Now is a great time to start building your career in research and health administration – the Wits Health Consortium is offering an Internship Programme for 2026/2027 in Johannesburg, and the deadline is fast approaching.
What the opportunity is
The internship is based within the Wits Reproductive Health Institute (Wits RHI) and will support the administration and operations of the Shandukani research project. It is a 12‑month contract located in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
Reference number: UM 40-2026
Closing date for applications: 10 November 2026
Who can apply
The role is open to suitably qualified South African applicants – recent graduates or final‑year students in health sciences, administration, finance, or related fields are encouraged to apply.
What you will gain
You will develop hands‑on experience in:
- Research administration and participant support
- Finance and procurement processes
- Meeting coordination, reporting and minute‑taking
- Facilities and IT request handling
- Professional communication and teamwork
These skills are valuable for future roles in health research, project management, and public‑sector administration.
Key responsibilities
- Manage the Shandukani access‑control system
- Follow organisational policies and guidelines
- Maintain procurement order records
- Prepare and distribute reports
- Share information with staff and team members
- Coordinate meetings, trainings and events
- Welcome participants and assess their needs
- Direct participants to the appropriate project areas
- Check co‑enrolment status and capture participant data
- Verify, copy, certify and file ID documents
- Update participant locator information
- Process participant reimbursements
- Reconcile financial records with Wits Health Consortium finance
- Match reimbursements with monthly Milestone Visits
- Request supplier quotations
- Support housekeeping duties
- Log IT and facilities queries
- Report maintenance issues
- Distribute stationery and supplies
- Cost and purchase participant refreshments
- Take minutes during meetings
- Assist with meeting presentations
- Stay accountable for allocated tasks
- Maintain work quality and productivity standards
- Respond positively to feedback
- Log maintenance calls for air‑conditioning, vents and assets
How to apply (step‑by‑step)
- Write a cover letter of no more than one page. State clearly that you are applying for the UM 40-2026 internship.
- Prepare a detailed, up‑to‑date Curriculum Vitae.
- Open a new email addressed to vacancy5@wrhi.ac.za.
- Use the subject line exactly: UM 40-2026: Intern.
- Attach both the cover letter and your CV.
- Send the email before 10 November 2026.
Click here to apply for the Wits Health Consortium Internship Programme 2026 / 2027
Tips to improve your chances
- Follow the subject line format without any changes.
- Make sure the vacancy reference (UM 40-2026) appears in your cover letter.
- Keep the cover letter concise – one page is maximum.
- Proofread your CV for spelling or formatting errors.
- Submit before the deadline; late applications may not be considered.
Next steps
If you meet the criteria and are keen to gain real‑world experience in health research administration, follow the steps above and send your application today. Good luck!
