Intern -Jigjiga

Intern – Support to the

• bilateral project CDSDR III – “Capacity Development for Strengthened Drought Resilience in the Lowlands of Ethiopia” in Jigjiga, Somali Region and regional programme “Improving the prevention of FGM in the Horn of Africa

GIZ implements two complementary programmes that jointly address gender equality, social cohesion, and community resilience in Ethiopia and the wider Horn of Africa.

The regional programme Improving the Prevention of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the Horn of Africa (FGM-Prev), funded by BMZ, works with key stakeholders in Ethiopia, Somalia and Sudan to prevent and abandon FGM and related gender-based violence (GBV). By strengthening public institutions, civil society, and community actors, the programme helps shift harmful social norms, integrates prevention measures into national policies, and empowers local organizations to challenge patriarchal power structures and reduce practices such as FGM and child marriage.

At the same time, the Capacity Development for Strengthened Drought Resilience in the Lowlands of Ethiopia (CDSDR III) project supports the Ethiopian Government in building resilience in the lowlands, home to over 18 million (agro-)pastoralists. The project works in 4 different regional states of Ethiopia (Afar, Somali, Oromia, and SERS) and promotes the Dry Valley Rehabilitation and Productive Use (DVRPU) approach to combat land degradation, improve natural resource management, and strengthen community livelihoods as well as drought resilience. Gender equality and social cohesion are central pillars of CDSDR, particularly in regions affected by displacement, limited economic opportunities, and resource-based tensions.

Both programmes place strong emphasis on inclusive participation, gender-responsive approaches, and addressing underlying social norms that shape community well-being and resilience. To support this joint agenda, CDSDR and FGM-Prev are recruiting one shared intern with a dedicated focus on gender and social cohesion across both programme contexts

Responsibilities & Duties

• Gain hands-on experience in field-level project implementation, monitoring, and operational planning across CDSDR and FGM-Prev, with a focus on gender equality, social cohesion, and FGM prevention
• Support the tracking of activities, results, and partner reporting, and learn how community-based interventions and policy-level approaches are monitored
• Contribute to the preparation and organization of workshops, coordination meetings, community dialogues, and trainings, including material development, logistics, and facilitation support.
• Support coordination and communication with local implementing partners (CSOs, NGOs, community-based organizations) and gain insight into partnership management in development cooperation.
• Assist in organizing, structuring, and digitizing project documentation, particularly on gender, women’s empowerment, and social cohesion.
• Learn to extract and synthesize key insights from surveys, assessments, and monitoring data.
• Contribute to drafting short inputs for reports, presentations, and communication materials in line with GIZ standards.

Gain exposure to administrative, procurement, and day-to-day operational processes within an international development project.

Qualifications and experiences

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in gender studies, social sciences, international relations, development studies, communication, political science, or a related field.
• Only recent graduates are eligible.

Professional experience

• No professional experience required; previous internships in development cooperation, gender, or community engagement are an asset.

Skills and competencies:

• Strong interest in gender equality, women’s empowerment, and social cohesion in (agro-)pastoralist or humanitarian contexts.
• Ability to analyse information and summarize key findings clearly.
• Good writing, editing, and basic layout/design skills (Canva or Adobe are an asset).
• Competent in organizing tasks, managing documents, and handling details reliably.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently and in teams.
• Good computer skills, especially Microsoft Office and digital communication tools.
• Experience managing or supporting social media content is an advantage.

Experience and interests:

• A strong interest in gender equality, women’s rights and social cohesion related topics

Personal attributes:

• Strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity, especially when working with diverse communities, including women, youth, and displaced populations.
• Open, adaptable, and receptive to feedback.
• Proactive, well-organized, and able to meet deadlines.

Positive attitude and a willingness to learn in a dynamic project environment