Health and Nutrition Research Internship in South Africa

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Explore the realms of nutrition education, breastfeeding practices, the food chain intricacies, and psychosocial support programs.

Dive into a transformative research internship, where your role as a learner and educator contributes to the organization’s mission of fostering positive change and awareness.

Take on a research internship where the focal point of it will be about nutrition education, breastfeeding practices, the intricacies of the food chain, and the vital realm of psychosocial support programs. Within this dynamic learning environment, you will delve deep into these multifaceted domains and unravel the complexities that define them.

As an intern, your responsibilities will consist of a diverse range of tasks, including the formulation of evidence-based strategies that bolster the initiatives of the NGO. Your role will also extend to the creation of comprehensive literature reviews and the development of scientific articles for publication, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge in these critical fields.

As you immerse yourself in this experience, you will play a pivotal role in educating others about the significance of nutrition education, breastfeeding practices, the intricacies of the food chain, and the pivotal role of psychosocial support programs. This dual process of learning and imparting knowledge is integral to the overall impact the organization aims to achieve in fostering positive change and awareness within these crucial areas.

Learning objectives

  • Develop an interdisciplinary perspective by delving deep into the complexities of nutrition education, breastfeeding practices, the food chain, and psychosocial support programs.
  • Develop advanced research skills through hands-on experience.
  • Improve your literature and writing skills.
  • Develop collaborative skills by working as an integral member of a dynamic team.

ORGANIZATION

Established in the city of Pretoria, South Africa, in the year 2018, this forward-thinking organization is dedicated to addressing human challenges through a comprehensive approach that encompasses nutrition and related services, capacity development, and psychosocial support. Their overarching goal is to optimize well-being and, in turn, catalyze the development of African nations.

At the heart of their mission, the organization strategically implements projects that span the domains of nutrition, skills development, and psychosocial support. Through these initiatives, the organization aims to not only alleviate immediate challenges but also create sustainable solutions that foster resilience and empower individuals.

The projects that this organization undertakes serve as catalysts for change, working towards a collective vision where the people within these communities are not only healthy but also equipped with the skills and support needed to thrive and realize their fullest potential.

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

Your tasks during the internship will be closely tied to the heartbeat of the NGO’s activities, serving as a channel through which your contributions become an integral part of the transformative journey toward better health, skills development, and psychosocial well-being within the target communities.

Responsibilities

  • Writing literature reviews
  • Cleaning and analysis of data, and synthesizing findings
  • Report writing on the projects
  • Writing scientific articles for publications
  • Developing evidence-based strategies to support the NGO’s initiatives

Requirements

  • Experience and/or background in public health interventions including infant and young child feeding, nutrition education/counseling, and psychosocial support.
  • Interest in skills development through training.
  • Interest in working with the less privileged and in resources-limited communities.

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

During this internship, you’ll have the choice to stay at a backpackers accommodation or at a guesthouse both nearby the office. Pumbas Backpackers offers female only and mixed dorm rooms, along with single cabins which all have access to the swimming pool, braai area, self-catering kitchen, and lounge areas. Juraya Guesthouse is an enclosed facility that includes a single room with a smart TV, A/C, mini fridge, and a shared self-catering kitchen. Prices below are for a dorm bed at Pumbas. Contact us for prices and availability of single rooms at either accommodation.

This internship can also be done as a remote internship, which allows you to work comfortably from home (or anywhere else in the world).

Safety & Support

SAFETY & SUPPORT

Be sure to prioritize hydration in the summer (November-February) to avoid heatstroke. South Africa does have high crime rates, so it’s important to be aware and use common sense to stay safe. Some safety guidelines are to always walk in groups, take a taxi/Uber in the evenings, know safe/dangerous areas, secure your belongings, don’t walk around with large sums of cash (you can pay everything with a card), minimize wearing flashy accessories, and be cautious of overly friendly strangers.

Communication

COMMUNICATION

The accommodations offer free Wifi to keep in touch with family and friends via WhatsApp, Zoom, etc. Most cafes/restaurants will offer free Wifi as well. You can consider getting a local SIM card if your phone is unlocked, or setting your phone’s status to roaming, depending on your provider’s rates.

Meals

MEALS

Meals are not included in the internship fee. You will need to prepare your own meals in the self-catering kitchen at the accommodation. Be sure to pack a lunch to bring to work, as there are no food options nearby the office.

Location details

LOCATION DETAILS

Pretoria offers you a very unique internship experience with its great blend of historical significance, modern vibrancy, and verdant areas. The city’s diverse culinary scene and busy markets add a vibrant flair to your experience, while green areas such as the Rietvlei Nature Reserve and the renowned National Botanical Gardens offer amazing opportunities for outdoor exploration. Also, if you wish to see one of South Africa’s architectural masterpieces, you can go and visit the historical Union Buildings.

DATES & RATES

Fee Breakdown

Internship start and end dates are flexible and will be discussed with you during the selection process.

What you’ll pay (2024 rates)


8 weeks USD 1,592

12 weeks USD 2,022

16 weeks USD 2,453

20 weeks USD 2,883

26 weeks USD 3,528


Remote internship: USD 525

Inclusions

  • Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
  • Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
  • An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
  • Accommodation in a dorm room. If you prefer a single room, please contact us for availability and prices.
  • Wifi access
  • Assistance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
  • An orientation program with your supervisor
  • Supervision and support during your stay
  • Regular check-ins during your internship with your supervisor
  • Troubleshooting if needed
  • A reference letter at the end of your internship

Exclusions

  • Flights to Johannesburg (OR Tambo) International Airport
  • Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
  • Airport transfers (we will provide recommendations of services)
  • Transport to the office (we can provide an average daily Uber cost)
  • Meals, drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
  • Costs for additional excursions or activities
SCHOLARSHIP & FUNDING

FAQs

Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in South Africa.

What can I expect from a NGO internship in South Africa?

During your internship in South Africa you can expect to meet people from around the world, as well as indulging yourself into the culture of this beautiful country! If you want to know more about what to expect, make sure to check out our top 7 reasons for an internship in Cape Town.

Will I have time to explore South Africa during my internship?

Yes! We partner with various activity organizers that can offer discounts exclusive to Roots Interns, for example, a road trip through the Garden Route and bungee jumping off the world’s largest natural bungee. You may also explore the country on your own and we are happy to give recommendations.

Am I able to do an internship while on a study program in Cape Town?

Yes! You are able to do a part-time internship with certain organizations so that you can continue your studies, while also gaining valuable work experience.

Will I receive a stipend of any kind during my internship with Roots?

Unfortunately, no. When working with a nonprofit organization, your internship will be unpaid, but there are many ways to fund your internship. Your experience will bring a wealth of knowledge and opportunities for both professional and personal growth that are invaluable!

QUICK FACTS

LOCATION: Pretoria, South Africa OR Remote
PROGRAM FOCUS: Health and Nutrition NGO
TASK FOCUS: Data Analysis, Literature Review, Reporting, Research, Writing
LENGTH: Min. 8 weeks
COST: From USD 1,592 (in-person) / USD 525 (remote)

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Engage in a research internship that immerses you in the dynamic realms of various fields.
  • Contribute to the organization’s data-driven decision-making process by actively participating in the cleaning, analysis, and synthesis of data.
  • Take on the crucial responsibility of formulating evidence-based strategies.
  • Gain hands-on experience in crafting scientific articles for publication.
  • Experience the satisfaction of contributing directly to the heartbeat of the NGO’s activities.
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW

HOW TO APPLY

If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:

APPLY

Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.

GET STARTED

SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR

We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.

INTERNSHIP MATCHING

If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.

PAYMENT

If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.

CONFIRMATION

Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.

NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?

Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!

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