Categories: Vacancies, May 2026

Digital Governance and Innovation Intern

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Organization: GIZ

Deadline: 20 January 2025

Job Description

Digital Governance and Innovation Intern

GIZ- External Vacancy Announcement ‘#003/2025

GIZ African Union

Contract end date: 31/08/2025

Application deadline: January 20, 2025

Duty station: Addis Ababa

About GIZ

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a global service provider in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development dedicated to shaping a future worth living around the world. As a public-benefit federal enterprise, GIZ supports the German Government – in particular the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) – and many public and private sector clients in achieving their objectives in international cooperation in around 120 countries.

About GIZ African Union

Since 2004, GIZ has been a reliable and trusted partner of the African Union (AU) to enhance inclusive growth and sustainable development on the African continent in line with the AU’s Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. With more than 200 staff, GIZ African Union cooperates with the AU Commission, as well as the AU’s specialised institutions and agencies, such as the Development Agency AUDA-NEPAD, at continental, regional and national level in more than 35 member states. Key areas of engagement include Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention, Governance and Migration, Sustainable Economic Growth and Employment, as well as Health and Social Development.

About GIZ DataCipation

The German Government, through the GIZ Programme DataCipation support the African Union Commission in the implementation of its Digital Transformation Strategy. The GIZ DataCipation provides technical assistance to foster scalable sector-neutral innovative products, processes, systems aimed at influencing policy making and promoting good governance in the context of the Digital Transformation Strategy. These initiatives are implemented in close cooperation with respective Directorates in the AUC as well as relevant stakeholder of the digital and innovation ecosystem of the African continent. Amongst these successful initiatives are the AU Civic Tech Fund, AU Digital and Innovation Fellowship, and the AU Innovation Lab.

For the continuous close cooperation with the AU Commission on scalable innovative products, GIZ seeks to hire a suitable intern on Digital Governance and Innovation.

Responsibilities and Duties

Research and Analysis

Conduct research on digital governance trends, innovations, and best practices relevant to the African context.
Analyze policies, reports, and data related to the AU’s Digital Transformation Strategy and provide actionable insights.
Monitor and document emerging technologies and their potential applications in governance and public administration.

2. Support for Ongoing Projects

Assist in the implementation of key initiatives like the AU Civic Tech Fund, AU Digital and Innovation Fellowship, and AU Innovation Lab.
Assist in the coordination with respective AUC Directorates and stakeholders to ensure smooth project execution.

3. Capacity Building

Assist in the preparation and organization of capacity-building initiatives.
Assist with the coordination of events and related activities.
Assist in organizing stakeholder meetings and engagements.

5. Communication and Documentation

Document case studies and success stories to communicate progress and impact.
Assist in drafting communication materials for newsletters, social media posts, and blog articles, to raise awareness about ongoing initiatives.

6. Innovation and Tool Development

Contribute creative ideas in the co-creation of innovative digital governance tools and platforms.

About You

Required qualifications, competences, and experience

Qualifications

A degree in Political Science, International Relations, Information Technology, or a related field.
Strong interest in digital governance, innovation, and public administration.
Excellent research, analytical, and communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with digital tools and platforms.

Professional experience

Exposure to project management, especially in digital innovation or governance projects.
Experience assisting in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of projects or initiatives.
Experience working in a multicultural environment, preferably with international organizations.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with experience engaging with diverse stakeholders.
Experience organizing or supporting events, workshops, or training sessions.
Experience in creating reports, presentations, and communication materials.
Demonstrated interest or experience in innovative approaches to solving governance or public sector challenges.

Preferred Experience:

Prior internships or volunteer experience with AU Entities, international organizations, governmental agencies, or NGOs focused on digital transformation or governance.

Other knowledge, additional competencies

Comprehension of Agenda 2063, Digital Transformation Strategy and the AU Innovation Landscape.
Comprehension of Africa’s Innovation Ecosystem

Required Skills

Adaptability
Effective communication and sociability
Critical thinking

Desired Skills

Attention to detail & aesthetics
Communication

How to Apply

Application procedure:

Interested and qualified candidates shall submit their motivation letter along with their non-returnable recent CV via: hreth@giz.de

Note:

Please make sure you mention the vacancy number and position title ‘Applicant full name/Internship #003/2025’ in the subject line of your email application.

Due to large number of applications, we categorise applications with the vacancy numbers.

Applications without vacancy numbers in subject lines might not be categorized in the appropriate folder and could be disqualified.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

We encourage persons with disabilities to apply for the position. In case of equal qualification, persons with disabilities will be given preference.

Applications from qualified women are encouraged.

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