Preparing – Networking – Accompanying

Programme description

Title: Key Qualifications for International Cooperation
Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Country: Global
Overall term: 2022 to 2024

Context

Experts and managers in the partner countries of German international cooperation are having to deal with more and more challenging and complex assignments.  Experts going abroad increasingly need to expand their management and consultancy expertise and acquire new skills to meet the demands.  Above all, however, they require intercultural skills and an understanding of the conditions in the country of assignment to be able to work effectively.

Objective

Experts and managers operating in the field of international cooperation have a solid skills base, enabling them to meet expectations when carrying out their work in partner countries.

Approach

For many years now, the Academy for International Cooperation (AIZ) has been preparing individuals engaged in German development cooperation for assignments abroad. At the Academy, experts and managers from over 35 seconding organisations can participate in a broad range of training activities to prepare themselves for their foreign assignments.

The courses are conducted in German and English and include training in development policy, language skills, safety and management.  Particular emphasis is placed on reconciliation of work, family and private life. In addition to two specially designed courses, accompanying partners also have access to virtually the entire spectrum of training courses on offer.

Complementing the programme are individual tutoring, information and networking services, interactive learning stations, the services of the Media and Information Centre (MIA) and the Online Campus, a digital learning platform.

The in-person courses are held at the Kottenforst Campus in Bonn-Röttgen, an optimal learning environment. The project also offers several training courses online, allowing individuals to participate even after they have left the country. Participants can make use of up to 40 learning days in preparation for a foreign assignment and can attend the programme 6 months before and up to 24 months after departure.

Last update: September 2023