Are you a final‑year public health or research student looking for real‑world experience right now? Aurum’s Research Assistant Internship offers hands‑on work in HIV programming, migrant health and key‑population projects across Southern Africa.
What the opportunity is
The role is titled Research Assistant: Intern and is based in Isando. It is a temporary contract for 9 to 12 months with a market‑related salary. You will support a multi‑country HIV programme, helping with programme development, implementation and performance assessment.
Who can apply (requirements / eligibility)
- Final‑year student (or graduate) in a Research Psychology Masters or any Public Health‑related discipline.
- Strong interest in HIV, migrant health, key‑populations and public‑health implementation.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- Highly organised with great attention to detail.
- Ability to juggle several tasks, deadlines and stakeholders.
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Make sure your CV clearly shows any research projects, data work, report writing or public‑health experience.
What you will gain (skills and experience)
- Practical exposure to programme planning, coordination and monitoring.
- Experience writing concept notes, work plans and implementation trackers.
- Opportunity to turn country‑partner updates into concise management summaries.
- Hands‑on practice with performance data review, dashboard reporting and literature reviews.
- Insight into regional coordination, community‑led approaches and stakeholder engagement.
- Development of professional communication, analytical thinking and cultural sensitivity.
How to apply (step‑by‑step)
- Visit the official online application portal to check if the posting is still open.
- Prepare an updated CV that highlights research projects, data analysis, report writing and any public‑health work.
- Gather academic transcripts or proof of enrolment in the relevant programme.
- Write a brief cover letter that links your interests (HIV, migrant health, key populations) to the internship.
- Upload the documents and submit before the closing date. (The listing shows a closing date of 08 July 2026 – verify the current deadline on the portal.)
- Wait for a short‑list. Selected candidates will undergo security clearance, reference checks and a competency interview.
Tips to improve your chances
- Tailor your CV for this role – list specific research methods, software you used and any public‑health fieldwork.
- Include concrete examples of how you have produced concise reports or managed project timelines.
- Highlight any experience working with vulnerable or diverse communities; show you can engage respectfully.
- Proofread all documents for spelling and grammar; clear communication is a key competency.
- Ask a mentor or career counsellor to review your application before you hit submit.
Conclusion and next steps
The Aurum Research Assistant Internship is a solid stepping stone for a final‑year student who wants to move from theory to practice in public health. It provides exposure to HIV programming, migrant health and multi‑country coordination while building valuable research and reporting skills. Check the official portal today, prepare a focused application, and take the first step toward a career in health implementation.