NGO Event Coordinator Internship in Cape Town

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Leverage your event coordination skills to help organize an environmental action summit, contributing to the success of the NGO’s mission

Bring your event management skills to this unique environmental event. Greenpop hosts festivals every year, putting on unique environmental events in stunning South African forests. Participants of the events plant trees to help restore the forest, learn about important sustainability issues, and soak up the forest setting with a variety of health and well-being activities. You can be part of making this happen. Between February and April, you can join this incredible initiative and put your organizational skills to work!

As an Event Management intern, you’ll be a vital part of planning, organizing, and running the annual Reforest Fest (held over Easter weekend). You’ll liaise with partners, put systems in place, assist in the site set-up, help run logistics, and manage schedules. You’ll be part of both the planning phase and the actual event, which ensures that you’ll get to see the result of your work on the ground, and that you’ll experience the thrill of working behind-the-scenes at a large event. This Event Coordination Internship will offer you an incredibly rich and valuable work experience, as you’ll have a wide range of tasks and be given responsibility in your assignments – a brilliant experience on both a professional and personal level.

The ideal candidate for this NGO Event Coordinator Internship in South Africa will have strong organizational skills, a can-do attitude, and good problem-solving skills. If you’re looking to gain hands-on experience in fieldwork by organizing a large scale environmental conservation event, you’ve found the perfect opportunity!

ORGANIZATION

Greenpop is a nonprofit organization that runs urban greening, reforestation, and eco-education projects. Based in Cape Town, Greenpop plants trees and creates gardens at schools in underprivileged areas and works to regenerate indigenous forests throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. And as part of their mission to encourage a treevolution, the organization has a strong focus on activating people – both Africans and people from around the world – to participate in their projects.

Greenpop is motivated by the vision of a world in which people and nature thrive together. They aim to empower the public to get active (not anxious) about the future of our planet.

Their programs:

  1. Urban greening: concentrate on planting fynbos gardens and trees in urban spaces and run school-based eco-education workshops in marginalized communities. It also aims to create biodiversity corridors across Cape Town.
  2. Forest restoration: plants trees, clears alien vegetation, and works with communities to protect indigenous forests, restore degraded forest areas, and increase biodiversity.
  3. Sustainable development and environmental art projects on an ad hoc basis: these give communities tools to improve their lives while effectively managing their natural resources and create public art and music which brings awareness to local environmental issues.
  4. Events: experiential and educational events. Think of interactive educational workshops on a variety of environmental, entrepreneurial and leadership topics for school groups, corporate teams and the general public. They aim to equip people with the skills they need to get active (not anxious) about the future of our planet.

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

Every year over Easter weekend, Greenpop organizes a reforestation festival (Reforest Fest) with four days filled with tree planting, workshops, music, and entertainment (vendors, speakers, etc.). This requires a lot of organization with regards to logistics and coordination with partners, sponsors, suppliers, artists, etc. As an Event Coordination intern you can assist the production department in several ways.

In this internship, there is no physical office, as the team in Cape Town operates on a hybrid work model. As an intern, you will spend two days per week in-person, which includes 1.5 days working directly with your supervisor and a half-day at the Greenpop Nursery. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to participate in Garden Days or other events happening while you’re on the ground. The remaining three days each week will be spent working remotely.

Responsibilities

You can either focus more on the Coordination or Production side of things. When on-site for the event, everybody helps out in any way they can to assist in things running smoothly.

Coordination

  • Serve as liaison with vendors, artists and partners on event-related matters: applications, dealing with contracts, set-up instructions, accreditation, etc.
  • Digital event marketing: social media management, direct marketing, responding to questions, copywriting event communication, preparing the ticketing
  • Fundraising: contacts with partners & sponsors, checking if ROI has been fulfilled, partner communication
  • Assist on keeping track of event finances including quote requests, invoicing, and reporting.
  • Event coordination: hands-on preparations for the events (signing, site map, packing, decoration), on site assisting with the production, artist liaison, bands & sound tech liaison
  • Planning and administration: drafting a timescale for the job/event, coordination of volunteers, keep track of the budget, site map and evacuation plan

Production

  • Assist with set-up, strike, and managing on-site production and cleanup for the event
  • On-site event management during the event
  • Managing logistics, collections, and returns (sponsored goods)
  • Shopping
  • Producing and following packing lists
  • Festival build
  • Driving a loaded bakkie
  • REQUIRED: Valid driver’s license + comfortable driving a loaded bakkie

Requirements

  • Preferably some background in working outdoors, or at least excited to get outdoors and get dirty
  • Fluent English communication skills
  • Time management and multitasking skills
  • Problem solver and creative thinker with a flexible mindset
  • Not afraid to take responsibility
  • Hands-on mentality
  • Willing to work evenings and weekends (especially when on-site for the event, days are long and tiring)
  • Willing to camp for the week you are on-site for the event
  • Coordination: Ideally have a driver’s license (and willing to drive in South Africa)
  • Production: valid driver’s license REQUIRED and comfortable driving a loaded bakkie
  • Bring your own laptop
  • Available Jan/Feb – April

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

As an intern in Cape Town, you’ll have the choice between three different accommodations. With dorm and single room options, you can opt for the lodging option that meets your needs and budget. All locations include Wifi, linens & towels, communal areas, shared facilities, 24/7 security, laundry services, and housekeeping.  Each option is conveniently located to be walking distance from various shops, cafes, restaurants, and some of the touristy highlights Cape Town has to offer as well. You’ll have the opportunity to meet a variety of travelers, including students & backpackers, and explore the wonders of the city – while being based in the heart of it all.

Safety & Support

Safety & Support

Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. During your placement, you’ll have access to the Roots team remotely, along with your internship supervisor on the ground.

South Africa does have high crime rates, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Safety recommendations include: do not walk anywhere alone and do not walk anywhere at night – it’s better to Uber, no matter the distance, even if you are in a group. Upon arrival, ask your accommodation about the safe/dangerous areas & streets that are nearby. Keep your belongings close to you (avoid using handbags), always keep an eye on your drinks when out socializing, don’t walk around with large sums of cash (you can pay for everything with a card), minimize wearing flashy accessories, and be cautious of overly friendly strangers. Take extra precautions at night by staying in a group and always taking an Uber once the sun goes down.

Communication

Communication

Your accommodation will include free Wifi to keep family and friends up to date via WhatsApp, Zoom, etc. Most cafes/restaurants also offer free Wifi for remote work days and staying online. You can also consider getting a local SIM card if your phone is unlocked for international carrier, or setting your phone’s status to roaming (be aware of high charges for this option).

Meals

Meals

Meals are NOT included at the accommodation options in Cape Town. The kitchen facilities vary at each location and details will be provided during the application process. With a variety of international cuisine options available in the area and throughout Cape Town, there is no shortage of restaurants, bars, and cafes to try out.

Location details

Location details

Discover Cape Town’s attractions: Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Gardens, city tours, historical sites, and the Cape Point Peninsula. There are also opportunities to surf, kayak, paraglide, cage dive with sharks, and more! Cape Town has a mediterranean climate with cool winters and hot summers so be sure to check what the temperature will be like during your stay.

DATES & RATES

Fee Breakdown

The internship is available for a period of three months from January/February until the beginning of May.

What you’ll pay (2025 rates)

12 WEEKS USD 2,279

16 WEEKS USD 2,741

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 mixed-gender dorm room (up to 6 pax). If you prefer a smaller dorm size, female-only dorm, or single room – please contact us for availability and prices. During the event you will be camping in the forest.
  • Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
  • Wifi access
  • On-site event expenses
  • 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
  • A discount on weekend activities in Cape Town, exclusive to Roots Interns

Exclusions

  • Flights to Cape Town International Airport
  • Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
  • Meals
  • Transport to weekly team meetings and the Eco-Hub in Woodstock
  • 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: Cape Town, South Africa
PROGRAM FOCUS: Environmental NGO
TASK FOCUS: Event Management, Logistics, Budgeting, Planning
LENGTH: February – April
COST: From USD 2,382

REVIEWS

“I think that this internship was the perfect combo between working in an office, writing stuff, etc, and working on the ground. I've seen and learned so many things, it made me grow a lot.”

Juliette, FranceNGO Event Management Internship, Cape Town
READ MORE REVIEWS

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Help organize an event to reconnect people with nature and like-minded active citizens
  • Gain experience in event coordination, logistics, planning, budgeting, and facilitation
  • Gain insight into the daily operations of this environmental nonprofit
  • Live and work in Cape Town, arguably one of the most stunning cities in the world.
  • Enjoy exploring South Africa’s many highlights during your time off
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?

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