The British Council is offering an exciting internship opportunity for a Communications and Partnerships Internship based in Johannesburg, South Africa. This internship is aimed at individuals who are eager to build a solid foundation for their professional careers while contributing to the impactful work of the British Council.
This internship offers an opportunity for a highly motivated recent graduate or new workforce entrant to gain essential work skills within a dynamic international organisation. The 12-month paid internship is especially designed for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, marginalised communities, and persons living with disabilities.
Internship Details
- Contract Duration: 12 months
- Stipend: R9,411 per month
- Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
- Eligibility: Applicants must have the right to live and work in South Africa.
- Language Requirement: Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Purpose of the Role
The Communications and Partnerships Intern will support the planning and implementation of British Council South Africa’s strategic objectives. The role will provide an invaluable professional learning experience, helping the intern develop a strong skillset in communications, partnership development, and programme support.
The British Council works in over 200 countries and territories, reaching 650 million people annually. Its initiatives focus on youth empowerment, education, creative economies, arts, and culture, enabling young individuals to gain internationally recognised qualifications and thrive in global markets.
Through this internship, the intern will contribute to meaningful projects, engage with internal and external stakeholders, and help build lasting relationships that strengthen the British Council’s impact in South Africa.
Key Responsibilities
1. Communications Support
The intern will play an essential role in enhancing the British Council’s online and offline presence. Responsibilities include:
- Assisting in the development and execution of social media strategies.
- Improving digital communication techniques and their integration into the Directorate’s work.
- Learning to track and report on content performance across different digital platforms.
- Gaining hands-on experience in creating engaging digital content, including high-quality video assets and multimedia materials.
- Supporting the conceptualisation and production of multimedia assets for campaigns and events.
- Collaborating with the Country Director (CD) and Marketing and Communications (MarComs) team to build a national social media profile that highlights the British Council’s impact in South Africa.
- Contributing to internal and external communication strategies, impact stories, awareness campaigns, and report writing.
This experience will equip the intern with communication tools and strategies necessary for building inclusive and impactful engagement initiatives.
2. Partnership Development
Partnerships play a crucial role in the British Council’s success. The intern will support business development and programme teams by:
- Conducting stakeholder research to help identify potential new partners.
- Developing and maintaining stakeholder databases.
- Assisting in presenting research findings to the Country Leadership Team (CLT).
- Helping to build relationships with key internal and external partners, including UK stakeholders in South Africa (such as the British High Commission and the Department for Business and Trade).
- Assisting in the organisation of events and engagements that showcase the British Council’s work and foster long-term relationships.
This role will provide the intern with insights into how evidence-based research and partnerships contribute to achieving strategic objectives.
3. Programme Support
The intern will also be involved in various administrative and organisational tasks, including:
- Supporting monitoring and evaluation activities.
- Assisting in the planning and execution of events and campaigns.
- Collaborating with internal teams, partners, and stakeholders to ensure successful programme delivery.
This experience will help the intern develop strong leadership, planning, and communication skills essential for multi-tasking and working across multiple projects.
Minimum Requirements
Education & Skills
- A graduate in Marketing, Communications, Social Sciences, or a related field.
- Must have an equivalent qualification (Certificate/Diploma/Degree).
- Strong report writing, research, and analytical skills.
- Basic understanding of marketing communications principles.
- Interest in education, skills development, youth empowerment, and creative economies.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Computer literacy, including knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, TEAMS and social media platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc.).
- Ability to conduct desk-based research and reporting.
- High degree of professionalism and integrity.
Desirable Skills
- Active participation in social media platforms or demonstrated experience in digital engagement.
Commitment to Safeguarding
The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults. This includes ensuring that all work environments are safe, respectful, and free from exploitation or abuse.
Appointments for roles involving direct interaction with vulnerable groups will be subject to:
- Qualification checks
- Reference checks
- Identity verification
- Criminal record checks (as per the British Council’s Safeguarding policies).
Application Process
- Closing Date: 27 February 2025 (23:59 Central Africa Time / 21:59 UK Time)
- Applications must be submitted through the British Council’s Careers website.
- Technical issues? Contact askhr@britishcouncil.org (Note: CVs and supporting documents sent to this email will NOT be reviewed).
Why Apply?
This internship presents a unique opportunity for a passionate, driven individual to:
- Gain hands-on experience in communications, partnership building, and programme management.
- Work in an internationally renowned organisation committed to education, arts, and youth development.
- Develop in-demand professional skills in a dynamic, multicultural environment.
- Receive mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals.
- Contribute to real, impactful projects that benefit South African communities.
For young professionals looking to jumpstart their careers in communications, marketing, and partnership development, this internship is an opportunity to grow and make a difference!
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