Project Assistant

GIZ-AU Office/ GET.PRO (AEEP)

Contract duration: 30.06.2027

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.

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 around 250 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 40 member states. Key areas of engagement include Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention, Governance, Sustainable Economic Growth, Health and Social Development, as well as Just Transition.

Established in 2007 as one of the partnerships under the Joint Africa-EU Strategy, the Africa-EU Energy Partnership (AEEP) is a long-term framework for strategic dialogue between Africa and the EU. The overall objective of the AEEP is to improve access to secure, affordable and sustainable energy for both continents, with a special focus on increasing investment in energy infrastructure in Africa.

To achieve this, the AEEP Secretariat hosted by GIZ was established with the objective to ensure optimal communication, information sharing and alignment between European and African actors, including the European Commission, African Union Institutions, and European and African Member States on energy topics and initiatives. The Secretariat’s work is structured under three pillars: 1. Fostering political dialogue, 2. Enhancing knowledge and visibility, 3. Catalysing implementation of key continental initiatives (Africa’s Continental Power systems Masterplan (CMP), Africa Single Electricity Market (AfSEM), Team Europe’s Africa-EU Green Energy Initiative (AEGEI)…etc)

AEEP is currently funded by the European Union and BMZ and is part of the Global Energy Transformation Programme (GET.Pro).

Responsibilities and Duties

The Project Assistant will contribute to the smooth and efficient operation of the Secretariat’s activities, facilitating effective communication and coordination between the Secretariat, its Embedded Advisors, and key African Union institutions.

The project assistant will be responsible for support and coordination duties, including but not limited to:

• Coordination: Act as the primary administrative liaison between the Embedded Advisors and relevant African Union institutions, including the African Union Commission (AUC), AUDA-NEPAD, and the African Energy Commission (AFREC).
• Events Management: Provide full logistical and administrative support for meetings, workshops, and high-level events organized by the AEEP and its AU partners, including preparing invitations, managing registrations, and assisting with on-site coordination.
• Donor Relations and Reporting: Assist in the preparation and submission of donor reports by compiling necessary documentation, tracking key metrics, and ensuring timely delivery.
• Scheduling and Travel: Manage the calendars of key personnel and organize meetings with internal and external stakeholders, and support travel and accommodation arrangements as required.
• Document Preparation and Management: Prepare relevant documents as needed and maintain an organized system for project documents, correspondence, and reports, ensuring all information is easily accessible and up to date.
• M&E and Knowledge Management
  • Support the data collection, coordination, and drafting of monitoring and evaluation reports.
  • Maintain an updated inventory of project knowledge products and resources.
  • Take meeting notes during knowledge exchange sessions and draft briefing points for knowledge product development.

Qualifications

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Engineering, Business Administration, Public Relations, or International Relations.
• Experience: A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in a programme support or coordination role, preferably in a project-based or international environment.

Professional experience

• Strong Organizational Skills: Exceptional ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to draft clear and professional correspondence.
• Interpersonal Skills: A proven ability to work collaboratively and diplomatically with diverse stakeholders from different cultural and institutional backgrounds.
• Proactive and Resourceful: A self-starter who can anticipate needs, solve problems independently, and take initiative without constant supervision.
• Office Software Proficiency: Adequate level of proficiency in standard office software

Other knowledge, additional competences

• Previous experience working with or within a large international or governmental organization, particularly in the African Union system.
• A basic understanding of the energy sector and its key terminology.
• Working knowledge of French or other official African Union languages is an advantage.
• Familiarity with project management or collaboration tools