GIZ International Services
From developing a sustainable energy strategy for Central Asia to providing logistical support for EU election observers in Chad and managing vocational training colleges in Saudi Arabia – the activities of GIZ International Services are as varied as the work carried out by GIZ as a whole. Unlike other GIZ departments, however, we don’t implement commissions from the German Government; we work exclusively on behalf of international institutions, the governments of other countries and the private sector.
We bid for new contracts through the international tender process and also take on commissions directly. GIZ International Services operates many projects in collaboration with national or international partners. Since 2002 we have successfully acquired and implemented around 2,000 programmes and projects worth over three billion euros on behalf of international clients.
Major focus on vocational education and training
As part of the federal enterprise GIZ, we offer our clients a high degree of transparency, professionalism and integrity. GIZ International Services is able to meet the specific requirements of our diverse range of clients, while at the same time implementing the values of the German Government and the standards of GIZ. Although this demands great tact and sensitivity, the benefits are enormous. Both for our clients and for GIZ itself.
We are a part of GIZ’s global network. All our teams are made up of experts drawn from the local area, from Germany and from other countries. This combination of local and international know-how enables us to achieve outcomes that are tailored both to the specific situation and to the requirements of our clients.
The range of services provided by GIZ International Services is broad – with a major focus on vocational education and training. Here is just one example: on behalf of the Government of Saudi Arabia, we support development of the country’s vocational education system. We run a training institute for vocational school teachers in Riyadh, which has been accredited in line with European standards since 2012. We also carry out activities in the region on behalf of Abu Dhabi’s state water and energy provider. In the first project of its kind worldwide, we are coordinating the construction of an underground drinking water reservoir, which is fed with desalinated seawater. Now there are enough drinking water reserves to supply Abu Dhabi’s almost one million inhabitants for 90 days, rather than just three days as before. The new reservoir is equipped with technology supplied by medium-sized German companies and sets a benchmark for the entire Gulf region.
Half of its projects on behalf of the EU
GIZ International Services implements over half its projects on behalf of the European Union. Another example of our current activities is a project in Turkey, in which we work with local authorities to draw up strategies to promote women’s rights and protect women from domestic violence. As part of this project we are coordinating the development of a network of women’s hostels and advice centres, which women can turn to in an emergency.
In all its programmes and projects, GIZ International Services upholds the values of the German Government. As a service provider for the German Government, we help it to achieve its global objectives. In so doing, we make a substantial contribution in international cooperation towards sustainable development – without using money from German taxpayers.
published in akzente 1/15