Interns (m/f/d) in the programmes “Peaceful transhumance and development of the pastoral economy” and “Lake Chad Water Management”

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: V000064927
  • Location: Eschborn
  • Assignment period: 01.11.2026 - 30.04.2027
  • Job Category: Trainees
  • Working hours: full-time
  • Application deadline: 24.08.2026

Our Offer

The Lake Chad Basin is one of Africa’s largest transboundary basins. It covers nearly 2.4 million km², about 8% of the continent’s total area and is home to more than 50 million people. The basin supports livelihood and economic activities that heavily depend on the availability and sustainable management of shared transboundary water and natural resources. However, increasing pressures due to population growth, the impact of climate change and variability, the scarcity of natural resources, insecurity and displacement as well as the exacerbation of conflicts are threatening both ecosystem resilience and social cohesion. In cooperation with the Lake Chad Basin Commission, two complementary regional projects are being implemented in the Lake Chad Basin:
- The regional programme ‘Peaceful Transhumance and Development of the Pastoral Economy’ advises regional organisations on how to further develop and harmonise transhumance laws in Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria. In collaboration with local authorities and institutions, the programme implements measures aimed at the peaceful and inclusive management of transboundary transhumance at community level. Furthermore, the programme aims to protect households and herds from transboundary animal diseases and strengthen pastoral value chains to increase households' revenue and improve livelihoods. Last but not least, the project documents best practices and promotes the exchange of experiences across institutions and borders.
- The regional programme ‘Lake Chad Water Management’ supports the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) in managing sustainably and equitably the Lake Chad waters and other transboundary water resources of the conventional Basin. By strengthening the LCBC’s institutional capacity at the central level, the project supports the development, implementation, and operationalization of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) governance and steering tools of the LCBC Executive Secretariat. At the level of the transboundary sub-basins, the project sets up partner platforms as structured spaces for multi-stakeholder dialogue. At the local level, it aims to reinforce the capacities of local actors and develop integrated solutions for climate resilience and conflict prevention.

Your tasks

  • Support the implementation of the programme's various outputs, particularly communication activities
  • Support of the team by independently researching and drafting project documents (French, English, German), preparation of presentation materials and concept papers
  • Support of the team in the content and logistical preparation of (virtual) events and workshops
  • Contribute to the overview of the work produced in the programme, the documentation of products and support of the team members in the project countries
  • Knowledge management and monitoring/evaluation of project achievements

Your Profile

Both project teams are looking for a proactive, well-organised person who can work independently and as part of a team under pressure

  • You should have obtained at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science, resource management, rural development/agriculture, international relations, politics, or any other relevant subject
  • You should have gained knowledge and practical experience in sustainable resource management, pastoralism, rural development/agriculture, peace and social cohesion, or climate change adaptation
  • Ideally, you will already have some initial experience in development cooperation (through internships and/or volunteering) in developing and emerging countries
  • You are fluent in French and English, and knowledge of German would be an advantage
  • You demonstrate excellent communication skills in the above languages
  • You are confident in writing texts and preparing topics conceptually for different target groups (community stakeholders, the general public, a political audience, etc.)
  • You have excellent organisational skills and are accustomed to working independently with a focus on results

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 €2.349,- (gross).

We support equal opportunities and welcome applications from people with disabilities

For further information, please contact leonie.parnin@giz.de 

Our Offer

The Lake Chad Basin is one of Africa’s largest transboundary basins. It covers nearly 2.4 million km², about 8% of the continent’s total area and is home to more than 50 million people. The basin supports livelihood and economic activities that heavily depend on the availability and sustainable management of shared transboundary water and natural resources. However, increasing pressures due to population growth, the impact of climate change and variability, the scarcity of natural resources, insecurity and displacement as well as the exacerbation of conflicts are threatening both ecosystem resilience and social cohesion. In cooperation with the Lake Chad Basin Commission, two complementary regional projects are being implemented in the Lake Chad Basin:
- The regional programme ‘Peaceful Transhumance and Development of the Pastoral Economy’ advises regional organisations on how to further develop and harmonise transhumance laws in Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria. In collaboration with local authorities and institutions, the programme implements measures aimed at the peaceful and inclusive management of transboundary transhumance at community level. Furthermore, the programme aims to protect households and herds from transboundary animal diseases and strengthen pastoral value chains to increase households' revenue and improve livelihoods. Last but not least, the project documents best practices and promotes the exchange of experiences across institutions and borders.
- The regional programme ‘Lake Chad Water Management’ supports the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) in managing sustainably and equitably the Lake Chad waters and other transboundary water resources of the conventional Basin. By strengthening the LCBC’s institutional capacity at the central level, the project supports the development, implementation, and operationalization of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) governance and steering tools of the LCBC Executive Secretariat. At the level of the transboundary sub-basins, the project sets up partner platforms as structured spaces for multi-stakeholder dialogue. At the local level, it aims to reinforce the capacities of local actors and develop integrated solutions for climate resilience and conflict prevention.

Your tasks
  • Support the implementation of the programme's various outputs, particularly communication activities
  • Support of the team by independently researching and drafting project documents (French, English, German), preparation of presentation materials and concept papers
  • Support of the team in the content and logistical preparation of (virtual) events and workshops
  • Contribute to the overview of the work produced in the programme, the documentation of products and support of the team members in the project countries
  • Knowledge management and monitoring/evaluation of project achievements
Your Profile

Both project teams are looking for a proactive, well-organised person who can work independently and as part of a team under pressure

  • You should have obtained at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science, resource management, rural development/agriculture, international relations, politics, or any other relevant subject
  • You should have gained knowledge and practical experience in sustainable resource management, pastoralism, rural development/agriculture, peace and social cohesion, or climate change adaptation
  • Ideally, you will already have some initial experience in development cooperation (through internships and/or volunteering) in developing and emerging countries
  • You are fluent in French and English, and knowledge of German would be an advantage
  • You demonstrate excellent communication skills in the above languages
  • You are confident in writing texts and preparing topics conceptually for different target groups (community stakeholders, the general public, a political audience, etc.)
  • You have excellent organisational skills and are accustomed to working independently with a focus on results
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 €2.349,- (gross).

We support equal opportunities and welcome applications from people with disabilities

For further information, please contact leonie.parnin@giz.de 

Our benefits