Research Administration Internship at Wits Health Consortium

Wits Health Consortium (WHC), supporting the reputable Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI) Shandukani Research project, invites applications from proactive candidates for a 12-month Research Project Administration Internship based in Johannesburg, Gauteng. The core mandate of this role is to direct and coordinate project administration and essential operational support activities, ensuring the smooth delivery of vital public health research initiatives.

As an integral contributor within an internationally recognized research facility, you will support participant coordination, office administration, and procurement tracking. This practical work-integrated learning opportunity provides valuable exposure for individuals pursuing competitive internships in South Africa within the healthcare, biomedical, and clinical research sectors.

Key Responsibilities & Day-to-Day Operational Duties

• Facility Access & Safety Control: Monitor and manage the access control system safely for the Shandukani Research facility, ensuring strict visitor tracking and adherence to site health protocols.

• Policy & Compliance Adherence: Maintain active awareness and compliance with all institutional policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) governing research administration and facilities.

• Procurement & Order Tracking: Assist with procurement record keeping, quotation requests from accredited suppliers, delivery tracking, and administrative reporting for project supplies.

• Participant Intake & Reception: Welcome trial participants, evaluate their inquiries, navigate them to relevant clinical project rooms, and uphold ethical research reception standards.

• Identity Verification & Documentation: Check and capture co-enrolment status, verify official identity documents, make certified copies, organize participant project files, and maintain accurate locator data.

• Participant Reimbursements & Reconciliations: Administer participant transport and visit reimbursements according to study protocol, reconcile transactions monthly with WHC Finance, and match milestone visits.

• Operational Logistics & Hospitality: Calculate costs and procure refreshments for study participants, manage stationery inventory, and organize distribution across staff teams.

• Meeting Administration & Record Keeping: Coordinate logistics, book venues, prepare presentation equipment, and capture accurate minutes during team meetings and research training workshops.

• IT & Facilities Query Management: Log and follow up on IT service calls and maintenance issues concerning air conditioning, ventilation, office assets, and general housekeeping needs.

• Quality Assurance & Accountability: Take personal ownership of assigned administrative responsibilities, maintain high productivity standards, and actively incorporate feedback from supervisors.

Minimum Requirements & Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification: Grade 12 (Matric certificate) qualification is mandatory.

• Advantageous Tertiary Studies: A completed or relevant post-Matric diploma, degree, or national certificate in office administration, business management, public health, or social sciences is advantageous.

• Prior Experience: No previous workplace experience is required (entry-level candidate profile).

• Technical Capabilities: Sound computer literacy with proven functional knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).

• Documentary Requirements: A tailored, maximum one-page cover letter referencing the job title, together with an updated curriculum vitae.

Core Skills, Workplace Readiness & Interview Preparation

Working within clinical trials and research operations demands high levels of discretion, emotional intelligence, and unwavering confidentiality. Successful candidates must demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skills, assertiveness, and adaptability within a multidisciplinary team. Practicing structured scenario responses can substantially boost your performance during candidate assessments. Candidates are strongly encouraged to consult the South African job interview preparation guide and practice live answers using our interactive AI Interview Simulator before attending their panel discussion.

Training, Mentorship & Career Progression in South Africa

Interns at Wits Health Consortium gain first-hand clinical project exposure, working alongside world-class clinical researchers, data managers, and project administrators. This structured 12-month tenure builds an indispensable foundation for long-term careers such as clinical trial coordination, project administration, and health systems management. Matriculants and recent graduates wanting to continue upgrading their professional qualifications can explore tertiary funding avenues via our directory of South African bursaries and funding opportunities.

Estimated Salary Range (Market Benchmark)

The hiring employer has not officially published a salary or stipend figure for this vacancy. Based on South African labour market data and sector benchmarks for a Research Administration Internship (Grade 12 / Entry-Level) position, typical monthly compensation ranges between R6,500 and R9,500 per month. You can use the YouthNextStep SARS Tax & Take-Home Pay Calculator to estimate net monthly earnings. Please note that this figure is an independent market benchmark; actual remuneration is determined solely by the employer according to qualifications, experience, and internal grading scales.

How to Apply & Submission Checklist

Ensure that all application guidelines are strictly followed to prevent administrative disqualification:

• Reference Number: You must cite UM 40-2026 in your correspondence.

• Required Submission Documents: Prepare a comprehensive CV and a concise one-page cover letter specifying your interest in the vacancy. Structure your resume using the free ATS-friendly CV Builder to ensure professional formatting.

• Email Submission: Submit your application via email directly to 📧 [email protected].

• Mandatory Email Subject Line: The subject line of your email must strictly read: UM 40-2026: Intern.

• Closing Date: The official deadline for submissions is 10 November 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be processed.

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• Grade 12 / Matric Certificate (compulsory).

• A recognized tertiary qualification (diploma, degree, or national certificate) is advantageous.

• No prior work experience required.

• Sound computer proficiency and working knowledge of Microsoft Office (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook).

• Strong administrative, organisational, and record-keeping skills.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain patient and participant confidentiality, discretion, and professionalism.

• Self-motivated with good communication skills and the ability to work within a multidisciplinary team.

• Submission of a one-page cover letter and an updated, detailed CV.