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Development Cooperation

Poverty Reduction; Education, Nutrition, and Health Programs; Infrastructure and (Re)construction Programs, Migration

In all fields of international cooperation (humanitarian aid, development policy, economic and technical cooperation, advocacy, health care, educational and cultural exchange), “development” is the domain of professionals from the social sciences. What’s the situation on the ground? How is the situation developing? What potential can be tapped? What obstacles or risks exist? While in earlier years “development aid” tended to be deficit-oriented and paternalistic, the participatory, anti-discriminatory, and anti-racist approaches of modern sociology are giving rise to new forms of developing, unfolding cooperation. An interest in field research is helpful, and experience abroad and intercultural competence are crucial. Internships at smaller local NGOs, traineeships at larger organizations, and targeted continuing education and training in international project management enable a successful career path “around the globe.”

  • Possible Tasks

    -You participate in projects in developing countries or crisis regions that aim to improve the living conditions of local people. 
    -You develop measures and coordinate them with the participating countries and institutions, and support and supervise development cooperation experts and their working groups. You observe, record, and evaluate development policy measures. Based on your analyses, you create recommendations for action to support social and economic development.
    -You take on administrative tasks in projects, prepare reports, perform funding accounting, and fill out grant applications.
    -You participate in various international projects run by governmental and non-governmental organizations that aim to address and transform social, political, economic, and legal conflicts. You analyze conflicts, advise the parties involved, or conduct educational work to prevent crises.
    -You advise local organizations and/or public institutions on establishing conflict resolution processes, build a pool of mediators, and train or further educate administrative staff.
    -You maintain contacts at home and abroad, establish a network of partners, take on diplomatic tasks (including non-governmental), and act as a mediator between stakeholders from the fields of politics, (civil) society, and business.
    -You advise on the establishment of small businesses, impart knowledge on the extraction and processing of local materials, or train administrative staff.
    -You may also work in urban and spatial planning or in the advancement of women.

  • Industries and Occupations

    -International organizations for disaster control and disaster relief (Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe, Caritas International, International Committee of the -Red Cross, Action Against Hunger, Welthungerhilfe, Brot für die Welt, etc.)
    -NGOs and institutions in the field of development cooperation (Engagement Global, German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ)
    -Government agencies and public sector administration, regional and international government institutions (EU, Council of Europe, UN, OSCE, ASEAN, Mercosur, etc.)

  • Job Boards and Professional Associations

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