Intern in the Project “Enhancing Security Cooperation in and with Asia and the Indo-Pacific” (ESIWA+)

“We are a geopolitical actor with no hidden agenda, with a strong commitment to security based on international law and the United Nations Charter and we have a significant experience on conflict and crisis management. That's why I think we can offer a unique contribution to the security in the Indo-Pacific.”
HRVP Josep Borrell at Shangri-La Dialogue, June 2024

The European Union and the Indo-Pacific countries have a stake in each other’s prosperity and security. Their futures are inter-dependent and despite the geographical distance between Europe and the Indo-Pacific countries, the region’s importance for the EU has been growing over the last years. The EU and Indo-Pacific partners are confronted with an increasing number of complex and multidimensional security challenges: hotspots with increasing geo-political competition, territorial and maritime disputes, hybrid operations, such as malicious cyber activities, economic coercion, foreign information manipulation and interference/disinformation.

Aligned with the EU interests, policies, and strategic priorities, ESIWA+ is functioning as a flexible and demand driven modality focused on the development of specific activities in the framework of the implementation of the EU Indo-Pacific strategy and the EU Strategic Compass.

The Multi-Donor Action "Enhancing Security Cooperation in and with Asia and the Indo-Pacific (ESIWA+)” is jointly co-financed by the European Union, the German Federal Foreign Office and the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and implemented by GIZ and Expertise France. GIZ is leading the thematic areas of 1) Counterterrorism and Preventing/Countering Violent Extremism (CT-P/CVE) and 2) Crisis Management, Addressing Hybrid Threats.

The Objective of this Action is to contribute to enhancing the European Union’s security and defence cooperation in and with Asia and other Indo-Pacific partners. The intern will support the project team in achieving this objective by performing the tasks listed below.

What we offer:

• A unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in event management and project operations in a highly political and international context.
• Insight into the operational processes of EU- and German-funded projects and event management in a political context.
• Collaboration with an experienced, motivated, and collegial team.

This internship will provide you with a strong understanding of operational processes related to project management and event management in a highly political context. As part of the ESIWA+ team, your responsibilities will include the following:

• Event management: Assist the organisation and implementation of high-level activities (workshops, seminars, roundtable discussions) in the areas of CT-P/CVE and Crisis Management. This includes support in booking of international and national flights and hotels, support in procurement, drafting terms of reference, coordination with stakeholders including GIZ country offices and Expertise France, and any other related task (40%)
• Knowledge Management: Support the preparation, structuring and maintenance of project-related documents and resources. (25%)
• Meeting Coordination: Assist in the preparation, execution and monitoring of meetings, including notetaking and ensuring follow-up actions are tracked. (10%)
• Reporting: Contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of project activities. (10%)
• Communication: Support the production of visual and text-based communication materials including procurement of materials for events. (5%)
• Research: Conduct background research to support project activities, when required. (5%)
• Related tasks: Any other project relevant tasks as identified by the project management, when required (5%)

We are looking for candidates with the following qualifications and skills:

• Strong Interest in organising events with high-level attendees in a politically sensitive realm, working within security and defense affairs.
• University degree (bachelor’s degree or higher). For example, a degree in Business Management, Tourism Management, Public Administration, International Relations, Regional Studies or other relevant degrees are suitable.
• Relevant experience in project management, administrative and logistical tasks, or event management. Transferable organisational skills are also relevant.
• Prior international exposure through work, internships or studies in an international setting.
• Fluency in written and spoken English. Good knowledge (B1) of German is advantageous. Proficiency in a language spoken in ESIWA+ partner countries is a distinct asset.
• Confident use of MS Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word) and videoconferencing platforms (MS Teams, WebEx, etc.).
• Strong communication skills
• Experience with videoconferencing platforms (MS Teams, Zoom, WebEx, etc.)
• High level of professionalism, intercultural sensitivity and the ability to communicate with governmental stakeholders up to state secretary level.
• Adept organisational skills with an eye for detail and time management, taking a results-oriented approach to your work
• Proactive and highly motivated to work independently and within a tightknit, highly motivated team.

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 €2.349,- (gross).

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

For further information, please contact Ms Hohmann (luisa.hohmann@giz.de).