Interns (x2) - SDGI

Reports to: Programme Manager

Duration: Six (06) Months

BACKGROUND

This internship is part of the broader SDG Initiative in South Africa (SDGI), a collaborative effort between the South African and German governments to advance the goals of Agenda 2030 and the National Development Plan (NDP). Implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ), the initiative focuses on strengthening the Policy Analysis and Research Services (PRS) unit within the Presidency by integrating evidence-based policy recommendations, particularly in support of current socio-economic recovery and resilience efforts.

The SDGI supports public administration leaders at various levels by strengthening their capacity for evidence-based policymaking. It fosters collaboration with the Policy Innovation Lab (PIL), based at Stellenbosch University, and engages academics and researchers from public universities through the SDG Hub, housed at the University of Pretoria. These partnerships aim to deliver robust academic and scientific evidence to inform policymaking.  

The SDGI also supports the Voluntary National Review (VNR) process through collaboration with the National Planning Commission, contributing to comprehensive and participatory VNR processes with strong involvement from non-state actors, ensuring alignment with Agenda 2030.

The programme is structured around three key intervention areas:

Enhancing PRS Capacity: Strengthening the PRS unit to better coordinate evidence-based policymaking, increasingly utilise research and evidence to develop high-quality policy proposals across government institutions.

Bridging Policy and Science: Establishing a functional secretariat to connect policy needs with scientific research, supporting the effective implementation of resilience-building initiatives and operationalizing the interface between PRS and the SDG Hub.

Fostering Inclusive Dialogue: Strengthening engagement between state and non-state actors on Agenda 2030, enhancing the SDG Hub as an accessible knowledge platform to encourage inclusive dialogue on data and research outcomes.

The intern will be based at The Presidency for a period of six (6) months, providing technical and administrative support to the PRS unit. The intern will contribute to advancing the SDGI’s objectives by assisting in special projects, supporting the drafting of policy briefs, coordinating research activities, and facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in evidence-based policymaking and to contribute to high-level policy processes within a dynamic and collaborative environment.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Intern will be expected to:

  • To provide project and administrative support for achieving the objectives under the SDG Initiative, in the Policy and Research Services (PRS) unit.
  • Conduct research on key policy themes, synthesizing information into clear, actionable policy brief and reports.
  • Assist in developing policy analysis and recommendations for senior leadership, supporting evidence-based decision-making processes.
  • Support government cluster system by gathering, organizing, and analysing relevant data and research materials.
  • Collaborate in project management activities, including tracking project timelines, preparing progress reports, and supporting monitoring and evaluation efforts.
  • Assist in organizing and facilitating meetings, ensuring effective coordination and timely information sharing across stakeholders
  • Assist in stakeholder coordination by organizing meetings, maintaining communication, and ensuring timely information sharing between government entities and non-state actors.
  • Participate in policy workshops, meetings, and knowledge-sharing sessions to enhance understanding of policy development processes.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES AND EXPRERIENCES

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree (NQF 7) in Public Administration / Economics or related field

Professional Experience:

  • Solid understanding of Public Administration, The Presidency, and other key public stakeholder institutions.
  • Familiarity with Public Service/ Government regulatory frameworks and applicable regulations.
  • Experience in supporting multi-stakeholder coordination platforms including proficiency in online/virtual facilitation skills.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to draft and edit reports and communication materials accurately and clearly.
  • Basic experience in data management and analysis, report writing, coordinating research projects, and providing meeting management and secretarial support.
  • Ability to handle sensitive and classified information with discretion, maintaining strict confidentiality and adhering to relevant security protocols.
  • Ability/motivation to work in a multi-cultural work environment.
  • Good knowledge of standard MS Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel and Power Point).

REPORTING

The intern will report to the Head of Policy Research Services (PRS) for all functional responsibilities and day-to-day work assignments. For contractual and administrative matters related to the GIZ, the intern will report to the GIZ-SDGI Programme Manager, who will oversee compliance with GIZ policies and procedures.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The position will be based at the GIZ Offices in Hatfield, Pretoria.

The internship is for a 6-month period, in correspondence with GIZ rules regarding internships.

Preference will be given to candidates who have not previously participated in an internship programme.

At GIZ, you will be offered 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.

APPLICATION PROCESS

GIZ will only assess applications which meet the following criteria:

  • Suitable candidates should apply by submitting a
    • Cover/Motivation Letter in PDF format (max. 1 page) clearly stating your motivation for applying for the internship.
    • A detailed CV in PDF format.

The application should be submitted to: recruit-pretoria@giz.de, with the following email subject line “SDGi Internship Application” for the attention of Head of Human Resource.

The deadline for applications is 28 February 2025.

Only shortlisted candidates who meet the above requirements will be contacted.