GIZ Trainee Programmes 2026: Development Cooperation, Finance and Public Relations Opportunities

Overview

GIZ runs three trainee pathways in 2026 for graduates and young professionals who want practical experience in German and international development cooperation. The pathways are the German Development Cooperation Trainee Programme, the Financial Management Trainee Programme and the Public Relations Traineeship. Work takes place in Germany and, depending on the programme, abroad.

The German Development Cooperation Trainee Programme is implemented by GIZ as an initiative of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. It gives participants insight into the coordination and management work behind development cooperation and prepares them for technical and management roles with German and international organizations in the field.

What you get

The Financial Management programme lasts 18 months and starts with three weeks of onboarding in Germany. Trainees then spend two to eight weeks in each of several units in Bonn or Eschborn, covering areas such as finance, procurement and contracting, international services, regional departments, legal affairs and insurance, internal audit and compliance. A 12-month assignment on a GIZ project abroad follows, including about eight weeks of job shadowing at the country office and work on a project assigned to the trainee. It suits graduates who want a career in business administration and international financial management.

The Public Relations Traineeship lasts 24 months and is aimed at people interested in communications and international cooperation. Trainees support the Corporate Communications Unit by producing press releases, writing online content, organizing events, developing communication strategies, moderating social intranet communities and advising communicators around the world. A mentor supports each trainee.

Training includes preparatory seminars with an accredited examination body for the PR sector, leading to a recognized industry qualification, with GIZ covering course and examination fees. Trainees also job shadow at a media company, with help from GIZ's press team. Most of the traineeship takes place in Bonn and Eschborn near Frankfurt am Main, with insight into GIZ work in a partner country.