Internship Opportunity: Green Hydrogen, Critical Raw Materials and Battery Value Chains at GIZ South Africa, Lesotho & eSwatini

About the Role

• Are you a recent graduate with a strong interest in South Africa’s energy transition, green hydrogen, Power-to-X, critical raw materials and future-focused industrial value chains?
• GIZ is offering two six-month internship opportunities within the H2.SA II/BVC Programme, which supports the development of value chains for critical raw materials, green hydrogen and derivatives in South Africa.
• South Africa has a unique opportunity to become a key player in the green hydrogen, battery and critical raw materials economy. With strong renewable energy potential, established industrial infrastructure, significant mineral reserves and a skilled workforce, the country is well placed to support a greener, more inclusive and more competitive economy.
• Implemented by GIZ on behalf of the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and in close cooperation with the South African government, the programme contributes to work that supports South Africa’s decarbonisation, industrial development and just energy transition objectives.
• As an intern, you will gain practical exposure across the programme’s components, with your focus shaped by your qualifications, skills, interests and the needs of the project. You will also be supported by a dedicated mentor from the Green Hydrogen or Power-to-X Hub programmes implemented by GIZ.

What We Are Looking For

• This opportunity is suited to a motivated graduate who wants to learn, contribute and build practical experience in an emerging area of South Africa’s green economy.

You should bring:

• A relevant undergraduate qualification in Energy, Engineering, Environmental Economics, Political Sciences or a related field
• Exposure to, or understanding of, the South African energy sector, renewable energy sector or maritime sector, including the policies that shape these areas
• A genuine interest in critical raw materials, green hydrogen, Power-to-X and the energy transition
• Curiosity and willingness to further develop your technical skills and competencies
• A basic understanding of electrolysis, hydrogen production and related processes
• Strong English writing and communication skills
• Confidence using MS Office tools
• An interest in working in a multicultural team, with a structured and methodical approach
• Willingness to travel domestically
• South African citizenship or a valid work permit

What You Will Be Doing

• You will support a programme team working at the intersection of green hydrogen, battery value chains, critical raw materials, policy, industry coordination and sustainable development.
• Your work will include supporting research and data collection, preparing summaries and analysis, contributing to desktop research, and helping the team stay informed about relevant industry trends, regulations and emerging technologies.
• You will also assist with stakeholder coordination and knowledge-sharing activities, including meetings, workshops, seminars, study tours, training sessions and events involving government, industry representatives and technical experts.
• In addition, you will support project coordination by helping with reporting inputs, operational planning, follow-up activities, concept notes, Terms of Reference, Monitoring and Evaluation inputs, and the organisation of project records, event materials, meeting notes and correspondence.
• This is a hands-on learning opportunity for someone who wants to understand how international cooperation programmes support practical implementation, stakeholder engagement and value chain development in South Africa’s green economy.

Working with GIZ

• The internship will be based at the GIZ Offices in Hatfield, Pretoria and will run for a period of six months in line with GIZ rules regarding internships. The position is full-time.
• At GIZ, you will be part of a global network and an environment shaped by diversity, respect and equal opportunity. Gender equality is actively promoted, and GIZ is a signatory of the Diversity Charter.
• GIZ values recognition, appreciation and inclusion. Employees are 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 disabilities.
• Applications from people with disabilities are most welcome.