Transhumance is the most important form of livestock production around Lake Chad in Central and West Africa. As such, it makes a vital contribution to the region9s economy and food security. However, this traditional method of mobile livestock herding is under increasing pressure due to population growth, the impact of climate change, the scarcity of natural resources, and the resulting conflicts with sedentary communities.
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.
Your tasks
Support of the implementation of the programme’s various outputs, particularly the dissemination of best practices as well as our general communication activities
Supporting the project’s overarching cluster in portfolio development
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
You should have obtained at least a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Rural Development/Agriculture, Economics, Politics, Social Sciences, or any other relevant subject
You should have gained knowledge and practical experience in pastoralism, rural development/agriculture, peace and social cohesion, sustainable resource management 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 Mr Seidler (jakob.seidler@giz)
DEADLINE: February 8, 2026
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.
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