ifa's Deployment Programme offers organisations of German minorities support in tasks and the opportunity to gain new experiences. Work stays in Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe and/or in a state of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) last between one and five years. ifa cultural managers and editors work on selected projects at the selected organisations and support them with their know-how. The aim of the Deployment Programme is to convey a modern and vibrant image of Germany and to strengthen local organisations in their cultural bridging function between minority and majority.
The programme is open to professionals from youth and cultural work, cultural management or journalism who want to support organisations of German minorities in Eastern Europe or the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). ifa is currently working with institutions, editorial offices and associations in the following countries: Czech Republic, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia and the Ukraine.
ifa pays the salaries of the employees as well as the cost of accommodation and a one-time moving allowance. A preparatory meeting in Germany, on-site employee meetings and business trips are also funded. Funds are also provided for projects that are jointly defined by employees and the organisation and which can be effectively changed or set up by sending staff from Germany within a limited period of time. During their placement, employees are employed by ifa. The employment is subject to social security contributions and begins on 1 September. The contracts are initially limited to one year; an extension of a maximum of five years is possible subject to funding.
The prerequisites are set according to the requirements of each organisation. The exact job profiles are listed in the individual job postings.
Those interested can only apply to the vacancies advertised. Incomplete applications, applications sent by email, applications submitted after the deadline or unsolicited applications will not be considered.
The call for applications is usually made between April and July for placement in September of the same year.
German minority organisations can apply to the Deployment Programme as host institutions. The prerequisite is that the respective institution has the necessary infrastructure and can define clear objectives for the temporary cooperation. The long-term placement of personnel or the assumption of permanent tasks (line functions) are not supported. Interested organisations may contact ifa by email at entsendung(at)ifa.de.
Minorities can mediate between cultures and provide impulses for the coexistence of different population groups – provided that the minorities are socially recognised, have a secure space to assert themselves and have access to appealing programmes. For this reason, they must be well positioned both institutionally and personally. The programmes for German Minorities support German minorities in Eastern Europe and in the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States in their role as civil society actors and bridge-builders. They thus promote a multifaceted, current and realistic image of Germany, contributing to the process of European integration and cultural relations within Europe and beyond.
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