Grain SA is looking for fresh science graduates who want to turn tough research into easy, engaging stories that help farmers and the public understand how food is made. It is perfect if you love science, agriculture, and making people aware of how it all works.
Fixed Term: 12‑month
Best Before: 10 January 2026.
Who are we?
Grain SA is a group of companies that work to keep the South African grain market fair and strong. They help farmers by sharing good practices, pushing for smart policies, and building trust with the public. In this internship you will see how science, economics and policy mix together to protect our food chain and make farming sustainable.
What you’ll do
1. Turn science into simple stories
- Write clear articles, newsletters and fact sheets that explain hard topics in everyday language.
- Help put together press releases, blog posts and quick‑look reports for media.
- Interview farmers, researchers and experts to get real voices for your content.
2. Build evidence‑based arguments
- Convert data and research into policy briefs, infographics and slides for meetings.
- Debunk common myths about agriculture.
- Support the team in writing background papers for government and media.
3. Work with digital tools
- Create and schedule posts for social media.
- Make short videos and basic graphics.
- Keep the Grain SA Word-Press sites updated and track how many people read and share your posts.
4. Cover events and campaigns
- Be part of the team that covers big events such as NAMPO and the Grain SA Congress.
- Take pictures, record short clips and write live updates.
- Help run campaigns that highlight how grain farmers support the economy.
5. Keep the brand strong
- Make sure every piece of communication has a consistent look and feel.
- Watch media coverage for new chances or problems.
- Keep a list of important contacts in media and with stakeholders.
- Arrange interviews and farm visits when needed.
What you’ll learn:
- How science, money and government rules interact in the grain industry.
- Writing, interviewing and visual storytelling skills that get people to listen.
- The steps of advocacy inside a national commodity organization.
- Real life farmer issues through on‑site visits and industry events.
- Guidance from experts in communication, economics and research.
Minimum Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s Degree (BSc or similar) in fields like Agricultural Sciences, Environmental Science, Food Science, Engineering, or Life Sciences.
- Good writing and speaking in English and Afrikaans.
- Comfort with Microsoft Office and a willingness to try new tools such as Canva or basic video editing.
- A clear, accurate sense of science.
Other Requirements (Not compulsory)
- Experience in student media or science writing.
- Familiarity with WordPress or other content platforms.
- Any background in farming or the grain industry.
Personal attributes
- You can turn complex info into plain language.
- You care about sustainability and rural development.
- You’re creative, organized and ready to travel for events.
- You’re ready to put in extra hours when a big event comes up.
How to Apply
Shoot your application to lizzy@grainsa.co.za by 10 January 2026. Include:
- Your CV.
- Two recent written references.
- Copies of ID and qualifications.
- A short motivation letter (max 1 page).
- 1–3 writing samples (articles, blogs, explainers or academic pieces).
Make sure the email subject is “Science Communication & Advocacy Intern”.
Missing any of the above will mean we can’t review your application.
Other Matters:
Allowance: Competitive, paid monthly.
Placement: South Africa.
Best Before: 10 January 2026.
If you don’t hear back within 14 days after the deadline, the position has been filled.
Grain SA follows an Employment Equity Policy to make sure every applicant has a fair chance.
