Junior Communications Specialist

Reports to: Portfolio Manager

Duration: Until 28 February 2026

ABOUT THE POSITION

We are seeking a Junior Communications Specialist to join GIZ’s country office in Pretoria to steer effective communication for meaningful topics in international development cooperation. The position provides space for creative writing and conceptualisation skills, including internal and external outreach formats.

By joining GIZ South Africa, Lesotho and eSwatini, you will:

• Play a key role in communicating all relevant topics for GIZ’s Country Office in South Africa, Lesotho and eSwatini
• Be responsible for creating communications content in various formats in coordination with GIZ’s clusters and projects
• Ensure that corporate communication guidelines are adhered to

You will work in a dynamic and supportive environment. You will enjoy autonomy and the opportunity to further grow into a communications specialist in the field of international development cooperation.

1. RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

As a Junior Communications Specialist your key responsibilities are:

Strategic Tasks

• Focal person for all communications related questions and queries at the GIZ South Africa, Lesotho and eSwatini country office
• Develop, implement, and monitor internal and external communication strategies and activities for GIZ South Africa, Lesotho and eSwatini
• Plan and coordinate communication and visibility for GIZ’s internal and external events
• Streamline internal communication processes and strategies in close collaboration with multiple GIZ clusters and projects
• Ensure the consistency of corporate identity application in all communication activities as per the German Development Cooperation and GIZ’s corporate guidelines

Communication Activities

• Develop and regularly update suitable communication instruments for GIZ South Africa, Lesotho and eSwatini
• Draft and design content for various platforms, including social media, press releases, articles, studies and reports for mass media in close collaboration with GIZ’s clusters, projects and units
• Manage and update GIZ South Africa, Lesotho and eSwatini’s internal and external communication channels (including websites and social media channels)
• Support the development and regular update of suitable communication instruments for GIZ’s Country Office (e.g. newsletters, PowerPoint presentations, info sheets, etc.)

2. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES AND EXPRERIENCES

Qualifications

• University degree in the field of communication or media studies, journalism or another relevant discipline related to digital communication or public relations

Experience   

• Qualification should be enhanced with at least 2 years’ relevant work experience in the field of (political) communication or public relations
• Proven experience in content development, writing, editorial work and graphic design (work samples will be requested)
• Proven experience in maintenance of social media, SEO and/or SEM qualifications would be advantageous

Competencies

• Proficiency in design and video production with good know-how of applications such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and Premiere Pro
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook, MS Teams, etc.)
• Passion for international development cooperation, interculturally sensitive approach, political intuition, communication skills as well as the ability to cooperate in an international context
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently in a structured, methodical manner
• Excellent writing, verbal and presentation skills
• Fluency in English

3. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This position is based at GIZ in Hatfield, Pretoria
• The position is full-time. The assignment comprises a fixed-term employment contract for the duration of 12 months with the possibility of extension. The desired start date is 01 March 2025, deviating agreements are possible
• At GIZ, you will be offered a global network and an atmosphere that is characterised by diversity, respect, and genuine equal opportunities. Gender equality promotion is a matter of course for us
• 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
• GIZ would like to increase the proportion of employees with disability. Applications from persons with disabilities are most welcome

4. APPLICATION PROCESS

Suitable candidates should apply by submitting a motivation letter (max. 2 pages) detailing why they should be the preferred candidate. This should be accompanied by a detailed CV (max. 2 pages) indicating their nationality.

Applications should be submitted to: recruit-pretoria@giz.de, with the email subject line “Application for Junior Communications Specialist” for the attention of Head of Unit: Human Resource.

We expressly welcome applications from women and historically marginalized groups.

Closing date for applications: 31 January 2025

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and will be required to conclude an assignment prior to the interview.

Applications without a motivation letter and CVs longer than 2 pages will not be considered!