Frequently asked questions

Requirements

What is Team works! Young Expert Exchange for Sustainable Development?

Team works! enables young experts to undertake a four-week assignment in an African country in, for example, a small or medium enterprise, welfare/healthcare facility or public administration body. The Senior Experten Service (SES) is responsible for managing the Team works! in Africa programme and supplies an experienced expert to form a tandem with a young expert from Germany.

Who can take part?

The programme is aimed at young people who are training in a skilled trade or have recently finished doing so. It is open to young people between 18 and 30 years of age who are at the end of their training or just beginning working life. More specifically, participants must be at least in their third year of training or have initial work experience of relevance to the assignment in question. In Team works! in Africa, a young expert from Germany accompanies an SES expert on an assignment in an African country. SES expert assignments usually last between 15 working days and six months. The young expert can support the SES assignment for three to six weeks.

Can I take part in the programme if I have a disability or impairment?

Yes. Contact us for advice on possibilities for inclusive assignments.

Getting in touch

In which African countries can assignments take place?

Team works! in Africa assignments are only carried out in countries where the security situation is safe.

The exact countries depend on where our partner SES has assignment openings. SES expert assignments are always on a voluntary basis, in the country concerned and only by request.

Costs, welfare benefits and insurance cover

What costs are covered for me?

The AGYO covers the main costs of your participation in Team works!, particularly flights, accommodation, meals and any preparatory seminars you attend.

Does my employer have to pay anything for my assignment?

Employers looking to send a young expert on an assignment to an African country with Team works! do not incur any costs. They can only benefit from your few weeks away and the international experience you gain through Team works! So, with the added value you’ll bring to your workplace at home, your employer has every reason to support your assignment with Team works! in Africa.

Are young professionals from Germany entitled to unemployment benefits?

During the assignment, you may not be entitled to unemployment benefits. If you are registered as unemployed, you will receive a confirmation of your planned assignment from SES, which you can use to contact your employment agency. They will decide whether you are still entitled to unemployment benefits. Please contact your employment agency for further information.

What insurance cover will I have?

During your assignment, you will have the following insurance cover: international health, liability, luggage, repatriation and accident insurance. For participants working in healthcare, professional indemnity insurance is also included. You must clarify in advance with your health and long-term care insurance company whether your health and long-term care insurance cover in Germany can be maintained during your assignment abroad.

Can I get help with the visa application process?

All participants on AGYO projects need a valid visa for the duration of their stay in the partner country. The SES will apply for the necessary visa for you.

What safety and security measures are taken?

The travel warnings issued by Germany’s Federal Foreign Office play a pivotal role in deciding whether a Team works! assignment can go ahead. In the countries of assignment, we only work with carefully selected, experienced partners. In addition, all German participants should register in the Federal Foreign Office’s crisis preparedness list (ELEFAND list).

For more information, see:

Registration, selection and preparation

Who can take part?

The programme is aimed at young people who are training in a skilled trade or have recently finished doing so. It is open to young people between 18 and 30 years of age who are at the end of their training or just beginning working life. More specifically, participants must be at least in their third year of training or have initial work experience of relevance to the assignment in question. In Team works! in Africa, a young expert from Germany accompanies an SES expert on an assignment in an African country. SES expert assignments usually last between 15 working days and six months. The young expert can support the SES assignment for three to six weeks.

Where can I register for Team works! in Africa?

German citizens and persons who have a permanent right of residence and whose long-term place of residence is in Germany should use the registration form to apply. The SES will check your registration details against its planned assignments and contact you directly as soon as there is something suitable. Please bear in mind, however, that there is no guarantee of an assignment being found for you.

To the registration form

Are there any deadlines for registration?

Registration in the SES database is possible at any time; there are no deadlines.

To the registration form

Yes. Your employer will have to grant you leave for the duration of your assignment.

What preparation do I receive for my assignment?

You join your tandem partner for a two-day preparatory meeting. You will need to consider how you want to work together as a team, what your tasks at the place of assignment will be and which Sustainable Development Goal you will be focusing on. SES is always on hand to answer questions and also provides practical information concerning your stay.

Does my employer have to grant me leave to prepare?

Young experts from Germany usually have to take time off work in order to attend the preparatory and post-assignment seminars. In principle, your employer can grant you leave. In some federal states, you can have your time at the seminar recognised as educational leave. The SES will be happy to advise you if you have any questions.

How can my enterprise/organisation get involved?

Easy - if you’re interested in hosting a young expert or sending a young expert on an assignment, get in touch with us. Together, we can explore the options available.

Getting in touch

Your assignment

How long does the assignment last?

Assignments can last between three and six weeks. The aim is to plan assignments so that they run for around four weeks.

In what form are the conditions of the assignment agreed on?

In Team works! in Africa, the host enterprise in the African country usually makes a request for a follow-up assignment to an SES expert they know from previous assignments. The enterprise then signs an assignment agreement with the SES, which includes a description of both sides’ duties. A second agreement is also signed with the SES, covering the young expert’s involvement. The SES defines your tasks and the objectives of the assignment in consultation with you, your SES tandem partner and the enterprise in the African country.

Where can I be sent on assignment?

The SES mainly works with small or medium enterprises from all sectors, welfare/healthcare facilities and public administration bodies in African countries. Thanks to its extensive network, the organisation can draw on its traditional volunteering programme to identify suitable enterprises in Africa that would be interested in hosting a young expert in addition to the experienced SES expert. The SES always ensures a good match between the topic of the assignment and your expertise and knowledge.

What support is available to me at my place of assignment?

In Team works! in Africa, there are lots of people available to support you. Your tandem partner has local knowledge and is your main point of contact. Your colleagues in the host enterprise are also there for you and the SES team in Bonn can help if you have any questions or problems.

Where do I live during my assignment?

You will always live near your host enterprise. As far as possible, tandem partners are accommodated in the same building so that there is always a chance for a chat after work.

What happens if I fall ill during my assignment?

If you fall ill during your assignment, you should seek treatment locally. If that is not possible or there are complications, the SES will arrange help. In the event of an emergency, arrangements will be made for you to return to Germany. This does not result in any costs for participants as emergencies are included in the Team works! insurance cover. You should provide your health insurer in Germany with exact details of your stay abroad to ensure you have continuous cover.

What should I do with my flat whilst I’m abroad?

If you already rent your own flat, one option would be to sublet it during your assignment with Team works! The programme cannot pay your rent.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

Getting in touch

Back in Germany

Will I receive a certificate of participation?

Yes, every young expert receives a certificate of participation at the end of their assignment.

How can I continue my involvement after the assignment?

By participating in Team works! in Africa, you will discover that each and every individual can have an impact. You can draw on this experience and your new friends and contacts to continue your involvement after the assignment. We can support you through our active alumni and networking activities and information about further funding possibilities. If you want to ask us something, feel free to use the contact form or contact Engagement Global’s Advisory and Networking Office for Development Activities for more detailed advice.

AGYO contact form

To the Advisory and Networking Office for Development Activities