Grain SA Group invites unemployed graduates to apply for Science Communication & Advocacy Internships / Graduate Internship Programme for 2026 / 2027.
Location: South Africa
Position: Science Communication & Advocacy Intern
Job Type: Graduate Internship
Duration: 12-month fixed-term internship
Stipend: Competitive stipend (cost-to-company basis)
Closing Date: 10 January 2026
The Grain SA Group invites suitably qualified and motivated candidates to apply for the position of Science Communication & Advocacy Intern. This opportunity is ideal for a science graduate who is passionate about agriculture and interested in translating complex scientific and field-based information into clear, engaging content that supports evidence-based advocacy within the grain sector.
The internship offers hands-on exposure to the grain value chain through close collaboration with communication, research, farmer development and policy teams. The successful candidate will gain practical experience in science communication, digital content creation and stakeholder engagement, while contributing to initiatives that highlight the role of grain producers in food security, sustainability and the broader economy.
Grain SA Group of Entities
The Grain SA Group of Entities’ mission is to ensure and grow a credible, sustainable, voluntary and inclusive grain producers’ organisation that drives its mandated strategic actions.
By building trust and strong relationships through respectful interaction, Grain SA creates an enabling and caring environment where passionate, dedicated and knowledgeable individuals can grow, enjoy serving the organisation, and positively influence the broader food chain.
The following position is available for a dynamic, versatile and creative professional to strengthen our team:
- SCIENCE COMMUNICATION & ADVOCACY INTERN
Purpose of the Role:
This 12-month fixed-term internship is ideal for a science graduate who wants to apply technical knowledge to tell the real story of grain farmers and support evidence-based advocacy on key issues such as climate resilience, plant protection, soil health, biotechnology, markets and food security.
Science communicators play a critical role in translating complex research and on-farm realities into clear, engaging and credible messages for farmers, media, policymakers and the public, supporting informed, evidence-based decision-making across society.
The successful candidate will work closely with Grain SA’s communication, research, farmer development and policy teams to bridge what happens in the lands and silos with what is discussed in the media, community forums and Parliament. The internship offers strong mentoring and exposure across the grain value chain.
Main Areas of Responsibility:
1. Science-Based Communication & Storytelling
- Translate technical information (e.g. climate impacts, cultivar performance, plant protection, input costs and conservation agriculture) into accessible stories, articles and explainer pieces for grain producers and broader audiences.
- Draft and edit member communications, newsletters, website content and fact sheets grounded in sound science and real farm data.
- Assist with press releases, opinion pieces and media briefs on scientific and economic issues affecting grain producers.
- Gather content through interviews with farmers, researchers and experts, turning insights into compelling narratives.
2. Evidence-Based Advocacy Support
- Work with Grain SA’s policy and research teams to convert research reports, statistics and field trial results into:
- Short policy briefs
- Infographics and slide decks
- Talking points for meetings, media engagements and presentations
- Support myth-busting and clarification where grain farming is misunderstood (e.g. pesticides, fertilisers, GM/NBTs, water use and climate issues).
- Assist in preparing submissions, presentations and background documents for engagements with government, value-chain partners and the media.
3. Digital, Multimedia & Online Platforms
- Support content planning, drafting and scheduling for social media platforms (X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and short-form video).
- Contribute to short videos, animations or simple data visualisations explaining key issues facing grain producers.
- Assist with website updates and content management on Grain SA’s WordPress platforms.
- Support basic analytics and reporting on content reach and engagement.
4. Events, Field Engagement & Campaigns
- Support communication coverage of major industry events, including NAMPO, Grain SA Congress, NAMPO Cape, NAMPO ALFA and farmer days.
- Assist with the preparation of communication materials, visual content, media centres and briefing packs.
- Capture event content through photography, short interviews, video clips and live social media updates.
- Contribute to campaigns highlighting the contribution of grain farmers to food security, rural employment and the broader economy.
5. Brand, Media & Stakeholder Support
- Help maintain consistent messaging and visual identity across all science-related content.
- Assist with media monitoring by tracking grain-related issues in the media and identifying risks and opportunities.
- Maintain and update media and stakeholder contact lists relevant to agricultural and science reporting.
- Support the coordination of interviews, media visits, farm visits and media days.
What You Will Learn / Be Exposed To:
- How science, economics and policy intersect within the grain sector.
- Practical science communication skills, including writing, interviewing, visual storytelling and digital content creation.
- How a national commodity organisation advocates for producers in policy, trade, environmental and regulatory debates.
- First-hand exposure to farmer realities through field visits, farmer days and NAMPO events.
- Mentorship from experienced communicators, economists, researchers and farmer leaders.
Qualifications & Experience:
Essential
- A Bachelor’s Degree (BSc or equivalent) in one of the following or related fields;-
- Agricultural Sciences (Agronomy, Plant Production, Soil Science, Agricultural Economics)
- Environmental Science / Ecology
- Food Science
- Engineering
- Biological or Life Sciences
- Demonstrated aptitude for writing and communication, such as:
- Student or campus publications
- Blogs, newsletters or social media content
- Science-writing assignments or projects
- Strong computer literacy (Microsoft Office) and willingness to learn digital and design tools (e.g. Canva, basic video editing or Adobe Suite).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Afrikaans. Additional South African languages will be an advantage.
Advantageous (Not Required)
- Experience in student media, debate, science communication or social media management.
- Basic familiarity with WordPress or other content management systems.
- Prior exposure to farming or the grain industry (family farm, research project, vacation work, etc.).
Key Attributes:
- Strong scientific literacy and curiosity, with confidence in reading research and verifying sources.
- Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to simplify complex information without losing accuracy.
- Interest in policy, sustainability and rural development and their impact on grain producers.
- Creative mindset with an eye for visual communication.
- Strong listening skills and the ability to work across disciplines while respecting diverse viewpoints.
- Organised, reliable and able to manage multiple deadlines.
- Enthusiasm for agriculture, innovation and communication.
- Willingness to work occasional overtime, including some weekends during key events.
- Willingness and ability to travel occasionally and be away from home for short periods.
- A valid driver’s licence and own transport will be a strong advantage.
Remuneration
Grain SA offers a competitive salary package, calculated on a cost-to-company basis.
Employment Equity:
Appointments will be made in accordance with Grain SA’s Employment Equity Policy.
How to Apply for Grain SA Group: Science Communication & Advocacy Internships 2026 / 2027
Interested candidates should submit the following documents by 10 January 2026 to:
Lizzy Mosehla
HR & Corporate Services Administrator
Email: lizzy@grainsa.co.za
Please clearly indicate the position applied for in the email subject line.
Required Documentation:
- A detailed CV outlining qualifications and experience
- Two recent written references
- Certified copies of ID and qualifications
- A short motivation letter (maximum 1 page) explaining interest in working at the intersection of science, communication and grain farming
- 1–3 short writing samples (e.g. article, blog post, science explainer or op-ed; academic work accepted)
Applications without the required documentation will not be considered.
All applications will be treated as confidential. If no response is received within 14 days of the closing date, applicants should consider their application unsuccessful.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Share the opportunity and never pay for any job / internship / learnership / traineeship / in-service training / bursary opportunities whatsoever – it merely takes you to apply for employment not your money.
If your document size is more than 5MB, visit one of the sites listed below to upload and shrink your documents;
Kindly follow us on our social media platforms
JOIN A RELEVANT WHATSAPP GROUP
