NRF-SARAO – SHE Internships

The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), a National Research Foundation facility, is recruiting two SHE Interns in Cape Town, Western Cape. The interns will support health, safety and environmental compliance, risk management and workplace safety across SARAO and its projects.

Read this first

• Read this first: There are two SHE Intern vacancies based in Cape Town, Western Cape.
• Read this first: You need a relevant National Diploma or B-Tech degree at NQF Level 6 or 7 and a driver’s licence.
• Read this first: Apply online with a comprehensive CV, a motivation letter and contact details for at least three referees. The closing date is 12 November 2026.

At a glance

What you will do

• Support the maintenance, implementation and improvement of SARAO’s health and safety management system, including compliance with adopted policies and procedures and ISO 45001 and ISO 14001.
• Maintain health, safety and environment documentation; help develop and implement policies and procedures; review HSE files; and support upkeep of the legal register and sharing of updates.
• Report on HSE matters and coordinate with the clinic senior and administrator on injuries on duty and submissions under COIDA.
• Assist with incident investigations, record lessons learned, participate in internal and external audits, and monitor safety performance and gaps in procedures.
• Inspect and monitor personal protective equipment management and arrange for replacement provisions when needed. Obtain supplier quotations for new equipment, recalibration or servicing, and seek approval.
• Support HSE committees, emergency drills and disaster-management planning, including identifying required emergency responses.
• Assist departments with hazard identification and risk assessment, including baseline, task-based and issue-based assessments. Participate in inspections, complete checklists and help prepare action plans.
• Support project HSE programmes, project-specific permits, compliance reviews, occupational health and safety specifications, project management plans and commissioning activities.
• Assist with contractor management, contractor health and safety training, audits, site inductions, team talks and awareness programmes.
• Collect project information and compile reports, and support environmental compliance by applying relevant environmental legislation.

Skills and qualities to highlight

• Strong knowledge and understanding of SHE legislation, including NEMA, BCEA and other applicable laws.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, strong administrative skills, attention to detail and observation.
• Ability to work in a high-pressure environment, motivation and commitment, and willingness to develop technical knowledge.
• SAMTRAC or NEBOSH certification and membership of a recognised body such as SAIOSH, IOSH or SACPCMP are advantageous.

Minimum application requirements

• Hold a National Diploma or B-Tech degree at NQF Level 6 or 7 in Health and Safety Management, Environmental Management, Occupational Health and Safety, or Environmental Health.
• Have a driver’s licence.
• Apply online and provide a comprehensive CV, a motivation letter explaining your suitability, and names and contact details for at least three referees.
• SAMTRAC or NEBOSH certification is advantageous, not stated as a requirement.
• Membership of a recognised institution such as SAIOSH, IOSH or SACPCMP is advantageous, not stated as a requirement.

Documents to prepare

• Comprehensive CV
• Motivation letter explaining your suitability
• Names and contact details of at least three referees

About South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), National Research Foundation

The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory is a National Facility managed by the National Research Foundation. It manages radio astronomy initiatives and facilities in South Africa, including MeerKAT and HartRAO, and contributes to South Africa’s involvement in the Square Kilometre Array project. Visit the official South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), National Research Foundation website.

Common application mistakes

• Apply through the NRF Recruitment Portal rather than sending an application by email; the stated application route is online.
• Include a motivation letter explaining your suitability, as well as your comprehensive CV.
• Provide the names and contact details of at least three referees.
• Check that your application is for the SHE Intern position in Cape Town and that your CV and motivation letter support your suitability for this role.

Scam warning

Do not pay for an application, interview or promised placement. Use the verified application links below. Never share banking PINs, passwords or one-time PINs with a recruiter.

How this opportunity was checked

The role details, application route and employer information were checked against official sources. Use the Apply Here link for the full requirements and application instructions.

How to apply

1. Open the NRF Recruitment Portal using the application link.
2. Log in or follow the portal’s instructions to access the recruitment system.
3. Apply for the SHE Intern position in Cape Town.
4. Submit a comprehensive CV and a motivation letter explaining your suitability.
5. Provide the names and contact details of at least three referees, then complete the online submission before 12 November 2026.

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Application closing date

Closing date: 12 November 2026