The agriculture sector in Kenya has experienced mixed results in its progress over the decades. However, its poor performance is starkly evident considering the large proportion of small-scale**rural farmers with low incomes and persisting national-level food insecurity. The Agriculture Sector Growth and Transformation Strategy (ASTGS) envisions sector transformation at both small and medium enterprises, and large-scale commercial production level and addresses productivity concerns, agro-processing and commercialization through various interventions and approaches. However, existing and persisting sustainability challenges thwart efforts towards progress of the sector.
Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH has been initiating the global programme "Sustainable Agricultural Systems and Policies"** (AgSys) in 2023. The programme supports cooperating countries in transforming their agricultural sector. It draws on local impacts and partnerships and enhances these by providing national policy advice. Kenya is one of the cooperating countries and project activities will be implemented from 2024 - 2027. The global programme works in five fields of activity (Outputs):
1. Promoting reform approaches through transformative agricultural policy. These approaches need to be cross-cutting and as such connect agricultural policy with other areas such as food and nutrition security, climate action and biodiversity conservation.
2. Scaling successful practices to provide support in consolidating and institutionalizing tried-and-tested approaches and innovations.
3. Including input from civil society by involving non-state actors, above all women and young people, in the reform agendas.
4. Harmonizing financial contributions with the aim of transforming the national funding landscapes and opening up access to additional funding and contributions to support the reform agendas.
5. Linking national and global agendas to strengthen national reform processes and enrich the debate on the transformation of agricultural and food systems.
A. Responsibilities**
The key responsibility of the intern is to support the AgSys project, through the technical team, to execute various interventions that align with the objective of the project. An elaboration of expected tasks is as below:
B. Tasks****
The intern, with guidance and assistance from the technical team will perform the following tasks:
Support the project manager and technical team in execution of delegable technical and administrative tasks e.g., developing concept notes, programs, and presentations; capturing and briefing on meeting notes; developing checklists for event planning, et cetera
Actively participate in conceptualization, planning and execution of activities along the various outputs
Participate and network in forums, meetings and workshops related to AgSys scope of interventions and compile summary notes/minutes
Support in quick reviews and digests through desk research for required technical knowledge and information
Contribute to knowledge management and communication especially in content creation
Upskill on various technical topics along the outputs including monitoring and evaluation support
Support in event organization and execution including logistical follow-ups with administration
Assist in other technical and administrative duties upon request
C. Required qualifications, competences, and experience****
Qualifications and experience****
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in agricultural economics, agriculture-related, and sustainability-related courses
Relevant experiences in agricultural, NRM or related sectors, interactions, and awareness of key issues in sustainable development
Must be a recent graduate within one year of completion
Other skills and competences****
Excellent research skills and summarizing knowledge / information
Willingness to learn and ability to work in a dynamic team
Self-driven, motivated and ability to balance tasks and team support
Ability to execute tasks under required schedules and deadlines
Strong organizational skills
Good interpersonal and communication skills
Very good working knowledge of ICT technologies (related software, email, internet, and other computer applications e.g., MS Office)
Awareness and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
Submission of Application:****
Duty Station: Nairobi****
Duration of Assignment:** Six (6) months**
Vacancy Reference Number: GIZ/ARD/09/05/2026
Equal Employment Opportunity****
At GIZ Kenya, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. We actively seek individuals with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills to build a stronger, more impactful global team.
We provide an environment of respect and psychological safety, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all. Discrimination based on race, color, ancestry, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, disability, marital status, or any other protected status is not tolerated in any of our workplaces.
Ethics****
GIZ is committed to the safety, dignity, and well-being of all individuals we interact with, including staff, partners, community members, and program participants. We uphold the highest standards in preventing sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. Child abuse or any form of misconduct by or toward team members is strictly prohibited.
All staff are expected to behave professionally, respect local laws and customs, and complete mandatory ethics e-learning courses upon hire.
Data Confidentiality****
In accordance with GIZ’s data protection policy, all candidate applications are stored in our database for six (6) months and deleted thereafter.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.**