Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Opportunities Announcement
Organisation
Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat
Background
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is a regional economic community founded and maintained by countries in Southern Africa. It aims to further the socio-economic, political and security cooperation among its Member States and foster regional integration in order to achieve peace, stability, and wealth.
SADC currently has sixteen (16) Member States with a population of approximately 340 million and a combined GDP of US$720 billion.
SADC Secretariat is currently recruiting six (6) interns/ graduates in different Directorates/Units. The programme is for a period of 3-12 months and WIL Programme is aimed at providing participants with a comprehensive practical experience in a setting where learning/exposure is the primary objective of the experience.
The Secretariat is therefore inviting qualified citizens of the SADC Member States to apply for the following internship opportunities tenable at its Headquarters in Gaborone, Botswana and at SADC Plant Genetic Resource Centre in Lusaka, Zambia.
Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources
Title
Environmental Science Graduate (1 Position)
Duration
12 Months
Experiential Learning
- Prepare meeting documents (agenda, concept note, invitation letters, attendance register)
- Support meetings with logistics and drafting minutes
- Support Blue/Green/Circular economy programmes and Sustainable Land Management within the unit
Skills Requirement
- Environmental Science knowledge
- Communication skills (writing, speaking)
- Organising and coordinating meetings
Academic Qualification
- A degree in Biology, Geography, Oceanography, Environmental Studies, Waste Management, Sustainable Land Management or Natural Resources from a recognised institution
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Gain experience in diplomatic procedures
- Gain experience in international relations, negotiations and diplomacy
- Get exposure to regional environment networks and platforms
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be nationals of SADC Member States
- Be under the age of 52 years
- Be enrolled in or have graduated from a registered and accredited institution of higher learning studying towards or attained an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification
- Possess the highest standard of moral conduct and integrity
- Not have been convicted of a crime
- Have the right to reside and work in the host country where SADC Institutions are housed for the full duration of the WIL experience
Note:
The SADC Secretariat and its Institutions shall not assist in applying for visas, but shall provide, where necessary, documentary evidence required for obtaining a visa under host country Immigration rules.
Student/trainee may qualify for internship on condition it is an integral part of such student/trainee’s academic programme and counts for compulsory continuous assessment prior to graduation.
A graduate must have passed and graduated at least a year before enrolment into the SADC WIL programme. Certified copies of both the academic record and qualification must be provided.
Financial Obligations
- The SADC Secretariat will cover the return ticket from and to Member State of each intern/graduate
- The Secretariat will also provide a monthly stipend of US$250.00 per intern/graduate
- Member States are required to cover cost for accommodation in the host country, medical/life cover and visa application
Tenure of Appointment
- Internship opportunity shall be for a period of not less than three (3) months
- Graduate opportunity shall be for a fixed period of not less than twelve (12) months
Submission of Applications
Closing Date: 28th June 2026
Applications must be submitted to the SADC National Contact Point in the respective SADC National Contact Points not later than or on the closing date.
Required Documents
- Student/trainee (intern) should have a recommendation letter from the institution of higher learning
- Undergraduate or postgraduate should have certified copies of qualification and an academic record bearing the institution’s official seal
- Cover letter stating the internship/graduate stream that you want to be considered for and describe how your course/qualification, experience and competencies are relevant to the WIL opportunity
- Updated Curriculum Vitae
- Identity documents
Reference
REF: SADC/2/3/3/3
Gender Mainstreaming
SADC is an equal opportunity employer and particularly encourages applications from female candidates.
Mainstreaming of People with Disability
SADC is an equal opportunity employer and particularly encourages applications from people with disabilities.