Graduates looking to turn their qualifications into practical workplace experience have three opportunities to consider at the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO). The organisation has advertised a Supply Chain Management internship in Cape Town, two People & Culture internship positions in Cape Town, and a People & Culture internship in Carnarvon, Northern Cape.
All three vacancies list 9 November 2026 as the closing date. Applicants must submit their applications online through the National Research Foundation recruitment portal and provide a comprehensive CV, a motivation letter and the contact details of at least three referees.
These roles may appeal to graduates interested in procurement, financial administration, recruitment, employee records and human resources operations. However, the qualification requirements differ between positions, so applicants should check the relevant advert before applying.
1. SARAO Supply Chain Management Internship 2026
The Supply Chain Management (SCM) internship is based in Cape Town, Western Cape. SARAO describes the role as an opportunity for a graduate to gain practical experience in supply chain management and procurement.
Supply chain work involves more than ordering goods. In a public-sector environment, purchasing processes must be properly documented, approvals must be followed and supplier-related information must be handled accurately. This internship could therefore be relevant to graduates who want to understand how procurement activities are managed in an organisation supporting scientific and engineering infrastructure.
Minimum qualification and skills
According to the vacancy advert, applicants need an NQF Level 6 qualification in Supply Chain Management, Finance or a related field.
The advert also highlights the importance of:
- Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook skills.
- Knowledge of public-sector supply chain management and National Treasury regulations.
- Familiarity with the Central Supplier Database (CSD).
- Understanding of logistics, purchasing and demand management.
- Strong written and verbal communication.
- Accuracy, organisation and the ability to prioritise tasks.
- Integrity, reliability and the ability to work with colleagues at different levels.
Applicants should compare their qualifications with the wording in the official advert rather than assuming that any business-related certificate will meet the requirement.
What would the intern do?
The listed responsibilities include assisting with bid administration, contract administration and the issuing of purchase orders. The successful candidate may also help prepare requests for quotations (RFQs), communicate with end users during evaluation processes, circulate evaluation reports for approval and follow up on outstanding supplier orders.
These duties can help a graduate understand how procurement activities move from a request to the relevant documentation, approvals and supplier follow-up.
Read the official advert and apply:
https://www.sarao.ac.za/job/supply-chain-management-intern/
2. SARAO People & Culture Internship 2026 – Cape Town
SARAO is also advertising two People & Culture internship positions in Cape Town. The role focuses on administrative support and learning about day-to-day human resources activities.
People & Culture is concerned with the employee journey, including recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management and records administration. For a graduate interested in HR, this kind of role can provide exposure to the administrative work that helps an organisation manage its workforce.
Who can apply?
The published vacancy specifies a National Diploma in Human Resource Management or a related qualification.
Applicants should also have Microsoft Office skills, particularly in Word, PowerPoint and Excel. The advert asks for sound knowledge of legislation relevant to human resources, including the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), Labour Relations Act (LRA) and Employment Equity Act (EEA).
The position also calls for good organisational skills, attention to detail, initiative, resilience and the ability to work independently as well as with a team.
Main duties
The advertised responsibilities include helping schedule interviews, communicating with candidates, supporting pre-employment checks and onboarding, and creating or maintaining electronic and physical employee files.
Other tasks may include document management, records retention, general departmental administration, supporting employee wellness activities and assisting with special HR projects.
Confidentiality is especially important in this role. Human resources teams handle information that should not be shared casually, including employee records and recruitment documentation. Applicants should be ready to demonstrate professionalism and an understanding of responsible information handling.
Read the official Cape Town advert:
https://www.sarao.ac.za/job/people-culture-intern/
3. SARAO People & Culture Internship – Northern Cape
A further People & Culture internship is advertised for Carnarvon in the Northern Cape. It has similar core responsibilities and qualification requirements to the Cape Town People & Culture opportunity.
Applicants need a National Diploma in Human Resource Management or a related qualification. The advert also highlights Microsoft Office proficiency, knowledge of relevant employment legislation, confidentiality, organisation and communication skills.
The work involves supporting recruitment administration, onboarding, employee records, document management and general HR activities.
What should Northern Cape applicants consider?
Location is an important part of an application decision. Before applying, candidates should think carefully about whether they can attend work in Carnarvon and whether they can manage transport, accommodation and other living costs if relocation is necessary.
The advert does not confirm relocation assistance or accommodation, so applicants should not assume that these will be provided. Contact the organisation through its official channels if you need clarification about the work location or practical arrangements.
Read the official Northern Cape advert:
https://www.sarao.ac.za/job/people-culture-intern-northern-cape/
How to Apply for SARAO Internships
Applications for these vacancies are submitted through the NRF’s online recruitment portal. The published adverts request a comprehensive CV, a motivation letter explaining why the applicant is suitable for the position, and the names and contact details of at least three referees.
Use the following steps to prepare a strong application.
Step 1: Choose the position that matches your qualification.
Supply Chain Management applicants should check the NQF Level 6 qualification requirement. People & Culture applicants should check the National Diploma in Human Resource Management or related qualification requirement.
Step 2: Prepare a tailored CV.
Include your qualification, institution, relevant subjects or projects, computer skills and any experience that demonstrates your ability to perform the advertised duties. Do not claim experience or skills you do not have.
Step 3: Write a focused motivation letter.
Explain why you are interested in that particular role and how your studies have prepared you for it. Supply Chain applicants can highlight relevant procurement, logistics, finance or data-handling knowledge. HR applicants can discuss their understanding of recruitment administration, employee records, confidentiality and employment legislation.
Step 4: Prepare three referees.
The adverts request at least three referees with contact details. Ask people for permission before listing them and ensure their information is accurate.
Step 5: Apply online.
Visit the NRF recruitment portal at https://ess.nrf.ac.za/Account/Recruitment and follow the instructions for the relevant vacancy. Check that all required information and documents have been submitted successfully.
Step 6: Submit before the deadline.
The closing date listed for all three positions is 9 November 2026. Avoid waiting until the final day in case you experience technical difficulties or need to correct missing information.
How to Improve Your Application
A good application makes it easy for the recruiter to see how your qualification matches the role. Avoid sending the same generic motivation letter for all three vacancies. Each application should refer to the specific position and its responsibilities.
For the SCM role, demonstrate your understanding of procurement administration, spreadsheets, documentation and attention to detail where these genuinely reflect your skills.
For the People & Culture roles, emphasise relevant HR studies, professional communication, recordkeeping, confidentiality and your willingness to learn.
Before submitting, proofread your CV and motivation letter, check that your contact details are correct, and ensure your referees know they may be contacted. Keep a copy of your application for your records.
SARAO states that correspondence will be sent to shortlisted candidates only. Applicants should therefore monitor their contact channels and understand that submitting an application does not guarantee an interview or appointment.
Important Information for Applicants
The three vacancies are advertised as short-term contract opportunities, and the published information refers to remuneration commensurate with qualifications and experience. No specific salary amount is stated in the adverts, so applicants should confirm remuneration details with the employer rather than relying on unverified figures elsewhere.
The National Research Foundation also notes its commitment to employment equity and redress, with appointments made in line with its Employment Equity Plan. It reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Useful Official Links
- Supply Chain Management Intern – Cape Town: https://www.sarao.ac.za/job/supply-chain-management-intern/
- People & Culture Intern – Cape Town: https://www.sarao.ac.za/job/people-culture-intern/
- People & Culture Intern – Carnarvon, Northern Cape: https://www.sarao.ac.za/job/people-culture-intern-northern-cape/
- NRF online recruitment portal: https://ess.nrf.ac.za/Account/Recruitment
- SARAO official website: https://www.sarao.ac.za/
Final reminder: All three adverts list 9 November 2026 as the closing date. Read the full advert for your preferred position and submit your documents through the official NRF recruitment portal.
Disclaimer: CareersFocus shares vacancy information to help jobseekers find potential career opportunities. Applicants should verify the latest requirements on the official SARAO vacancy pages. No appointment is guaranteed, and candidates should be cautious of anyone requesting payment in exchange for recruitment.
Karabo Ntswaki – Author of CareersFocus.co.za
Karabo Ntswaki is passionate about empowering South Africans with reliable, verified, and easily accessible information about careers and education. Through CareersFocus.co.za, Karabo’s mission is to support students, job seekers, and young professionals by providing accurate guidance on learnerships, internships, bursaries.
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