Context
As the mandate of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) ended in December 2014 and the short-term follow up mission ‘Resolute Support’ also nears completion, the long-standing employment of national staff in Afghanistan by a number of German ministries is also ending. Because of their association with international donors, some members of the national staff may be exposed to a heightened safety risk. The German Government has therefore granted them the option of receiving work and residence permits for Germany. It is also aware of its special responsibility to those employees who remain in Afghanistan and supports their reintegration into the Afghan labour market with a range of training measures. This will increase their employability as well as their chances of succeeding in self-employment.
Objectives
The national staff of the German ministries in Afghanistan have increased their employability or their chance of self-employment. The Afghan personnel are able to continue earning a living after the end of their employment with the German ministries.
Approach
On behalf of the German Federal Foreign Office (AA) and the Federal Ministry of Defence (BMVg), GIZ is supporting the national staff of German ministries working in Afghanistan in strengthening their competence profile. The German Government finances the advisory services and training measures through its Training and Education Fund. Experts advise the national staff on their eligibility for the support as well as on the choice of suitable training programmes and educational institutions. By assessing the training providers and cooperating with them closely, the project ensures the quality of the education measures and prevents the misuse of funds.
The project works with training providers in Kabul and the northern provinces. These are mainly private universities, professional training enterprises and commercial and technical training centres.
Results achieved so far
Some of the Afghan staff members have already taken the opportunity to improve their skills and education during their employment, visiting evening classes or studying on their days off. However, most national staff can only begin further education after their contract has ended. To date, more than 1,000 consultations have taken place. In all, some 240 people have applied for training, 95 are now studying and receive a scholarship, five have entered into vocational training, and eight are now involved in an IT, language or literacy course. Six other people have already completed a university degree.
The networks formed at universities and other educational institutions have also further improved the employment prospects of the staff.
The Training and Education Fund is a sign of the German Government’s commitment to maintaining its civic engagement in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of the German ISAF personnel.