Internship at the Fund for the Promotion of Innovation in the Agricultural and Food Sector (Focus on Implementation)

Job Description

Area of ​​activity

The Global Fund for Innovation in Agriculture and Food (i4Ag) is part of the Special Initiative “Transformation of Agricultural and Food Systems” (SI AGER). Commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the i4Ag Fund identifies and promotes innovations in the agricultural and food sectors. Within the framework of the emergency aid program, additional measures are being taken beyond innovation funding, aiming to mitigate the economic and political consequences of, for example, the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. The i4Ag Fund is part of the “Rural Development and Agriculture” department within the Sector and Global Projects division of GIZ (GloBe). The internship is located within the Fund’s Implementation Unit.

In our view, being involved in this topic as an intern during these times represents a unique opportunity for your career. Therefore, we encourage you to apply – with all the diverse skills and interests you may possess.

Your tasks

• Within the framework of the i4Ag Fund, specific support needs are being sought for several individual fund measures (ECMs) in the area of ​​innovation promotion, with interfaces to, among others, rice, climate, digital applications, start-up support, and cotton and cassava. This results in the following tasks for your internship, including:
  • Supporting the project through organizational and technical assistance, such as conducting research, analyses, expert assessments and processing of information.
  • Supporting those responsible for implementation in managing individual measures
  • Support in the planning, execution and follow-up of internal and external working meetings and (especially virtual) specialist events, as well as their documentation
  • Support in the creation of publications and information materials

Your profile

• You are enrolled in a course of study, at least from the 4th semester onwards, in the fields of agricultural sciences, economics (economics and/or business administration), political science or social sciences, or other relevant courses of study.
• They have knowledge of current discussions in the areas of innovation promotion, international agriculture and agricultural trade, agricultural value chains, rural development and/or a strong interest in these topics.
• Knowledge in the area of ​​diversity and gender is an advantage.
• In addition to fluent German skills, your English skills are very good, both spoken and written; good French or Spanish skills are an advantage.
• They are able to work independently, possess good written communication skills, and have knowledge of MS Office 365.
• Personally, you are characterized by flexibility, organizational skills, excellent communication skills, transcultural competence, reliability, and thoroughness.
• They are team-oriented and impress with their independent and structured work style.
• Prior experience (e.g., through internships) or personal involvement in the field of international or German development cooperation, especially abroad, is desirable.

Notes

• GIZ is a signatory of the Diversity Charter. Recognition, appreciation, and inclusion of diversity within the company are important to us. All employees should experience appreciation – regardless of gender and gender identity, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age, or sexual orientation.
• The internship is only possible if you are currently enrolled at a university, are participating in a further education program that includes an internship as an integral part of your studies, or if your degree was awarded no more than 6 months prior to the start of the internship.
• The monthly intern salary is €2,205.04 (gross).
• We support equal opportunities and welcome applications from people with disabilities.
• For content-related questions, please contact Ms. Kühn (andrea.kuehn@giz.de).

Closing on: November 16, 2025

About the Organization

Broad-based expertise for sustainable development – under one roof Working efficiently, effectively and in a spirit of partnership, we support people and societies in developing, transition and industrialised countries in shaping their own futures and improving living conditions. This is what the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) is all about. Established on 1 January 2011, it brings together under one roof the long-standing expertise of the Deutscher Entwicklungsdienst (DED) gGmbH (German Development Service), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH (German Technical Cooperation) and Inwent – Capacity Building International, Germany. As a federally owned enterprise, we support the German Government in achieving its objectives in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. We are also engaged in international education work around the globe. Making development effective Our partners want to take responsibility for achieving their own long-term development goals. We support them by offering demand-driven, tailor-made and effective services for sustainable development. We apply a holistic and value-based approach to ensure the participation of all stakeholders. In doing so, we are always guided by our concept of sustainable development. We take account of political, economic, social and ecological dimensions as we support our partners at local, regional, national and international level in negotiating solutions in the broader social context. This is how we drive development. GIZ operates in many fields, including economic development and employment; governance and democracy; security, reconstruction, peace building and civil conflict transformation; food security, health and basic education; and environmental protection, resource conservation and climate change mitigation. We also provide management and logistical services to help our partners perform their development tasks. In crises we carry out refugee and emergency aid programmes. As part of our development services, we also second technical advisors to partner countries. We advise our clients and partners on drawing up plans and strategies, place integrated experts and returning experts in partner countries, and promote networking and dialogue among international cooperation actors. Capacity building for partner-country experts is a key component of our services, and we offer our programme participants diverse opportunities to use the contacts they have made. We also give young people a chance to gain professional experience around the world – exchange programmes for young professionals lay the foundations for successful careers in national and international markets. Who we work for Most of our activities are commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). GIZ also operates on behalf of other German ministries – in particular the Federal Foreign Office, the Federal Environment Ministry and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research – as well as German federal states and municipalities, and public and private sector clients both in Germany and abroad. These include the governments of other countries, the European Commission, the United Nations and the World Bank. We work closely with the private sector and promote results-oriented interaction between the development and foreign trade sectors. Our considerable experience with alliances in partner countries and in Germany is a key factor for successful international cooperation, not only in the business, academic and cultural spheres but also in civil society. The company at a glance GIZ operates in more than 130 countries worldwide. In Germany we maintain a presence in nearly all the federal states. Our registered offices are in Bonn and Eschborn. GIZ employs approximately 17,000 staff members worldwide, more than 60 % of whom are local personnel. In addition, there are 1,135 technical advisors, 750 integrated and 324 returning experts, 700 local experts in partner organisations and 850 ‘weltwärts’ volunteers. With an estimated turnover of EUR 1.9 billion as at December 2010, GIZ can look to the future with confidence.