Do you want real experience in public health and research right now? The Aurum Research Assistant Internship 2026 offers a 9‑12 month placement in Isando, working on a multi‑country HIV programme.
What the internship is
This is a temporary, student‑or graduate‑level role with Aurum South Africa. You will help develop, implement and assess a programme that supports key populations and migrant communities affected by HIV.
Who can apply
You must meet all of the following:
- Be a final‑year student in a Master’s programme in Research Psychology or Public Health
- Show strong interest in HIV, migrant health or key‑population programming
- Write and speak English well
- Be organised and pay attention to detail
- Handle several tasks, deadlines and stakeholders at once
- Know Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
What you will gain
The internship gives you hands‑on exposure to public‑health implementation and research support. You will learn how to:
- Plan and follow up on programme activities
- Draft concept notes, workplans and briefing material
- Coordinate with partners across countries
- Track deliverables, risks and actions
- Prepare meeting agendas, minutes and action items
- Review data and partner reports
- Conduct literature reviews and synthesize findings
- Produce clear summaries and presentations
- Maintain organised project records
These tasks develop analytical thinking, report‑writing, data review, stakeholder communication and professional confidentiality.
How to apply
- Gather an up‑to‑date CV that highlights your public‑health or research experience.
- Prepare any requested documents (academic transcript, proof of final‑year status, ID copy, certificates).
- Write a short motivation or cover letter if the form asks for one.
- Visit the official online application portal.
- Complete the online form, upload your CV and supporting documents, and submit before 08 July 2026.
Tips to improve your chances
- Show any experience with public‑health research, programme implementation, M&E, data handling or dashboard reporting.
- Emphasise knowledge of HIV, TB, SRHR or rights‑based programming.
- Explain any work with regional or cross‑border health issues.
- Make sure your CV lists Microsoft Office skills and any monitoring‑evaluation exposure near the top.
- Proof‑read everything – the role values accuracy and attention to detail.
- Remember that appointments are subject to security clearance, references and competency checks. Only shortlisted candidates are interviewed.
- If you do not hear back within 21 days of the closing date, consider the application unsuccessful.
- Aurum welcomes applicants with disabilities.
Conclusion and next steps
This internship is a solid step into public‑health work. It gives you real‑world experience that cannot be learned from textbooks alone. If you meet the requirements, update your CV, follow the steps above and apply before 08 July 2026. Good luck – your public‑health career could start here.