Project Intern: Admin & Finance Opportunity at GIZ

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) invites qualified graduates to apply for a six-month Project Intern position within its Climate Cluster team based in Pretoria. GIZ implements international cooperation projects for sustainable development on behalf of the German Federal Government and partner organizations worldwide. In South Africa, the Climate Cluster collaborates closely with governmental departments, civil society, and private sector leaders to tackle climate change, protect natural biodiversity, and drive equitable green transitions.

Behind high-impact climate initiatives lies a rigorous operational backbone of compliant procurement, seamless event logistics, and precise financial stewardship. In this role, the successful intern will gain rare exposure to international development administration, supporting contract administration, financial tracking, internal controls, and documentation management within a prestigious, multicultural developmental cooperation environment.

Key Responsibilities & Core Duties

• Maintain and organize procurement records, service contracts, vendor files, and comprehensive event administrative documents.
• Update procurement schedules and financial tracking sheets, ensuring contract milestones and renewal dates are flagged accurately.
• Assist in auditing vendor invoices, coordinating monthly fleet billing, and liaising with the GIZ Country Office for timely disbursements.
• Prepare standard vouchers, booking entries, and financial documentation prior to processing by senior finance officers.
• Record comprehensive minutes during stakeholder meetings, assemble background packs, and format technical presentations.
• Provide administrative and logistics support for workshops, high-level cluster events, and field visits across project sites.
• Support internal control compliance audits, inventory labelling, asset recording, and general office management routines.

Ideal Candidate Profile & Core Attributes

GIZ seeks an organized, conscientious graduate with meticulous attention to detail and high ethical standards. You must demonstrate quick comprehension of complex procedural guidelines, communicate fluently in professional English, and adapt comfortably to working within diverse, multicultural teams. Candidates who show self-drive, clear initiative, and structured analytical thinking will thrive in this environment.

Learning, Mentorship & Career Progression

Interning with GIZ offers an unparalleled learning environment where young professionals are mentored by seasoned international development experts. Interns gain direct insight into bilateral project execution, international public sector procurement, and donor compliance mechanisms, establishing a robust foundation for future careers in public administration, environmental finance, non-governmental organizations, or multilateral agencies.

Estimated Salary Range (Market Benchmark)

The hiring employer has not officially specified a salary for this position. Based on South African market data and industry benchmarks for an NGO / international development administration intern role, the estimated remuneration is approximately R8,000 – R14,000 per month. Please note that this is an industry estimate and actual remuneration will be determined by the employer based on qualifications, experience, and internal pay structures.

How to Apply & Submission Guidelines

Applicants must apply online via the GIZ simplify recruitment portal before the closing deadline on 13 November 2026. Your submission must include a detailed CV clearly stating your nationality, along with a tailored motivation letter of no more than one page outlining your suitability for the role. Incomplete submissions missing nationality or the motivation letter will be disqualified.

• Recognized degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or an equivalent field of study.
• Academic exposure or internship experience in office administration or project coordination.
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Fluent spoken and written English communication skills.
• High attention to detail, precision, and strong organizational skills.
• Willingness to travel to project areas within South Africa if required.
• Experience with knowledge and information management systems is advantageous.