Last updated in July 2002
Introduction
The Center for International Peace Operations (ZIF) prepares civilian personnel for service with international peace missions under the auspices of the United Nations (UN), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the European Union (EU) or for deployments as election monitors. The courses offered by the ZIF are designed to prepare people specifically for such assignments and not as some form of post-graduate or vocational training.
The ZIF training courses are intended to provide all-round preparation for service with peace missions and to build up a pool of the kind of expertise that is in particularly high demand for such missions. While successful completion of such a course will be an advantage to anyone applying to serve with international organizations in this capacity, applicants should be aware this does not guarantee any automatic deployment on missions under UN, OSCE or EU auspices.
Course content
The courses are held in English and cover the following aspects: structure and mandate of international organizations such as the UN, OSCE, EU, etc.; analysis of past and ongoing conflicts; structure, leadership and functions of international peace missions; background information on different countries and regions; the daily work of peace missions; intercultural communication; conducting negotiations; how to behave in dangerous situations (e.g. hostage-taking, armed attack, mined areas); how to use walkie-talkies; how to drive cross-country vehicles; how to cope with stress; how gender issues affect missions' daily work.
Target group
The courses are aimed at people with the kind of expertise required for inclusion in the ZIF's personnel pool and hence possible service with an international peace mission. We are particularly interested in people with considerable experience in the following areas:
- administration of justice
- government administration
- associations
- police
- economic and environmental issues
- human rights
- press and public relations work
- print and radio media
- organization and conduct of elections
- political analysis and monitoring
- civilian-military cooperation
- general administration (information technology, human resources management, budget management, procurement, logistics, transport management).
Requirements
To be accepted for a course, applicants must have:
- completed vocational training or a university degree
- several years of professional experience
- very good knowledge of English
- a mature personality (preferred age over 30)
- the desire and ability to work in an international team
- very good health and ability to cope with physical and mental stress
- a driving-licence (motor cars).
Desirable additional qualifications:
- relevant work experience in an international organization
- experience of conflict regions
- proficiency in a language of relevance to possible deployments (e.g. Russian, Arabic).
How to apply
To apply for a course, please send us the following documents:
- completed application form for training courses in 2002
- photocopy of your passport
- qualifications, references and other documents testifying to your credentials
at the address given below:
Zentrum für Internationale Friedenseinsätze (ZIF)
Einheit Training c/o Auswärtiges Amt / Ref. 203, 11013 Berlin.
While we greatly welcome interest in our courses, owing to limited capacity (20 participants per course) we cannot guarantee everyone a place. Applications must be received no later than six weeks before the course is due to begin; later applications cannot be considered.
On receipt of your application the ZIF will notify you accordingly. Those awarded places on the course will be notified some four weeks before the course is due to begin. Until such time we would be grateful if you would refrain from any telephone inquiries in this connection.
Unsuccessful applicants will be subsequently notified in writing.
Course cost and location
The courses will generally take place either in Bonn or Berlin but may also be held elsewhere. There are no course fees. However, depending on location, participants will be charged a flat rate for board and accommodation not exceeding EURO 300. Travel expenses cannot be reimbursed.
For courses held in the Foreign Office's own Training Centre in Bonn, the accommodation charge is EURO 120 and low-price meals are available in the canteen.
Contact points
The following people will be happy to answer your inquiries:
Markus Postert, Head of Training Phone: 0049-(0)1888/17 4967 Email: Markus.Postert@zif-berlin.org
Dorlies Sanftenberg, Training desk officer Phone: 0049-(0)1888/17 7586 Email: Dorlies.Sanftenberg@zif-berlin.org