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.
SADC Plant Genetic Resource Centre
Title
Procurement and Administration Intern (1 Position)
Duration
3 Months
Experiential Learning
- Assets and Inventory Records Reconciliation
- Stores Record Reconciliation
- Raising of procurement purchase orders
Skills Requirement
- Data entry skills
- Communication
- Adaptability, teamwork and openness to learning
Field of Study
Currently pursuing a degree in a Business-related field at a recognised institution.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Knowledge in Public procurement procedures
- Asset Management
- Human Resource and Administrative procedures
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 having 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 located 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 supporting documentation where necessary for visa applications under host country immigration rules.
Student/trainee may qualify for internship on condition it is an integral part of the academic programme and counts towards 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 the 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:
- Accommodation in the host country
- Medical/life cover
- Visa application costs
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 Member States not later than or on the closing date.
Required Documents
- Recommendation letter from the institution of higher learning (for students/trainees)
- Certified copies of qualifications and academic record bearing the institution’s official seal
- Cover letter stating the internship/graduate stream applied for and describing how qualifications, 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.