Development service

Development workers are experienced professionals who enter into a development worker service contract to spend a fixed period of time living and working in a country in the Global South. What is special about development worker contracts is that the professionals offer their skills in the spirit of solidarity and do not receive a customary salary.

What is development service?

  • Eine hölzerne Treppe führt einen grasbewachsenen Hügel hinauf. Das Gelände ist sanft geneigt, und ein Geländer begleitet die Treppe. Der Himmel ist nicht sichtbar, was die Aufmerksamkeit auf den Weg lenkt.
    The section outlines various professional development programs as well as opportunities to gain international experience on your way to a Development Service / Civil Peace Service.
    Find out which one is right for you
  • The “Professional Development Workers Guiding Principles” describes a common understanding of International Personnel Cooperation in accordance with the Development Workers Act.
    Learn more about our principles
  • What are the contractual terms and conditions of service? Andrea Berg, a member of AGdD’s working group on "Social Security and Development Workers’ Contracts" and a team leader at AGIAMONDO, has some answers.
    More about the contract details
  • Eine Gruppe von Frauen sitzt im Freien in einem großen Kreis, viele von ihnen in farbenfrohen traditionellen Gewändern. Im Hintergrund sind einfache Steinhäuser und eine malerische Berglandschaft mit schneebedeckten Gipfeln zu sehen. Die Szene vermittelt eine gemeinschaftliche Atmosphäre in einer abgelegenen ländlichen Umgebung.
    People have been sent under the Development Workers Act for half a century. During this time, the world has changed rapidly. In order for development service to continue to have an impact in the future, it must be constantly adapted to new circumstances.
    Learn more about solidarity
  • Eine Frau steht vor einem Bücherregal, das mit diversen Publikationen gefüllt ist.
    AGdD Executive Director Dr Gabi Waibel spoke with Professor Dr Claudia Warning, Head of Division 3 at the BMZ, about change, priorities and perspectives of development cooperation and the development service.
    Read the Interview
  • The German Development Workers Act came into force on 18 June 1969. Since then, over 30,000 professionals have left the country to perform development service.
    More about the DWA