Research Administration Intern at Wits RHI Shandukani
AJ Personnel · Hillbrow, Johannesburg
Overview
Kickstart your career with a six month internship at Wits RHI, a leading African research institute tackling HIV, sexual and reproductive health, and vaccinology. Based at their Shandukani Research project in Hillbrow, you will get hands on with research administration, participant support, and event coordination. No experience needed, just Grade 12 and a sharp eye for organisation.
About the role
Join the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI) as an Intern supporting the Shandukani Research project in Hillbrow. This is a six month fixed term contract designed to give you real world experience in research administration and operations within a world class health research environment.
You will help keep the project running smoothly by managing access control, coordinating meetings and training sessions, welcoming and directing participants, verifying ID documents, handling reimbursement requests, and keeping financial records in check. You will also assist with procurement orders, quotes, stationery distribution, IT and facilities queries, minute taking, and participant refreshments. Its a busy, varied role where you will learn how a research site operates from the inside.
To apply, submit a detailed updated CV and a cover letter (max one page) that clearly states which vacancy you are applying for. Register online to complete the application and accept the POPIA terms and conditions. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard back within two weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Requirements
- Grade 12 (a tertiary qualification is preferable)
- No work experience required, entry level candidates are welcome
- Exceptional organisational and administrative skills
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office
- Able to maintain confidentiality, tact and professionalism
- Able to exercise discretion, show initiative and make independent decisions
- Assertive, confident and adaptable
- Self motivated and able to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
Responsibilities
- Manage the access control system for Shandukani in a safe manner
- Keep records and reports of procurement orders
- Disseminate information to staff and team members
- Coordinate meetings, training sessions and events for the team
- Welcome participants, identify their needs and direct them to the right project
- Check co enrollment status and capture the information
- Verify and identify ID documents, copy, certify and file them, and update locator information as needed
- Reimburse participants and reconcile financial records with WHC finance
- Reconcile reimbursements with milestone visits on a monthly basis
- Request quotes from suppliers
- Handle housekeeping and log IT and facilities queries, including maintenance challenges
- Distribute stationery and related orders to staff
- Cost and purchase participant refreshments
- Take minutes and project meetings
- Log calls for any issues with maintenance, air conditioning, vents and assets
Job details
- Organisation
- AJ Personnel
- Location
- Hillbrow, Johannesburg
- Job type
- Internship
- Experience level
- Entry
- Education
- Matric
- Category
- Administration & Office
- Closing date
- 10 November 2026
- Application Method
- Apply online
Success Guide
This internship is a genuine stepping stone if you are interested in public health research or admin within a research institute. Wits RHI is well respected, and six months of experience here will look good on any CV.
When you apply, make it clear in your cover letter which vacancy you are applying for (they ask for this). Highlight any admin or organising you have done, even from school, volunteering or church activities. Microsoft Office skills are important, so mention Excel, Word and Outlook if you are comfortable with them.
In an interview, they may ask how you handle confidential information and how you stay organised when several tasks land at once. Have a simple example ready. The role is in Hillbrow, so think about your travel route before you apply. Good luck, this is a positive place to start.
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