Intern (m/f/d) Digital Health - Interoperability and Standards

Our model for success is a better life for everyone and purposeful tasks for our employees. For more than 50 years, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), as a company of the German Federal Government, has been supporting the implementation of development policy goals worldwide. Together with partner organisations in 120 countries, we are involved in a diverse range of projects. If you want to make a difference in the world and develop yourself in the process, you've come to the right place.

 

  • Job-ID: V000062311
  • Location: Eschborn
  • Assignment period: 09/01/2025 - 02/28/2026
  • Field: Trainees
  • Type of employment: full-time
  • Application deadline: 07/21/2025

Job description

GIZ has launched the initiative ‘Digital Health in Africa - promoting interoperability for an African Data Market’. The project is being implemented in close collaboration with strategic African partners such as Smart Africa, Africa CDC, HELINA and countries to develop a framework for an African health data market. Through these partnerships, the project aims to foster engagement at government level, ensure buy-in from stakeholders in the digital health ecosystem and connect various initiatives that already support an interoperable digital infrastructure. In addition, the project will support the practical implementation of health information exchange (HIE) and the adoption of internationally recognised, mature data standards as a prerequisite for effective interoperability. In selected countries - Cameroon, Malawi, Rwanda and Senegal - concrete digital solutions will be implemented to demonstrate the value of interoperable health systems under real-life conditions. The solutions will also be tested in regional connectathons, which provide an opportunity for knowledge exchange and capacity development. Collaboration with Charité Berlin, European institutions and networks as well as the private sector is planned to promote African-European knowledge exchange, particularly related to the framework of the European Heath Data Space (EHDS).

Your tasks

  • Work on a daily basis with the management team of the project and support coordination of meetings, and follow ups, writing notes and co-create concepts with the team and partners
  • Conduct desk research on digital health interoperability frameworks, Smart Africa digital health blueprint and SATA, Africa CDC Health Information Policy Framework, Health data Governance Frameworks and standards and architecture (e.g. HL7 FHIR, openHIE, IHE, etc), the European Health Data Space (EHDS), and relevant communities and networks
  • Analyze and map digital health initiatives including HIE, across AU Member States, with a focus on Cameroon, Rwanda, Malawi and Senegal
  • Support knowledge management on the topic of Digital health through maintaining a structed document repository for internal and external use and contribute to knowledge-sharing
  • Assist in the coordination of activities in the respective countries and support technical content review and preparation
  • Support in the creation of communication materials including project factsheet, projects updates and progress and concept notes

Your profile

  • Master or Bachelor student in health informatics/digital health, software/computer engineer, information and communication technology or comparable courses of study
  • Strong interest in digital health, health system strengthening, or health data governance
  • Familiarity with: Health information systems (e.g., DHIS2, OpenMRS, SORMAS),
    Interoperability standards (e.g., HL7 FHIR, OpenHIE, WHO SMART Guidelines), terminology standards (SNOMED, LOINC, ICD) and the Framework of the European Health Data Space
  • Interest or experience in international/ development cooperation and good understanding of the social and political landscape in Africa
  • Proficient use of Microsoft Office and Communication Channels
  • Strong conceptual, analytical and networking skills in an intercultural context
  • Very good communication and event moderation skills
  • Business fluent in English, knowledge of German or French is an advantage

Notes

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 €2.205,04 (gross).

We support equal opportunities and welcome applications from people with disabilities

For further information, please contact  Ms Grosse Frie (kirstin.grosse-frie@giz.de) 

Job description

GIZ has launched the initiative ‘Digital Health in Africa - promoting interoperability for an African Data Market’. The project is being implemented in close collaboration with strategic African partners such as Smart Africa, Africa CDC, HELINA and countries to develop a framework for an African health data market. Through these partnerships, the project aims to foster engagement at government level, ensure buy-in from stakeholders in the digital health ecosystem and connect various initiatives that already support an interoperable digital infrastructure. In addition, the project will support the practical implementation of health information exchange (HIE) and the adoption of internationally recognised, mature data standards as a prerequisite for effective interoperability. In selected countries - Cameroon, Malawi, Rwanda and Senegal - concrete digital solutions will be implemented to demonstrate the value of interoperable health systems under real-life conditions. The solutions will also be tested in regional connectathons, which provide an opportunity for knowledge exchange and capacity development. Collaboration with Charité Berlin, European institutions and networks as well as the private sector is planned to promote African-European knowledge exchange, particularly related to the framework of the European Heath Data Space (EHDS).

Your tasks
  • Work on a daily basis with the management team of the project and support coordination of meetings, and follow ups, writing notes and co-create concepts with the team and partners
  • Conduct desk research on digital health interoperability frameworks, Smart Africa digital health blueprint and SATA, Africa CDC Health Information Policy Framework, Health data Governance Frameworks and standards and architecture (e.g. HL7 FHIR, openHIE, IHE, etc), the European Health Data Space (EHDS), and relevant communities and networks
  • Analyze and map digital health initiatives including HIE, across AU Member States, with a focus on Cameroon, Rwanda, Malawi and Senegal
  • Support knowledge management on the topic of Digital health through maintaining a structed document repository for internal and external use and contribute to knowledge-sharing
  • Assist in the coordination of activities in the respective countries and support technical content review and preparation
  • Support in the creation of communication materials including project factsheet, projects updates and progress and concept notes
Your profile
  • Master or Bachelor student in health informatics/digital health, software/computer engineer, information and communication technology or comparable courses of study
  • Strong interest in digital health, health system strengthening, or health data governance
  • Familiarity with: Health information systems (e.g., DHIS2, OpenMRS, SORMAS),
    Interoperability standards (e.g., HL7 FHIR, OpenHIE, WHO SMART Guidelines), terminology standards (SNOMED, LOINC, ICD) and the Framework of the European Health Data Space
  • Interest or experience in international/ development cooperation and good understanding of the social and political landscape in Africa
  • Proficient use of Microsoft Office and Communication Channels
  • Strong conceptual, analytical and networking skills in an intercultural context
  • Very good communication and event moderation skills
  • Business fluent in English, knowledge of German or French is an advantage
Notes

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 €2.205,04 (gross).

We support equal opportunities and welcome applications from people with disabilities

For further information, please contact  Ms Grosse Frie (kirstin.grosse-frie@giz.de) 

Our benefits