[The Senior Expert Service in West Germany]

Area of Science:

• Development Economics
• International Cooperation
• Public Administration

Context:

• Established by the Federal Republic of Germany in January 1983.
• Aims to leverage expertise of retired professionals for global development.
• Focuses on Third World countries requiring specialized skills.

Purpose:

• To strengthen economies in developing nations.
• To foster industrial development, particularly in small and medium enterprises.
• To provide short-term, unremunerated advisory services across various development aid sectors.

Summary:

• The Senior Expert Service (SES) recruits qualified German retirees with foreign language skills for advisory roles.
• Experts undertake clearly defined, short-term missions (2 weeks to 3 months) in developing countries.
• Projects are supported by German representatives abroad, with host countries providing accommodation and expenses.

Impact:

• Successfully completed 11 missions by August 1983, with 90 projects planned through 1985.
• Enhances economic growth and industrial capacity in recipient countries.
• Promotes positive social attitudes towards retired professionals and encourages senior engagement.