We are hiring an ASA Young Professional: Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy

Over six months (April–October 2026), you’ll gain practical experience in international cooperation and citizen participation while working in two complementary settings: From April-July in Cologne, Germany and then from July-October in Gaborone, Botswana. The precise dates will be decided in coordination with the successful applicants, but should include participation at the Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy (5-10 October 2026).

Your tasks 

• Contribute to programme design for the 2026 Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy
• Research key themes and support workshop planning
• Coordinate inputs from international partners
• Work with Southern African civil society organisations, the media and local authorities
• Support the practical implementation of the event and attend the Global Forum

What the placement offers

• Hands-on experience in organising a major international democracy event
• Cross-cultural exchange and close cooperation with a peer from Botswana
• Insight into modern direct democracy and citizen participation
• A place within one of the funded scholarships offered each year by the BMZ

Requirements

• You are under 30
• You are German or live in Germany
• You have a good command of English
• You are currently enrolled at a university
• You are available for a full-time, on-site posting in Cologne (three months) and Gaborone (three months) between April and October 2026.

The stipend

Thanks to the ASA-Stipend, your stay abroad will be financially covered so that you can fully focus on the project. The stipend covers a flat-rate allowance for living and accommodation costs, a travel-cost allowance and health, liability and accident insurance.

• The monthly stipend depends on the location: For the phase in Germany (Cologne) you receive a monthly stipend of 855 Euro. For the phase in Gaborone is a (Capital, upper-middle-income (UM) country), you receive a monthly stipend of 900 Euro.
• A travel-cost allowance of up to 800 Euro (for a return ticket) is included.
• Please note that stipend details here are provided without liability and applicants should always rely on the official information published by the ASA programme on their website for the latest, correct info.

To take part, you must apply solely through the official ASA process. All details, requirements and deadlines are provided on the programme’s website.

🔗 Project description and application (before 20 January): https://asa.engagement-global.de/de/projekt/1113
🔗 General information on the ASA programme: https://asa.engagement-global.de/de/projektfinder 

Applications are only possible via the official ASA platform.