2025 Life Changing GIZ Trainee Opportunity in Berlin Legal and Political Advice on Business and Human Rights

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Introduction

Are you a legal trainee interested in shaping policies at the intersection of business, human rights, and sustainable global supply chains? GIZ is offering an exciting opportunity to join its Corporate Responsibility Team in Berlin. This traineeship provides first-hand experience in legal and political advisory work, focusing on corporate due diligence obligations at national, EU, and international levels.

About GIZ

For over 50 years, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) has supported the German Federal Government in achieving global development policy goals. Operating in over 120 countries with a workforce dedicated to impact and innovation, GIZ works with partners worldwide to foster sustainable economic, social, and environmental progress. With meaningful work and a strong commitment to diversity, GIZ empowers young professionals to grow while contributing to a better world.

Background and Context of the Traineeship

This traineeship is part of the Sector Project on the Sustainable Transformation of Global Supply Chains, which provides technical, political, and strategic advice to the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The project aims to strengthen corporate responsibility and promote respect for human rights and the environment across global value chains.
As part of the Corporate Responsibility Team, you will gain exposure to cutting-edge legislative developments, including the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act, the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, the UN Treaty on Business and Human Rights, and other regulatory frameworks shaping responsible global business practices.

Duties and Responsibilities

As a trainee, you will:

Support BMZ in the effective design of corporate due diligence obligations within development policy, particularly regarding German and EU legislative processes.
Conduct legal research and draft advisory products, including legal opinions, policy briefings, statements, keynote speeches, and analyses of studies and specialist publications.
Assist in organising meetings and conferences with BMZ and partner institutions.
Participate in and document events, consultations, and exchanges with national and international cooperation partners.

Requirements/Eligibility Criteria

Successful completion of the First Legal Examination and current enrolment in legal preparatory service (Rechtsreferendariat).
Knowledge of development cooperation, business and human rights, corporate responsibility (RBC/CSR), or sustainable supply chain management is an advantage.
Strong interest in political issues and legal-policy intersections.
Excellent analytical, conceptual, and structured working skills.
High motivation, adaptability, and team spirit.
Fluent written and spoken German and English.

Benefits

Gain practical experience in legal and political advisory work on global supply chain sustainability.
Exposure to German, EU, and international legislative processes.
Opportunity to contribute to shaping human rights and environmental standards in global trade.
Work in a diverse and inclusive environment committed to equal opportunities.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for both administrative and elective placements (depending on the federal state). Submit your application via the GIZ online portal, referencing Job-ID: V000062323.