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International Cooperation

Foreign Affairs, Development Cooperation, Cultural Exchange, International Organizations, Diplomacy

When actors meet at the national level, it is inherently political. The encounter involves social, economic, cultural, and psychological components, but it is negotiated politically. For this reason, political scientists have played an increasingly important role here in recent decades, alongside professionals from the historical, economic, and legal sciences. Those who have studied international politics, who can compare political and economic systems, who can assess the importance of education, culture, and economic development for global, international relations, have a good foundation for a successful career start. A life and educational path linked to international, intercultural experiences – from a year abroad in Australia to working for a Thai journalism association – can be helpful, but what is crucial is expertise in the factors that prevented World War III from breaking out during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Your career path may take you around the world, but it’s not unlikely that you will return to your home country’s political biotope after a few years.

• Inhalt ausklappen Inhalt einklappen Possible Tasks

   -In the context of foreign affairs, you represent the interests of e.g. German citizens abroad in dealings with the authorities of the host country, for example by issuing visas, certifying translations, handling family legal matters, and providing assistance in emergencies.
  -You handle staffing matters at the respective foreign mission, work with local chambers of commerce and industry, provide economic information, and support companies with issues in the host country.
  -You monitor and record your country’s development aid, coordinate efforts with the countries involved, and support and supervise development cooperation experts and their working groups.
  -You maintain contacts with the press in the host country, support German radio and TV teams, and contribute to reporting yourself through cooperation with the foreign press.
  -As a country desk officer, you support the political departments at the headquarters of the Federal Foreign Office.
  -You are involved 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 take on administrative tasks in projects: preparing reports or accounting, or filling out applications for funding.
  -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, business, and culture.
  -You assist staff regarding stays abroad, such as internships, volunteer services, and the long-term employment of skilled workers for a specific project. You conduct preparatory and intercultural training for these employees, and serve as the point of contact for questions and problems throughout the entire stay.
  -Abroad, you are the point of contact for the advancement of local education, such as projects for training and continuing education at businesses and schools. With your expertise, you also support political reforms in the education system.

• Inhalt ausklappen Inhalt einklappen Industries and Occupations

   -Headquarters of the Federal Foreign Office in Germany
  -German missions abroad worldwide, e.g. embassies, (general) consulates, branch offices and liaison offices; permanent representations to international organizations and the EU
  -Institutions and organizations involved in international development cooperation
  -Cultural institutions and (federal) foundations
  -Exchange organizations, federal volunteering organizations, and non-governmental organizations
  -Public sector administration

• Inhalt ausklappen Inhalt einklappen Job Boards and Professional Associations

   -Arbeiten im Auswärtigen Amt
  -nefia Netzwerk für internationale Aufgaben
  -Büro Führungskräfte zu Internationalen Organisationen (BFIO) der Bundesagentur für Arbeit
  -WiLa-Arbeitsmarkt
  -Plattform Zivile Konfliktbearbeitung
  -epo - Entwicklungspolitik online
  -Arbeitskreis Helfen und Lernen in Übersee e.V.
  -Centrum für internationale Migration und Entwicklung
  -Deutsche Gesellschaft für internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH - Stellenmarkt
  -Insitut für Internationale Zusammenarbeit des Deutschs Volkshochschulverbandes (dvv international)
  -Karriere beim Goethe-Institut
  -Stellenangebote beim DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst)
  -Pädagogischer Austauschdienst