Vacant Position – SHE Intern

NRF-SARAO; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 320,000; Part time

Job summary

SARAO is seeking a Junior HSE support role to assist with maintaining health and safety management systems and compliance with ISO standards. The role covers documentation, audits, incident investigations, and training for contractors in the Cape Town area.

The successful candidate will work under the NRF umbrella, gaining practical experience in occupational health, safety and environment while supporting project HSE programs and supplier management.

Qualifications

• National Diploma or B-Tech in H&S or related field (NQF 6/7).
• SAMTRAC/NEBOSH certificate advantageous.
• Member of SAIOSH/IOSH and SACPCMP advantageous.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Assist in maintaining and improving health and safety management systems.
• Ensure compliance with SARAO policies including ISO 45001 and ISO 14001.
• Maintain HSE documentation and assist policy development.
• Support incident investigations and lessons learned.
• Participate in internal and external audits.
• Coordinate PPE management and supplier quotations.
• Plan and participate in HSE committee meetings.
• Deliver health and safety training for contractors.

Skills

MS Office

Education

National Diploma / B-Tech in H&S

NQF Level 6 or 7

SAMTRAC/NEBOSH certificate

SAIOSH/IOSH and SACPCMP membership

Driver's license

Job description

Contract type: Short Term Contract
Job Level: Junior
Work Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Closing Date: 12 November 2026

The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities.

The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) spearheads South Africa’s activities in the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope, commonly known as the SKA, in engineering, science and construction. SARAO is a National Facility managed by the National Research Foundation and incorporates radio astronomy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT telescope in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme in nine African countries as well as the associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.

This role is to support the organization in maintaining compliance, reducing risks, and promoting a safe workplace while gaining practical, hands on experience in occupational health, safety. and environment. The main focus is to provide support to SARAO and the projects in all regions by supporting compliance, risk management, and operational continuity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in maintaining, implementing and improving health and safety management system.
• Assist in ensuring ongoing compliance with SARAO adopted policies and procedures, including compliance with ISO 45001 and ISO 14001.
• Maintain HSE documentation and assist in development and implementation of HSE policies and procedures.
• Report on HSE matters and coordinate with the clinic Sr and administrator to address IODs and submission in terms of COIDA.
• Assist in conducting and coordinating incident investigation and provide lessons learnt.
• Participate in internal and external audits.
• Inspect and monitor PPE management and make provisions for replacements when required.
• Ensure quotations are received from suppliers for new equipment/ recalibration/ servicing of equipment and obtain approval
• Plan and participate in HSE committee meetings.
• Participate in performing appropriate emergency drills to ensure effectiveness of emergency preparedness.
• Participate and contribute to implementation of disaster management and identify required emergency responses.
• Assist in contributing to project management plans, project objectives and project commissioning phase.
• Assist and support project HSE programs and project specific permits to facilitate application on time.
• Assist and ensure compliance requirements are met and review HSE files.
• Assist departments and other functions to facilitate hazard identification risk assessment.
• Assist in preparation of project occupational health and safety specification.
• Assist in conducting health and safety training for the contractors and during audits to ensure contractors meet requirements
• Collect information and compile report for projects, including.
• Assist in management of contractors to reduce the number of accidents and ensure compliance with health and safety requirements and objectives.
• Assist in conducting baseline risk assessment, task-based risk assessment or issue based
• Participate in conducting inspections, complete checklists and create action plan.
• Understanding of environmental legislation and able to enforce principles.
• Plan and facilitate health and safety trainings, site inductions, HSE team talks, and awareness programmes.
• Assist in maintaining legal register and share updates with the department.
• Assist in monitoring and evaluating performance and application of safety procedures and identify gaps for improvement

Key Requirements:
Qualification:

• National Diploma or B-Tech degree in Health and Safety Management, Environmental Management, Occupational
• Health and Safety, and Environmental Health. NQF Level 6, or NQF Level 7.
• SAMTRAC/NEBOSH certificate (advantageous)
• Member of a recognized institution such as SAIOSH/IOSH and SACPCMP (Advantageous)
• Drivers license

Experience and Knowledge:

• Strong knowledge and understanding of SHE legislation, NEMA, BCEA, and other applicable laws
• MS Office (Word, Powerpoint and Excel)

Additional Notes:

• Good communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong administrative skills.
• Capable of working in a high-pressure environment.
• Highly motivated and committed.
• Observation and attention to detail.
• Willing to develop new technical knowledge.

Information:

The website www.nrf.ac.za provides more details on the NRF initiatives and activities.

Closing Date: 12 November 2026

The NRF offers a challenging career and competitive remuneration package which is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The NRF is committed to employment equity and redress and the appointment to the position will be made in line with the NRF Employment Equity Plan.

The NRF reserves the right not to make an appointment.