Junior Project Support (10 Months Contract)

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organisation in Pretoria is offering an internship for a Junior Project Support. The successful candidate will coordinate a project focused on climate change response strategies, facilitating communication among stakeholders. Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in environmental science or a related field, fluency in English, and strong analytical skills. The position offers flexible hybrid work arrangements and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid work arrangement

Learning and development opportunities

Competitive remuneration package

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject such as environmental science.
• Experience with MS Office.
• Strong analytical thinking and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate project delivery and reporting.
• Facilitate communication between stakeholders.
• Organize project-related events and compile follow-up documents.

Skills

Research skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Event coordination

Fluency in English

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental science or similar

Tools

MS Office

Job description

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation that researches, develops, localises and diffuses technologies to accelerate socio-economic prosperity in South Africa. Its work contributes to industrial development and supports a capable state.

Junior Project Support (10 Months Contract)

About the Job

The CSIR has an internship opportunity in Climate Change, to support the implementation of a GIZ-CSIR contract titled: Technical write-up of climate change response strategies and implementation plans for provinces and local municipalities. The successful candidate will be placed within the Climate Services Research Group in the Smart Places Cluster. This position is based in Pretoria.

About the Research Group

The Climate Services research group undertakes directed climate change research on mitigation and adaptation responses at different spatial scales (e.g. catchment area, biome, facility level) to support government and industry towards low carbon and climate resilient development in South Africa and Southern Africa. The group provides analyses of climate risks, climate policy, impacts, and responses across socio-economic sectors. Services and products include crop modelling, species distribution modelling, agro‑hydrological modelling, greenhouse gas inventory, low‑carbon emission strategies, resource constraint trade‑offs, reporting on national commitments to the UNFCCC, decision support tools such as a vulnerability atlas, and information and communication technologies (e.g. GIS, web mapping and remote sensing). For more info about the research group, please visit https://www.csir.co.za/smart-places.

Key Responsibilities

• Project coordination, reporting, and delivery support for the implementation of the "Technical write‑up of climate change response strategies and implementation plans for provinces and local municipalities" project.
• Support effective communication and coordination between CSIR, DFFE, GIZ, municipalities, and other relevant stakeholders, including participation in meetings and calls to ensure timely delivery of milestones.
• Plan and organise virtual and in‑person project‑related events such as stakeholder consultation workshops and partner meetings and compile follow‑up documents.
• Serve as a liaison with the DFFE team to leverage data and information from municipalities participating in this project.
• Assist in the preparation of project reports, technical documents, and internal updates to support funder reporting requirements.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject such as environmental science, environmental studies, or similar.
• Experience with MS Office.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Strong research, analytical thinking, reporting, and concise writing skills.
• Exposure related to local government operations is an advantage.
• Experience coordinating virtual or in‑person events and workshops.
• Thriving in a collaborative, international environment and taking initiative.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to create content for diverse audiences.
• High interest and enthusiasm for working with multiple stakeholders.
• Self‑motivated, with a positive and proactive attitude, and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Well‑organised, attentive to detail, maintaining quality delivery, and acting with honesty and accountability.
• Strong ability and willingness to work as part of a team, as well as independently.
• Demonstrated flexibility and quick adaptation to changing priorities, contexts, and emerging opportunities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Capacity to bring new ideas and contribute meaningfully to project ideation beyond the current portfolio of the team.
• Maintain cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

What’s in it for you?

The CSIR Offers

• Flexible hybrid work arrangement.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive and market‑related remuneration packages.

The Application Should Include

• A detailed CV.
• Certified copies of your academic transcripts/record of results.
• A one‑page letter of motivation explaining your interest in this position.

PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY.

For more info, please contact the CSIR Recruitment Centre on 012 841 4774 or email us at [e-mail].

The CSIR is an equal opportunity employer. As such, it is committed to the Employment Equity Act of 1998. By applying for this position at the CSIR, the applicant understands, consents and agrees that the CSIR may solicit a credit and criminal report from a registered credit bureau and/or SAPS (in relation to positions that require trust and honesty and/or entail the handling of cash or finances) and may also verify the applicant’s educational qualifications and employment history.

The CSIR reserves the right to remove the advertisement at any time before the stated closing date and it further reserves the right not to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified.