GIZ – Internship Opportunity

Internship opportunities in green hydrogen, critical raw materials and battery value chains can help graduates gain practical exposure to research, coordination, stakeholder engagement, communication, policy work and project implementation in South Africa’s energy transition. GIZ is recruiting for two six-month internship positions within the H2.SA II/BVC Programme in Hatfield, Pretoria.

This opportunity is aimed at graduates who want to build practical experience in an international cooperation programme working across green hydrogen, Power-to-X, critical raw materials, battery value chains, policy coordination and sustainable development.

Important: GIZ is advertising this as one internship opportunity with two available six-month internship positions. Applicants should read the official listing carefully and apply through the official GIZ Simplify application page.

At a glance

What this opportunity is

This is a six-month internship opportunity with GIZ within the H2.SA II/BVC Programme.

The official advert states that GIZ is offering two full-time internship opportunities based at the GIZ Offices in Hatfield, Pretoria.

The programme supports the development of value chains for critical raw materials, green hydrogen and derivatives in South Africa.

The programme is implemented by GIZ on behalf of the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), in close cooperation with the South African government.

The internship is designed for graduates who want practical exposure to an international cooperation programme working across research, coordination, stakeholder engagement, communication and project implementation.

The official advert states that the intern’s focus will be shaped by their qualifications, skills and interests, as well as the needs of the project. Interns will also be supported by a dedicated mentor from the Green Hydrogen or Power-to-X Hub programmes implemented by GIZ.

The official advert does not state the stipend, salary, benefits, exact start date, detailed working hours or whether permanent employment may be available after the internship.

Who this opportunity may suit

This opportunity may suit a graduate with a completed undergraduate qualification and a strong interest in South Africa’s energy transition, green hydrogen, Power-to-X, critical raw materials, battery value chains and future-focused industrial development.

It may be suitable for someone who is curious, structured, willing to learn and interested in developing technical and project experience in a professional, multicultural environment.

The role may also suit graduates with academic backgrounds in Energy, Engineering, Environmental Economics, Political Sciences or related fields who want exposure to research, stakeholder coordination, policy support, communication, Monitoring and Evaluation, events and project implementation.

Because the internship is based at the GIZ Offices in Hatfield, Pretoria and includes willingness to travel domestically, applicants should consider whether they can attend the workplace and participate in local travel if required.

What you will do and learn

The official vacancy lists the following work areas and responsibilities:

Research, data collection and analysis

• Support the programme team with practical work linked to research, coordination, communication and implementation.
• Collect information linked to the programme.
• Prepare summaries and analysis for the programme team.
• Conduct desktop research.
• Stay informed about relevant industry trends, regulations and emerging technologies.
• Support the team’s understanding of green hydrogen, battery value chains, critical raw materials, policy, industry coordination and sustainable development.

Stakeholder coordination and knowledge sharing

• Assist with stakeholder coordination linked to strategies, policies and regulatory framework conditions.
• Support knowledge-sharing activities.
• Assist with meetings, workshops, seminars and events.
• Support study tours and training sessions where required.
• Work with activities involving government decision-makers, industry representatives and other experts.

Project coordination and implementation support

• Support project coordination activities.
• Help prepare reporting inputs.
• Support operational planning.
• Assist with follow-up activities.
• Contribute to concept notes.
• Assist with Terms of Reference.
• Support Monitoring and Evaluation inputs.

Documentation and communication support

• Maintain project documentation.
• Help organise project records.
• Support event materials.
• Assist with meeting records and meeting notes.
• Support correspondence and programme information.
• Use strong English writing and communication skills in a professional environment.

Learning and mentoring

• Gain hands-on exposure to international cooperation programme implementation.
• Learn how stakeholder engagement supports value chain development in South Africa’s green economy.
• Develop technical and project skills in a multicultural working environment.
• Receive mentoring support from the Green Hydrogen or Power-to-X Hub programmes implemented by GIZ.
• Build practical understanding of green hydrogen, critical raw materials, battery value chains and the energy transition.

Important: The official advert states that the scope of work may be further developed during the internship. GIZ may allocate additional reasonable research, coordination, communication, documentation, event-support, stakeholder-engagement, policy-support, Monitoring and Evaluation or project-implementation tasks according to programme needs.

Eligibility requirements

Applicant requirements

• Must have a completed undergraduate qualification in Energy, Engineering, Environmental Economics, Political Sciences or a related field.
• Should have exposure to, or understanding of, the South African energy sector, renewable energy sector or maritime sector, including relevant policies.
• Should have a strong interest in critical raw materials, green hydrogen, Power-to-X and the energy transition.
• Should be willing to further develop and strengthen technical skills and competencies.
• Should have a basic understanding of electrolysis, hydrogen production and related processes.
• Should have very good English writing and communication skills.
• Should have proven knowledge of MS Office tools.
• Should have a structured and methodical approach to working in a multicultural team.
• Must be willing to travel domestically.
• Must have South African citizenship or a valid work permit.
• Must submit a one-page cover letter / motivation letter.
• Must submit a detailed CV of maximum three pages, indicating nationality.
• Must submit proof of eligibility to work in South Africa, such as a copy of a South African ID or valid work permit.
• Must provide complete, accurate and truthful information during the recruitment process.

Qualification requirement explained

The official advert requires a completed undergraduate qualification in Energy, Engineering, Environmental Economics, Political Sciences or a related field.

Applicants should clearly state their qualification name, institution, completion status, major subjects and any research or coursework linked to energy, climate, renewable energy, maritime policy, green hydrogen, industrial policy, environmental economics or related fields.

Applicants should be prepared to upload qualification documents or academic records if requested through the official GIZ Simplify application platform.

Energy, renewable energy or maritime-sector understanding explained

The official advert asks for an understanding of the South African energy sector, renewable energy sector or maritime sector, including policies that shape these areas.

Applicants should show any relevant academic projects, research, coursework, volunteering, internships, work experience, writing, policy exposure or event participation linked to energy, climate, renewable energy, green hydrogen, Power-to-X, ports, shipping, maritime policy, industrial development or sustainability.

Applicants should not exaggerate technical experience. A well-written motivation letter can help explain genuine interest, learning readiness and the value the applicant can bring.

Technical interest and hydrogen knowledge explained

The official advert asks for a genuine interest in critical raw materials, green hydrogen, Power-to-X and the energy transition.

It also asks for a basic understanding of electrolysis, hydrogen production and related processes.

Applicants should mention relevant academic, research, reading, project or practical exposure that shows interest in green hydrogen, battery value chains, industrial value chains, energy transition technologies or climate-related development work.

Writing, communication and MS Office requirements explained

The official advert requires strong English writing and communication skills, along with proven knowledge of MS Office tools.

Applicants should show examples of report writing, research summaries, presentations, policy notes, event coordination, meeting notes, analysis or academic writing where relevant.

Applicants should also state practical MS Office experience, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, if applicable.

Work eligibility requirement explained

The official advert requires South African citizenship or possession of a valid work permit.

Applicants must submit proof of eligibility to work in South Africa, such as a copy of their South African ID or valid work permit.

The official advert also requires the CV to indicate the applicant’s nationality.

Domestic travel requirement explained

The official advert requires willingness to travel domestically.

Applicants should consider whether they can travel within South Africa for meetings, workshops, study tours, training sessions or project activities if required by the programme.

Applicants should confirm travel frequency, travel support and related arrangements directly with GIZ if shortlisted.

Documents required for application

The official advert requires applicants to submit the following:

• A cover letter / motivation letter of maximum one page, clearly explaining why the applicant should be considered and the value they will bring.
• A detailed CV of maximum three pages, indicating nationality.
• Proof of eligibility to work in South Africa, such as a copy of a South African ID or valid work permit.

The official advert states that applications without a motivation letter will not be considered.

The official advert also states that the application should quote the following subject line: Application for Internship – H2.SA II/BVC. Applications must be submitted for the attention of the Head of Human Resource.

Skills and personal attributes that may help

• Strong interest in South Africa’s energy transition.
• Interest in green hydrogen, Power-to-X, critical raw materials and battery value chains.
• Research and desktop research ability.
• Ability to prepare summaries and analysis.
• Good English writing and communication skills.
• Confidence using MS Office tools.
• Structured and methodical working style.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn.
• Interest in policy, regulation and stakeholder coordination.
• Ability to work in a multicultural team.
• Attention to detail in documentation and records.
• Professional conduct during meetings, workshops and events.
• Willingness to travel domestically.

What this opportunity really means

This is a practical internship for graduates who want exposure to international cooperation work in South Africa’s green economy.

The successful interns should expect research, coordination, documentation, stakeholder engagement, communication, reporting support, event support and project implementation tasks.

The programme sits at the intersection of green hydrogen, battery value chains, critical raw materials, policy, industry coordination and sustainable development.

The internship is full-time, based at the GIZ Offices in Hatfield, Pretoria, and runs for six months in line with GIZ rules regarding internships.

Applicants should confirm stipend, start date, working hours, reporting line, travel arrangements, onboarding requirements and any additional internship conditions directly with GIZ if shortlisted.

Application checklist

Prepare the following information and documents before applying:

• One-page cover letter / motivation letter explaining why you should be considered and the value you will bring.
• Detailed CV of maximum three pages.
• Nationality clearly indicated on the CV.
• Proof of eligibility to work in South Africa, such as your South African ID or valid work permit.
• Details of your completed undergraduate qualification.
• Academic or practical examples linked to energy, engineering, environmental economics, political sciences, renewable energy, maritime sector, policy, green hydrogen or related fields.
• Examples of research, desktop research, writing, presentations or analysis.
• Examples of MS Office skills, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint or Outlook where relevant.
• Examples of stakeholder coordination, event support, meeting support or project administration, if applicable.
• Information showing willingness to travel domestically.
• Reliable cellphone number and professional email address.
• Any supporting documents requested through the official GIZ Simplify application platform.

Need assistance with CVs, certified documents and application preparation? Visit our Learnership Resources and Guides.

Important note for applicants

This is a six-month internship opportunity. It is not advertised as a permanent job or graduate trainee programme.

The official advert states that GIZ is offering two full-time internship opportunities within the H2.SA II/BVC Programme, based at the GIZ Offices in Hatfield, Pretoria.

The official advert requires a completed undergraduate qualification in Energy, Engineering, Environmental Economics, Political Sciences or a related field, as well as South African citizenship or a valid work permit.

The official advert requires a one-page motivation letter, a detailed CV of maximum three pages indicating nationality, and proof of eligibility to work in South Africa.

The official advert states that applications without a motivation letter will not be considered.

The official advert does not state the stipend, salary, benefits, exact start date, detailed working hours or whether permanent employment may be available after the internship.

GIZ values diversity, respect, equal opportunity, recognition, appreciation and inclusion. The official advert states that GIZ would like to increase the proportion of employees with disabilities and that applications from people with disabilities are most welcome.

About the sponsor

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a German federal enterprise working in international cooperation for sustainable development and international education work.

GIZ supports the German Federal Government and other clients in achieving goals linked to sustainable development, economic development, employment, energy, the environment, peace and security.

According to GIZ’s official South Africa information, GIZ has been working in South Africa since 1995, and its country office in Pretoria opened in 1996.

GIZ’s work in South Africa is carried out primarily on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Key cooperation areas include peaceful and inclusive societies, economic development, TVET and employment, and climate and energy.

GIZ works on a socially just energy transition in South Africa, including work linked to environmentally sustainable and secure energy infrastructure, energy efficiency and jobs in areas such as the hydrogen sector.

This internship is linked to the H2.SA II/BVC Programme, which supports value chains for critical raw materials, green hydrogen and derivatives in South Africa.

Learn more through the official GIZ website, and official GIZ South Africa page

Quick tips for applicants

• Apply before the official closing date of 20 July 2026.
• Submit by 19 July 2026 to reduce the risk of missing the deadline.
• Do not forget the one-page motivation letter, because applications without a motivation letter will not be considered.
• Keep your CV to a maximum of three pages.
• Indicate your nationality clearly on your CV.
• Include proof of eligibility to work in South Africa, such as a South African ID or valid work permit.
• Use the subject line stated in the official advert: Application for Internship – H2.SA II/BVC.
• Clearly show your completed undergraduate qualification and how it links to the internship.
• Highlight academic or practical exposure to energy, renewable energy, maritime policy, green hydrogen, Power-to-X, critical raw materials or battery value chains.
• Show examples of research, writing, analysis, coordination, events or project support.
• Keep the motivation letter focused on why you should be considered and the value you will bring.
• Do not exaggerate technical hydrogen or policy experience.
• Check that your cellphone number and email address are correct before submitting.

Common mistakes that get applicants rejected

• Submitting an application without a motivation letter.
• Submitting a motivation letter longer than one page.
• Submitting a CV longer than three pages.
• Not indicating nationality on the CV.
• Not providing proof of eligibility to work in South Africa.
• Not clearly linking your qualification to the internship field.
• Not showing interest in critical raw materials, green hydrogen, Power-to-X or the energy transition.
• Leaving research, writing, analysis, coordination or project experience off the CV where relevant.
• Using a generic motivation letter that does not explain the value you will bring.
• Ignoring the domestic travel requirement.
• Providing incorrect qualification, nationality, work-permit or contact information.
• Applying through unofficial links instead of the official GIZ Simplify vacancy page.
• Submitting the application after 20 July 2026.

Scam warning (important)

Applicants should apply only through the official GIZ Simplify recruitment page or another vacancy page clearly linked from an official GIZ website.

Do not pay anyone for registration, an application, an interview, background checks, training, travel arrangements, equipment or placement. Legitimate employers do not require applicants to pay money to secure an internship opportunity.

Do not share banking PINs, passwords, one-time PINs, email passwords or unnecessary financial information with anyone claiming that they can guarantee a GIZ internship.

Be cautious of recruitment messages sent from unofficial email addresses, private social-media accounts or cellphone numbers that request payment, favours, banking information or confidential documents outside the official application process.

Upload identity documents, work permits, qualifications and other sensitive documents only through the official and secure recruitment process.

Always return to the official GIZ vacancy page to confirm that the opportunity and application link remain genuine and available.

How this opportunity was verified

This opportunity was verified from the official GIZ Simplify recruitment listing for Internship Opportunity: Green Hydrogen, Critical Raw Materials and Battery Value Chains.

The official listing confirmed the job title, employer, Pretoria location, Gauteng province, contract employment type, posted date, closing date, H2.SA II/BVC Programme department, internship minimum experience, non-profit organisation management primary industry, job functional area and six-month contract term.

The official listing also confirmed that GIZ is offering two full-time internship opportunities based at the GIZ Offices in Hatfield, Pretoria, the programme purpose, implementation partners, qualification requirements, sector-interest requirements, MS Office requirement, domestic travel requirement, South African citizenship or valid work permit requirement, application documents, motivation-letter requirement and official application route.

The official advert did not state the stipend, salary, benefits, exact start date, detailed working hours or whether permanent employment may be available after the internship when last checked.

Read more about our verification process on the How We Verify Listings page.

How to apply

1. Open the official GIZ application link below.
2. Read the complete internship advert carefully.
3. Confirm that you have a completed undergraduate qualification in a relevant field.
4. Confirm that you have South African citizenship or a valid work permit.
5. Confirm that you are willing to travel domestically if required.
6. Prepare a cover letter / motivation letter of maximum one page.
7. Use the required subject line: Application for Internship – H2.SA II/BVC.
8. Prepare a detailed CV of maximum three pages and include your nationality.
9. Prepare proof of eligibility to work in South Africa, such as your South African ID or valid work permit.
10. Create a Simplify candidate profile or sign in if you already have one.
11. Complete all personal, education, work eligibility, qualification and experience questions honestly.
12. Enter your energy, engineering, environmental economics, political sciences, research, writing, MS Office, policy, green hydrogen, Power-to-X, critical raw materials and project-support information accurately.
13. Upload your motivation letter, CV and proof of eligibility to work in South Africa where requested.
14. Check that your cellphone number, email address, qualification details and uploaded documents are correct.
15. Submit the application by 19 July 2026 where possible.
16. Keep the application confirmation or proof of submission.

Application Closing Date

The official closing date is 20 July 2026.

The official vacancy does not state the exact closing time. Applicants should submit by 19 July 2026 to reduce the risk of missing the deadline because of technical issues, missing documents or an incomplete online profile.