Overview

GIZ Rwanda is recruiting an intern for the "Climate-Sensitive, Socially Just Planning and Housing (CSPH)" project. This is a six-month internship based in Kigali, running from 1 November 2026 to 30 April 2027. The intern will work within the Cluster "Climate and Green Economy (CGE)."

The CSPH project is part of the German-Rwandan Program for "Climate Protection, Climate Adaptation and Sustainable Urban Development." Its goal is to improve climate-sensitive urban planning processes and promote access to affordable housing for poorer population groups, especially women. The project works on strategy development at national government level, practical neighborhood planning in selected cities, and strengthening the professional capacities of organizations and individuals.

If you are searching for internships in Rwanda in urban planning, architecture, environmental studies, or sustainable development, this opportunity is a strong fit. It is best suited for a recent graduate (within the last 12 months) with a background in urban or regional planning, architecture, sustainability, environmental studies, infrastructure, or urban geography. You do not need years of experience—just relevant academic knowledge, a proactive attitude, and a genuine interest in climate-sensitive urban development and social housing.

Why This Opportunity Matters

GIZ is a globally recognised international cooperation enterprise. An internship here gives you direct exposure to sustainable urban development, climate action, and housing policy—fields that are becoming increasingly important as African cities grow.

What makes this internship valuable:

• Meaningful work. You will contribute to research, evaluations, and content preparation for neighborhood planning, social rental housing, and capacity development. Your work will support real projects that improve access to affordable, climate-friendly housing for vulnerable populations.

• Practical experience in urban planning. You will help with strategy development, neighborhood planning processes in selected sites, and data collection and analysis. This is hands-on experience you can carry into a professional career.

• Communication and event management skills. You will design presentations, factsheets, and reports, and help organise workshops, events, and retreats. These are highly transferable skills.

• International and multicultural exposure. You will work with a diverse team and liaise with support units, project advisors, and external partners. GIZ is a signatory of the Diversity Charter and actively promotes inclusion.

• Capacity building. You will support training and academic collaborations, helping to strengthen professional capacities in public institutions, the private sector, and academia.

• Career foundation. An internship at GIZ is a recognised credential. It shows future employers that you can work in a professional, development-focused environment and contribute to complex, multi-stakeholder projects.

Application Tips

Internships at GIZ are competitive. To stand out, follow these practical tips.

• Apply before the deadline. The application deadline is 29 September 2026 at 4:00 PM. Late applications are not considered.

• Prepare a strong motivation letter. Explain why you are interested in climate-sensitive urban planning, social housing, and sustainable urban development. Show that you understand the project's objectives and how your academic background aligns with them.

• Update your CV. Include your education, any relevant coursework, projects, or work experience in urban planning, architecture, environmental studies, GIS, or related fields. Even small projects or volunteer work count.

• Highlight relevant knowledge. The role requires good knowledge of at least one of the following topics: integrated and inclusive urban development, social/affordable housing, urban infrastructure provision, or urban climate action. Make sure your application clearly reflects your expertise in at least one of these areas.

• Show your software skills. Knowledge of design, analysis, and layout or geospatial software (InDesign, GIS, Photoshop, etc.) is a plus. If you have used any of these tools, mention it. Also highlight your proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Demonstrate teamwork and initiative. The job description emphasises the ability to work independently, on your own initiative, and to quickly familiarise yourself with complex issues. It also values teamwork and networking in multicultural settings. Give examples that show these qualities.

• Include any event management experience. Experience in event management, preparing trainings, or workshops is an advantage. Mention any relevant experience, even from student associations or volunteer work.

• Show your language skills. Fluent written and spoken English is required. French and German are assets. Mention any proficiency you have.

• Compile everything into one PDF. All attachments must be put together in one PDF file not larger than 2 MB. This includes your motivation letter, updated CV, certificates, and references.

• Apply through the electronic job portal. Use the "apply" button provided in the official announcement. Do not send applications by email unless instructed.

• Check your documents. Make sure your PDF is readable, correctly named, and does not exceed the size limit. Corrupted or oversized files may not be considered.

• Apply early. Early applications show professionalism and give you time to fix any technical issues with the portal.

Responsibilities

As an intern supporting the CSPH project, your tasks will include:

Research and Content Preparation

• Support research, evaluations, and content preparation for project outputs in neighborhood planning, social rental housing, and capacity development.

• Assist in the collection and analysis of data related to project activities.

• Contribute to strategy development and neighborhood planning processes in selected sites.

Communication and Public Relations

• Assist in communications and public relations, including designing presentations and factsheets.

• Manage internal and external communications.

• Draft project presentations, newsletter inputs, background materials, and reports for communications and PR.

• Communicate well within the GIZ team to ensure efficient workflow and synergies between different project outputs.

Event Management and Logistics

• Assist in logistics and event management for workshops, events, and retreats, liaising with support units.

• Support the preparation of trainings and workshops.

Administrative and Organisational Support

• Facilitate administrative and organizational tasks within the project's urban planning scope.

• Assist project advisors in activities related to the context of the project.

• Assist the project with any other organizational and management issues.

• Enhance professional capacities through support in training and academic collaborations.

• Perform other duties and tasks at the request of management.

Requirements

Education

• Minimum Bachelor/BSc/BA degree (graduated within the last 12 months).

• Focus on a relevant field in relation to the project, such as urban/regional planning, architecture, sustainability/environmental studies, infrastructure, urban geography, or a related field.

Experience

• Some experience in development cooperation (approaches, principles) in the field of sustainable urban development.

• Experience in event management, preparing trainings, or workshops is an advantage.

Skills

• Good knowledge of one or more of the following topics: integrated and inclusive urban development, social/affordable housing, urban infrastructure provision, or urban climate action.

• Good understanding of climate-sensitive urban planning principles, including adaptation strategies for vulnerable populations.

• Knowledge of design, analysis, and layout or geospatial software (InDesign, GIS, Photoshop, etc.) is a plus.

• Natural talent for communication and organization.

• Ability to work independently, on your own initiative, and to quickly familiarise yourself with complex issues.

• Excellent teamwork and networking abilities, with a proactive approach to collaborating in multicultural settings.

• Excellent command of MS Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) for reporting and presentations.

• Fluent written and spoken English. French and German are assets.

Other Preferences

• Interest in climate action, sustainable urban development, and social housing.

• Ability to work in a multicultural team.

• Attention to detail and reliability.

How to Apply

1. Prepare your application documents. You will need:

   • A motivation letter

   • An updated CV

   • Certificates

   • References

2. Combine all attachments into one PDF file. The file must not be larger than 2 MB.

3. Visit the GIZ electronic job portal. Use the "apply" button provided in the official announcement.

4. Submit your application through the portal before the deadline: 29 September 2026 at 4:00 PM.

5. Double-check your submission. Make sure your PDF is uploaded correctly and that all required documents are included.

6. Wait for shortlisting. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a test and interview.

7. Prepare for the interview. If invited, be ready to discuss your academic background, your interest in climate-sensitive urban planning and social housing, and how you would contribute to the project.