Intern (m/f/d) for the GIZ CoM SSA Team in Brussels

The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) represents the regional chapter of the Global Covenant of Mayors (GCoM), the world’s largest alliance of over 13,000 cities and sub-national governments committed to ambitious climate action. Through CoM SSA, local authorities across Sub-Saharan Africa make voluntary political commitments to implement climate and energy strategies aligned with long-term goals for climate change mitigation, adaptation, and equitable access to sustainable energy. To date, over 380 cities in the region have joined the initiative.
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) supports CoM SSA through its current implementation phase (Phase IV), which aims to significantly scale the initiative’s impact by enhancing access to finance for climate-resilient urban infrastructure. GIZ works in close collaboration with selected CoM SSA cities to strengthen climate-resilient urban planning and to provide targeted technical assistance for infrastructure project preparation. This includes advisory services for financing, private-sector engagement, and the integration of inclusive, participatory planning approaches, particularly in energy transition, urban resilience, and adaptation to climate change.

We are seeking a motivated intern to join the GIZ CoM SSA team in Brussels and working closely with the Programme Coordination Unit. With a strong focus on research and knowledge generation, the role will contribute to advancing CoM SSA Phase IV objectives by producing evidence and insights related to climate finance and resource mobilisation, helping to inform strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and project preparation efforts.

You will carry out the following tasks during the internship:

• Support in conducting research and prepare analytical briefs on topics related to urban climate finance and infrastructure
• Assist in identifying and summarising available funding mechanisms (grants, concessional loans, blended finance etc.) for urban climate infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Assist in reviewing and categorising urban infrastructure projects supported by CoM SSA, particularly focusing on their readiness for funding (e. g., stage of development, financing gaps, alignment with donor criteria)
• Assist in organising meetings and preparing materials, talking points, and presentations
• Support in the organisation and documentation of meetings, including communication material
• Perform any other tasks as assigned by the supervisor or designee
• Act as a focal point for interns in the implementing countries and create exchange formats on joint tasks and work streams (communication, MS Teams management etc.)

• Currently enrolled in, or recently graduated (preferably from a Master’s programme) in a relevant field such as International Development, Communications, International Relations, Urban Development, or a related discipline; if recently graduated, the degree should have been completed no more than six months ago
• Strong writing, research and analysis skills
• Interest in growing project management and stakeholder coordination skills
• Attention to detail, with excellent office skills and experience using MS Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Initial experience in development cooperation and/or private sector is an advantage
• Interest in climate change and sustainable development and willingness to familiarise yourself with new topics
• High degree of responsiveness, self-organisation, and intercultural sensitivity
• Full professional proficiency in English; German or French is an asset; additional language skills are an advantage

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. Candidates must also hold a Belgian work permit, which in case of non-EU nationality must be uploaded when applying. GIZ will neither cover costs nor apply for work permits for internships.

We pay a monthly stipend of €1.350,- (gross). Please note that the contract will be concluded under Belgian law.

GIZ would like to increase the proportion of employees with disability, both in Germany and abroad. Applications from persons with disabilities are most welcome.

For further information, please contact Carolina Goradesky (comssa@giz.de).