How to do business with GIZ: Best practices in the recruitment process | Post Webinar Release

ByIon Ilasco

How to do business with GIZ: Best practices in the recruitment process | Post Webinar Release

The German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) is a public contracting authority that supports the German government to achieve its objectives in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. The agency’s vision is to create a future worth living which is achieved by offering a wide range of instruments and access to networks that create value for commissioning parties and empower people to shape their own development processes.

To assist individuals and companies interested in learning more about GIZ and its hiring process, DevelopmentAid invited Tina Köhler (Senior HR Manager at GIZ) and Frank Seifarth (HR Officer for Employer Branding and Personnel Marketing at GIZ) to discuss GIZ’s profile, its operations, recruitment strategy, and practical information about finding employment within GIZ.

An overview of GIZ

GIZ has operational expertise in a wide variety of areas such as economic development and employment, sustainable infrastructure, energy and the environment, and peace and security. At the same time, the agency emphasizes sustainable development and education as being key strategic directions. In 2021, for example, GIZ generated around €3.7 billion in terms of business volume, €0.4 billion more than in 2020 and €0.6 billion higher than in 2019. As of July 2022, GIZ had 1,508 ongoing projects valued at over €18.4 billion.

In 2021, GIZ had 24,977 employees, 70% of whom were national staff (locally based) and engaged in or managing projects in around 120 countries worldwide. Simultaneously, 431 development workers were in action in partner countries, while another 177 integrated experts were placed to run various assignments for the Centre for International Migration and Development (CIM).

Learn more about the GIZ’s operations and procurement guidelines here

How to join GIZ

There are many ways to become a part of GIZ’s family. International experts, junior or accomplished professionals, and recent graduates looking for exciting opportunities should consider GIZ as a viable option. Frank mentioned that current students and recent graduates (≤ 6 months after graduation) can apply for internships at GIZ that usually last up to six months. Another junior scheme, the Trainee Programs, offers the unique chance to enter the development sector and develop professional skills in programs that last 18 months and take place in Germany and abroad.

It is important to remember that candidates interested in applying for positions at GIZ should use the official career portal for submission. At the same time, job seekers are also advised to check out DevelopmentAid’s job board which offers the exclusive ability to stay up to date regarding career opportunities from GIZ and other donors and companies working in the development sector.

Fig.1. Types of employment opportunities with GIZ

Source: Frank Seifarth (GIZ). Business outreach webinar with DevelopmentAid – Best practices in the recruitment process (14 July 2022).

GIZ as an employer

GIZ is recognized as a fair and family-friendly workplace. It is a popular employer among young professionals because it offers the ability to work in an international context, a good work-life balance, and creative freedom. Here is what to expect from GIZ as an employee:

  • Working in an international context
  • Value orientation of work
  • Work-life balance
  • Attractive variety of tasks, sufficient decision-making, and creative freedom
  • Attractive remuneration and social benefits
  • Personal development and training
  • Flexible models for working hours and organization

There are three types of experts employed or engaged by GIZ:

  • Project Based: project manager, program manager, or consultant responsible for the implementation of a project with the local partner (e.g., Ministry of Education)
  • Regional: as a country manager, an expert coordinates a project portfolio in a country and liaises with the German client (e.g., BMZ/Ministry of the Environment)
  • Technical area: expert/specialist responsible for designing a project

GIZ is constantly looking for experts and professionals who have experience in one or more of the following sectors:

  • Public Health
  • Economic Development
  • Social Sectors
  • Governance
  • Climate Change, Environment
  • Forestry, Biodiversity, Oceans
  • Infrastructure
  • Peace, Security and Emergency
  • Public Relations
  • Monitoring and Evaluation
  • IT and Digitalization
  • Financial Management and Controlling
  • Human Resources
  • Procurement and Contract Management

Here are some useful links:

For those who did not have the opportunity to join us for this online event, a link to the recorded version can be found here. The presentation materials used during this webinar can be requested at e.rata@developmentaid.org.

DevelopmentAid is the leading provider of business intelligence and recruitment tools designed to assist all those active in the development sector. Join today and gain access to exclusive information on the full array of upcoming funding opportunities from GIZ and other over 200 international donors.