GCRO Seeks Two Interns

The GCRO seeks a 12-month Communications Intern to assist with the development and implementation of communication strategies, content creation, and research dissemination across various platforms (Wits University level AD.16)

Communication and dissemination are essential at the GCRO to ensure that its research reaches key stakeholders, including government departments and agencies, research bodies, civil society organisations and the public at large. By effectively communicating complex data and urban research, GCRO bridges the gap between academic findings and real-world policy, facilitating evidence-based decision-making and promoting collaboration. Disseminating research through various channels, such as reports, social media, and multimedia content, helps make the organisation’s insights accessible and impactful, supporting the development of sustainable urban development and reinforcing GCRO’s role as a trusted knowledge partner in the region.

GCRO Communication Intern will be expected to work closely with the Senior Communications Officer to:

• Assist with the implementation of GCRO’s communications and research dissemination strategy
• Stay up to date on issues relating to public policy and/or geopolitical topics
• Coordinate and develop periodic analytics reports, and support the development of strategies to improve performance
• Contribute to the ideation and production of high-impact social media content in multiple formats (e.g., infographics, GIFs, videos, etc.), that effectively inform and engage external audiences
• Assist with the dissemination of mailshots for GCRO’s outputs
• Assist with logistics and media management for GCRO events
• Participate in and coordinate intra-group and/or cross-group projects
• Manage GCRO’s multi-media library
• Assist with the production & marketing of the GCRO podcast series.

We are looking for (minimum selection criteria):

• University (honours degree), in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or an industry-relevant qualification
• Understanding of any graphic design platforms
• Ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders
• Understanding and application of the various communication mediums and platforms Writing, proof-reading and editing skills in English for both scientific and popular audiences is an advantage
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to work under pressure to meet deadlines
• Attention to detail and must be able to work independently as well as in teams

To apply, submit the following to info@gcro.ac.za with the subject line "GCRO Communications Intern Application."

Submit a covering letter addressing the selection criteria specifically; a detailed CV with names, addresses, contact numbers, and email addresses of 3 referees willing to provide references; and certified copies of your academic qualifications, i.e., degrees/diplomas. Applicants should include examples of written articles, op-eds, or blog entries, preferably your last three published items.

The GCRO seeks a 12-month Sustainability and Just Transitions Intern to support research on environmental sustainability in the Gauteng City-Region, including climate change, water security, waste management, and sustainable urban development (Wits University level AD.16)

The GCRO seeks to recruit a highly motivated intern to work in the Sustainability and Just Transitions research theme, which focuses on environmental sustainability in the Gauteng City-Region, examining how urban development interacts with natural resources and ecological limits. It highlights the need to shift towards resource-efficient, low-carbon, and resilient development pathways in the face of climate change and growing environmental pressures. The theme explores key challenges, including climate change, water security, waste management, sustainable urban growth, as well as the governance complexities of balancing environmental protection with poverty reduction and economic development, to support a transition towards a more just and sustainable city-region.

GCRO Sustainability and Just Transitions Intern will be expected to:

• Support research within the Sustainability and Just Transitions theme
• Assist with environmental fieldwork and community-based data collection
• Support spatial analysis, data visualisation and interpretation on a wide range of projects across the theme
• Assist with stakeholder engagement and workshop coordination
• Contribute to GCRO written outputs such as maps of the month, vignettes, data and policy briefs, and research reports
• Support the preparation of research ethics and compliance processes

We are looking for (minimum selection criteria):

• Honours degree, in Geography, Geoinformatics, Environmental Science, Urban and Regional Planning or other relevant qualification
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work with quantitative and/or qualitative data using statistical packages (e.g. Excel, basic statistics, R, Python, IBM SPSS) and working knowledge of GIS and/or Remote Sensing (e.g. ArcGIS Pro or QGIS)
• Ability to conduct literature reviews and synthesise academic and policy documents
• Ability to conduct fieldwork, including community-based data collection
• Good organisational and time management skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks
• Ability to work independently and as part of a research team
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn
• A keen interest in developing as a researcher, including a willingness to engage with research ethics, academic writing, and the full research process

To apply, submit the following to info@gcro.ac.za with the subject line "GCRO Sustainability and Just Transitions Intern Application."

Submit a covering letter addressing the selection criteria specifically; a detailed CV with names, contact numbers and email addresses of 3 referees willing to provide references; and certified copies of your academic qualifications, i.e. degrees/diplomas. Applicants should include examples of spatial analysis work, field work or data collection, excerpts from their research reports, written articles, op-eds or blog entries, preferably your three items.

Generic

The GCRO provides interns with workplace experience and the opportunity to build their CVs. The intern will be based at the GCRO Offices at the University of the Witwatersrand

If you have any further queries, please address them to: The GCRO, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050 or e- mailed to info@gcro.ac.za.

Closing date for applications: close of business on 29 May 2026.

Proposed starting date: 01 July 2026

Applicants who fail to submit the required documents will be disqualified. The GCRO reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Shortlisted applicants may be required to sit for skills and psychometric assessments as part of the interview process.

The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right to verify all information provided by candidates.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to provide parts of his/her Honours dissertation (completed sections or full dissertation) prior to the interview process.

Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.