Call for applications

The Refugee Advisory Board (GER-RAB) aims to anchor the participation of refugees in Germany's engagement with the international refugee system, particularly in the context of future German delegations at international and regional meetings on forced migration. At the World Refugee Forum 2023, the German government announced that it would establish such a body in Germany ‘to strengthen the representation of refugees in international forums’. The Refugee Advisory Board will consist of up to 12 representatives who will advise the Federal Government on issues such as national and global refugee policy.

The role of the RAB-GER is to enable people with personal experience of displacement in Germany to participate effectively and meaningfully in the development of policies and measures that affect the lives of refugees. The GER-RAB aims to ensure that the interests, perspectives and knowledge of refugees are incorporated into the strategic direction and policies on regional and international refugee issues. The GER-RAB provides a space for refugee communities, groups and organizations to work together to represent themselves and advocate for their interests.

We are looking for applicants who would like to work for the interests of refugees in Germany in the GER-RAB. Board members are initially appointed for two years. Board members will receive an expense allowance for their work as well as appropriate training and support programmes. The secretariat of the board, based at bicc and funded by the Robert Bosch Stiftung, supports the board members in their work.

Application procedure

Please read the application requirements and selection criteria listed below carefully. A selection committee independent of the German government and representing different stakeholders (civil society, including refugee-led organisations, academia, private sector and a person with lived experience of forced displacement) will evaluate the applications.

Do you have any questions about the selection criteria or the application process? Send an email with your questions to GER-RAB@bicc.de or make an appointment for a personal interview.

Send your CV, letters of recommendation and personal statement to GER-RAB@bicc.de by Monday, 9 September 2024, stating your full name. Successful candidates will be invited for an interview during the week of 23 - 27 September 2024.

Selection criteria GER-RAB

•     Candidates have been granted refugee status, applied for asylum or experienced displacement;
•     Proven leadership experience in a refugee-led or refugee-serving organisation in Germany;
•     Demonstrated engagement in global refugee policy discussions and refugee networks;
•     Contribution to the thematic expertise of the Refugee Advisory Board, e.g. expertise in gender, education, economic integration, protection, resettlement, etc.;
•     Contribution to the demographic and regional diversity of the GER-RAB;
•     Proven ability to work in German and English;
•     Willingness to contribute at least five hours per month to the work of the Refugee Advisory Board over a period of 24 months.

Application documents

•     Curriculum Vitae
•     Two letters of recommendation, relating to the following:  
  •     The applicant's ability to fulfill the Network’s mission;
  •     How the applicant meets the selection criteria;
  •     Why the applicant is suitable for the Refugee Advisory Network.  
•     Personal statement (max. 500 words) describing:
  •     How you meet the criteria;
  •     What you hope to gain from the GER-RAB;
  •     What contribution you hope to make to the GER-RAB;
  •     How you will represent and be accountable to the refugee communities.

Send the application requirements in German or English in one document in Word- and/or PDF format to GER-RAB@bicc.de by 9 September 2024.

PDF Download: German

PDF Download: English

The Refugee Advisory Board Network: 

bicc, Robert Bosch Stiftung, R-Seat