles to the ZIF Expert Pool.

However, we would like to use the year 2021 to reform and digitally transform our recruiting. That is why we will not have a generic ZIF Expert Pool recruitment  this year, and rather recruit for position-specific job openings. Therefore, please apply for those vacancies on our website open to non-members of the ZIF Expert Pool.

Applying for Humanitarian Operations

Online application to become a member of the ZIF Expert Pool as a humanitarian expert is only possible during certain periods and only for the specific humanitarian profiles that are sought. Further information is available here.

Applying for Election Observation Missions

Online application to become a member of the ZIF Expert Pool for election observation missions is normally possible once a year. Further information is available here.

You must meet all application requirements to be included in the ZIF Expert Pool according to your application for one of the three types of missions (peace operations, humanitarian missions, election observation missions).

Peace Operations

German nationals who are interested in civilian positions in peace operations first apply for admission into our ZIF Expert Pool, by submitting an online application through the ZIF website, including a CV, cover letter and references. The application process then follows these steps:

1. Review of application
2. Consultation
3. Competency-Based Interview (CBI)
4. Basic course
5. Admission to the ZIF Expert Pool for the area of peace operations

Further information on the application process for peace operations is available here.

Humanitarian Operations

German nationals who are interested in humanitarian operations must first apply for admission into our ZIF Expert Pool, by submitting an online application through the ZIF database, including a CV, cover letter, a self-assessment and references. The application process then follows these steps:

1. Review of application materials
2. Consultation
3. Competency-Based Interview (CBI)
4. Basic course
5. Admission to the ZIF Expert Pool for the area of humanitarian operations

For more information, see here.

Election Observation Missions

Once a year, German nationals can apply to become a member of the ZIF Expert Pool for election observation, by submitting an online application through the ZIF database, including a CV, cover letter and references. The application process then follows these steps:

1. Review of application materials
2. Selection on the basis of the written application
3. Basic course
4. Admission to the ZIF Expert Pool for election observation missions

Detailed information on this process is available here.

Although it is not a general requirement for applying, a security check is required for certain deployments to international organisations. ZIF will send corresponding information to secondees in a timely manner.

All vacancies that are of interest to ZIF and the German Federal Foreign Office are published in the members’ area of the ZIF website and the ZIF newsletter. For certain positions, we contact 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 can only apply for seconded positions in peace operations through a member state of the organisation carrying out the operation. In Germany, the Federal Foreign Office has tasked ZIF with publishing vacancies  and recruiting German civilian experts for the respective positions. Once selected, ZIF provides the experts with an employment contract.

Candidates interested in contracted positions apply directly with the respective organisation. The applicant’s home country is not involved in the selection process. Such contracted positions make up the majority of positions in UN peace operations and around 30% of EU and OSCE operations.

Peace Operations

For civilian functions in international organisations and their peace operations, members of the ZIF Expert Pool submit their online application directly through the website or the application system of the respective organisation. Information on the application process can be found in the respective vacancy announcement.

Humanitarian Operations

Humanitarian experts are only required to express their interest in a particular vacancy by email. Because of the short period of nomination, ZIF sends the CVs of interested experts directly to the receiving organisation.

Election Observation Missions

Election observers apply online through ZIF to vacancies for short-term and long-term election observation missions of the OSCE/ODIHR and EU. Further information is available in the preparatory course.

Peace Operations

Each international organisation has a specific selection processes for seconded positions. Once nominated by ZIF, in coordination with the German Federal Foreign Office, the further process is determined by the respective organisation.

Humanitarian Operations

Humanitarian experts are nominated by ZIF and selected by the corresponding country office of ZIF’s partner organisation For humanitarian positions, speed is of the essence. The period of time between vacancy announcement and nomination is normally 72 hours at most, and between selection and deployment usually no more than two weeks.

Election Observation Missions

ZIF reviews all submitted applications for an election observation mission and informs candidates of the outcome by Email. Further information is available in the preparatory 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

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.