Biodiversity is the foundation for BioTrade value chains. Access and benefit-sharing (ABS) helps to ensure that these value chains contribute to conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, and socio-economic development. The BioInnovation Africa (BIA) project supports African-European business partnerships for biodiversity-based value chains that are based on high ethical, social, and environmental standards, including equitable benefit-sharing and the sustainable use of Africa’s genetic resources. For example, the BIA project strengthens stakeholder capacities in provider countries with regards to the valorisation of biodiversity, business development and ABS negotiation skills. The project also offers general advice on ABS contracts, supports the roll-out of national guidelines for benefit sharing, and facilitates various knowledge exchange formats and sector dialogues among others. The overall objective of the BIA project is to promote social-ecological change and reconcile environmental and socio-economic sustainability in Cameroon, Namibia, South Africa, and Madagascar.

As an intern for BioInnovation Africa, you will join a diverse and dynamic team and gain insights into the implementation of a globally operating project. Your tasks will bring you into contact with GIZ colleagues from other GIZ projects and with a wide variety of different stakeholders, such as with government representatives, private sector partners, and other value chain actors in Cameroon, Namibia, South Africa, and Madagascar. Your main tasks will include:

• Support of project communication and public relation measures (e. g., draft articles to report on project activities and events, website maintenance, social media)
• Support the development of a capacity development package (e. g., collect and revise training material, and support the dissemination of training modules)
• Support for project monitoring, reporting and evaluation (e. g., data collection and provision for project evaluation, and project documentation)
• Support with organisational tasks (e. g., support of appraisal missions, internal meetings and workshops, and knowledge exchange formats and other events for target groups and project beneficiaries)

• You are studying in the fourth semester or higher in the fields of agricultural, biological, geographical, economic, political or social sciences or related disciplines.
• You have a high technical affinity and a very good knowledge of the common MS Office programmes (especially Word, Excel and PowerPoint); experience with Typo-3 for website content management would be an asset.
• You have an interest in development policy and, particularly, in biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.
• You can quickly familiarise yourself with new tasks and are characterised by reliability, motivation, and commitment.
• You already have some experience in an (African) country or working in the field of international cooperation.
• Fluent in English and German (mandatory); French language proficiency would be a clear asset.

GIZ is a signatory of the Diversity Charter. Recognition, appreciation and inclusion of diversity in the company are important to us. All employees shall be valued – regardless of gender and gender identity, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, social background, age or sexual orientation.

Please be informed that you are only allowed to apply for this internship, if you are currently enrolled as a student or graduated not longer than six months ago from the start of your internship.

We pay a monthly stipend of €2.134,52 (gross).

We support equal opportunities and welcome applications from people with disabilities.

For further information, please contact Mr. Friedrich zur Heide (friedrich.zurheide@giz.de).