Global Programs & Partnerships Associate (Intern)

The Meridian Institute; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 124,000 - 152,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Flexible schedule

Professional development

Job summary

The Meridian Institute is seeking a Global Programs & Partnerships Associate (Intern) to support international business development, research, and program delivery. This part-time, remote role reports to the Executive Director, Global Programs & Partnerships, and involves market intelligence, outreach, and coordination of virtual programs.

Ideal candidates are university students or recent graduates with strong English, research and organizational skills, and an interest in international

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
• Strong research, analytical, and organizational abilities.
• Ability to communicate professionally with institutional contacts and program participants.
• Confidence participating in and supporting live virtual events.
• Attention to detail, reliability, and sound professional judgment.

Responsibilities

• Research prospective corporate clients, professional associations, universities, and institutional partners across priority international markets.
• Identify relevant decision-makers and support institutional outreach and follow-up.
• Assist with partnership communications, proposals, and the development of new professional education opportunities.
• Maintain accurate records of prospective partners, institutional contacts, and business development activities.
• Research developments across energy, infrastructure, and related international markets.
• Identify emerging industry priorities, institutional needs, and opportunities for specialized professional education.
• Prepare concise research summaries, market briefings, and background materials to inform program and partnership development.
• Identify relevant industry organizations, conferences, and potential collaborators.
• Support the preparation and delivery of international webinars, executive briefings, workshops, and professional education programs.
• Coordinate program logistics, speaker communications, participant information, and supporting materials.
• Assist with live virtual event facilitation, including speaker introductions, moderated discussions, and participant engagement.
• Support post-program communications, participant feedback, and follow-up activities.

Skills

English fluency

Research skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Independent work

Education

International Business

Economics

Public Policy

Marketing

Tools

Video conferencing

CRM tools

Office suite

Job description

Remote (South Africa) | 8–10 hours per week | R100 per hour

About The Meridian Institute

The Meridian Institute is an international professional education and convening institute operating across the energy and infrastructure sectors.

The Institute develops and delivers advanced professional programs, executive briefings, and customized institutional engagements for organizations and professionals working in complex, regulated, and technically demanding environments.

Its work draws on applied expertise, practitioner-led insight, and an understanding of the technical, commercial, and institutional challenges shaping energy systems. The Institute's programs and partnership initiatives extend across Africa, the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Role Overview

The Global Programs & Partnerships Associate (Intern) will support the Institute's international business development, research, institutional partnerships, and professional program delivery.

The role combines market intelligence and partnership development with the coordination of executive education programs and international events. Responsibilities include researching prospective institutional partners, identifying market opportunities, supporting professional outreach, and contributing to the preparation and facilitation of virtual programs.

The Associate will work with the Executive Director, Global Programs & Partnerships, and the Institute's international team.

This part-time, remote position is intended for a university student or recent graduate seeking practical experience in international business, research, and institutional engagement.

Key Responsibilities Business Development & Institutional Partnerships

• Research prospective corporate clients, professional associations, universities, and institutional partners across priority international markets.
• Identify relevant decision-makers and support institutional outreach and follow-up.
• Assist with partnership communications, proposals, and the development of new professional education opportunities.
• Maintain accurate records of prospective partners, institutional contacts, and business development activities.
• Research developments across energy, infrastructure, and related international markets.
• Identify emerging industry priorities, institutional needs, and opportunities for specialized professional education.
• Prepare concise research summaries, market briefings, and background materials to inform program and partnership development.
• Identify relevant industry organizations, conferences, and potential collaborators.

Program Coordination & Event Facilitation

• Support the preparation and delivery of international webinars, executive briefings, workshops, and professional education programs.
• Coordinate program logistics, speaker communications, participant information, and supporting materials.
• Assist with live virtual event facilitation, including speaker introductions, moderated discussions, and participant engagement.
• Support post-program communications, participant feedback, and follow-up activities.

Candidate Profile

The position is suited to a university student or recent graduate who demonstrates intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, strong communication skills, and an interest in international professional environments.

Relevant academic backgrounds may include:

• International Business or Business Administration
• Economics or Finance
• International Relations or Public Policy
• Marketing or Communications
• Energy, Sustainability, or Infrastructure
• Related disciplines

Previous professional experience in the energy sector is not required.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills
• Strong research, analytical, and organizational abilities
• Ability to communicate professionally with institutional contacts and program participants
• Confidence participating in and supporting live virtual events
• Attention to detail, reliability, and sound professional judgment
• Ability to work independently and manage assigned responsibilities
• Proficiency with standard digital communication and productivity tools
• Interest in international business, institutional partnerships, and professional education

Additional language skills are welcome but not required.

Professional Development

The position provides practical exposure to international business development, institutional partnerships, applied market research, and executive education.

The Associate will contribute to projects involving organizations and professionals across international markets, develop experience in institutional communications and stakeholder engagement, and participate in the coordination of professional education programs.

The role offers opportunities to take responsibility for defined assignments, contribute research and recommendations, and develop professional skills through engagement with the Institute's international activities.

Engagement & Compensation

• Part-time, remote position based in South Africa
• Approximately 8–10 hours per week
• Compensation: R100 per hour
• Flexible scheduling to accommodate academic commitments
• Occasional participation in international virtual events may be required

Industry: Professional Training and Coaching