Communications Intern at South African Medical Research Council

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), in partnership with the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Communications Intern to join their EDCTP Africa Office. This 6-month internship programme, based at the SAMRC Head Office in Parow, Cape Town, offers a valuable opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career professional to gain practical experience in the field of global health communications. The intern will play a key role in supporting the EDCTP Association’s Communications Strategy, contributing to content creation, digital engagement, and event coordination. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about global health, infectious diseases, and international cooperation, looking to build a strong foundation in communications within a reputable research environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Drafting and scheduling engaging social media content for platforms such as LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).

• Assisting in the preparation and distribution of a monthly newsletter to stakeholders.

• Creating visually appealing graphics and infographics for various online communication channels.

• Supporting the updating and maintenance of the EDCTP website with news items, event listings, and project highlights.

• Providing logistical and communication support for upcoming events and webinars.

• Offering administrative and communication assistance for the EDCTP Alumni Network platform.

• Collaborating with the communications team to ensure consistent brand messaging across all platforms.

• Monitoring social media channels and responding to inquiries in a timely manner.

• Assisting with research for communication materials and campaigns.

• Contributing to the overall success of the EDCTP's communication objectives.

Why Join the Company

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) is a leading national institution dedicated to improving the health of all South Africans through relevant and high-quality health research. Joining the SAMRC offers a chance to be part of a dynamic and impactful organization committed to scientific excellence and public health. Interns will benefit from hands-on experience, mentorship from experienced professionals, and exposure to international health research initiatives. The EDCTP partnership provides a unique platform to engage with global health challenges and contribute to meaningful collaborations. This internship is designed to foster professional growth and equip individuals with transferable skills in communications, project support, and the non-profit sector.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your application via the official recruitment portal. For direct applications, please use the Quick Apply button on this page.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Media, Public Relations, Global Health, or a related field.

• Demonstrated strong writing and editing skills in English.

• Familiarity with major social media platforms (LinkedIn, X).

• A keen interest in global health, infectious diseases, or international partnerships.

• Knowledge of newsletter tools such as Mailchimp is considered an advantage.

• Familiarity with website Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress or Drupal is beneficial.

• Basic design and layout skills using tools like Canva, Photoshop, or Illustrator are advantageous.

• Any prior internship or volunteering experience in a communications role will be considered an added advantage.