The term ‘diaspora experts’ is used for well-qualified and skilled people with a migration background who wish to support their country of origin by putting their expertise to good use as volunteers. As a diaspora expert, you will pass on your knowledge and skills through short-term assignments in development projects involving local organisations. This is a great way to support development in your country of origin while achieving a sense of personal fulfilment.

CIM’s recruitment role

The Centre for International Migration and Development (CIM) supports short-term assignments of experts in volunteer roles. It will put you in touch with suitable organisations that are interested in your skills – unless, of course, you already have such an organisation in mind. Support is available for assignments lasting between three weeks and six months with state institutions or public-benefit organisations such as administrative bodies at various levels of government, academic institutions, chambers of commerce, associations and non-governmental organisations. The programme is open to people from a wide range of careers and sectors, including managers, financial advisors, organisational developers, engineers, legal specialists, doctors, vehicle mechanics, skilled manual workers and health care professionals. Of course, in order to qualify for support, the assignment must have a development focus.

Surafel Mengistu trained as a nurse in Germany. His desire to help others led him to volunteer in his native country, Ethiopia, where he applies his expertise at a nursing home of the Macadonias Humanitarian Association.  

Apply now or request support funding

Please note that due to the corona pandemic, assignments as diaspora expert are only possible to a limited extent and not possible in all countries. We would like to encourage you to apply anyway and ask for your patience.

If you would like to volunteer as a diaspora expert in your country of origin, you have two options:

1. You can apply for an opportunity advertised on our ‘Job opportunities’ page, and CIM will place you with a local institution. We will provide individual advice, financial assistance towards your expenses during the assignment, a basic insurance package, paid travel expenses and reimbursement of equipment costs.

2. Alternatively, if you have already identified an institution that is interested in your know-how, you can apply for the support funding we offer.

3. You have questions or would like to get information.