IEJ Communications Intern Internship Opportunity
💼 Position: IEJ Communications Intern
💰 Salary: R190,496 per annum
📍 Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
📝 Type: Internship
📅 Application Deadline: Check IEJ official page
The IEJ Communications Intern role offers a valuable entry point into policy communications, advocacy, and media engagement within a leading public interest research organization. This internship is designed for motivated graduates or final-year students who are eager to develop professional communication skills while contributing to evidence-based economic and social justice work in South Africa. Hosted by the Institute for Economic Justice, the internship provides structured learning, close mentorship, and exposure to real-world policy communication campaigns.
The IEJ Communications Intern will support the organization’s communications and advocacy team in translating complex research and policy analysis into accessible content for the public, media, and decision-makers. The intern will help strengthen the visibility of the Institute for Economic Justice by contributing to digital platforms, publications, and media outreach activities. This role is ideal for candidates who are passionate about inequality, public policy, and social change, and who wish to build a career in communications, journalism, or development advocacy.
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Key Responsibilities
The IEJ Communications Intern will be involved in a broad range of communications and outreach functions, including:
- Assisting with the drafting and editing of press statements, opinion pieces, newsletters, and website content.
- Supporting social media management across platforms by preparing posts, visuals, and campaign materials.
- Helping package research outputs from the Institute for Economic Justice into accessible formats such as briefs, infographics, and summaries.
- Monitoring media coverage and compiling daily or weekly media reports.
- Supporting the planning and promotion of events, webinars, and public engagements.
- Assisting with stakeholder communication, including mailing lists and campaign outreach.
- Performing general communications and administrative support tasks as required by the team.
Through these responsibilities, the IEJ Communications Intern will gain hands-on experience in strategic messaging, media relations, and digital communications in a policy-oriented environment.
Learning and Professional Development
The internship is structured to provide strong learning outcomes. The IEJ Communications Intern will work under the guidance of experienced communications and policy professionals and will be exposed to the internal processes of the Institute for Economic Justice. Training will include:
- Understanding how economic justice research is produced and communicated.
- Learning how advocacy campaigns are developed and implemented.
- Building practical writing, editing, and digital communication skills.
- Developing professional discipline in deadline-driven communication work.
By the end of the internship, the IEJ Communications Intern will have a solid portfolio of written and digital communication outputs and a deeper understanding of how research influences public debate and policy decisions.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants for the IEJ Communications Intern position should meet the following general criteria:
- A completed or near-completed university degree in communications, journalism, media studies, political science, economics, development studies, or a related field.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Demonstrated interest in economic justice, public policy, or social development.
- Basic understanding of social media platforms and digital communication tools.
- Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a team environment.
- Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
Prior experience in communications, student media, or advocacy work will be an advantage but is not mandatory. The Institute for Economic Justice encourages applications from candidates who show initiative, curiosity, and a strong commitment to social impact.
Personal Attributes
The ideal IEJ Communications Intern is:
- Curious and willing to learn about economic and social justice issues.
- Able to write clearly and confidently for different audiences.
- Organized and capable of managing multiple tasks at once.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced research and advocacy environment.
- Professional, reliable, and open to feedback.
These qualities are essential for supporting the communication goals of the Institute for Economic Justice and ensuring that its work reaches wider audiences.
Work Environment and Benefits
The internship offers a professional and supportive working environment focused on learning and skills development. The IEJ Communications Intern will:
- Gain practical experience in policy communications and advocacy.
- Work closely with researchers and senior communications staff.
- Build professional networks within the development and policy sector.
- Strengthen employability for future roles in NGOs, media, and public institutions.
- Contribute meaningfully to debates on inequality, poverty, and economic reform.
This opportunity is particularly suited to graduates seeking to enter careers in development communications, public policy advocacy, or research communication.
About the Institute for Economic Justice
The Institute for Economic Justice is a South African-based research and policy organization focused on advancing economic justice through evidence-based analysis and advocacy. Its work addresses inequality, fiscal policy, labour markets, and social protection, with the goal of influencing public policy in ways that promote fairness and inclusion. Communications plays a central role in ensuring that this research reaches policymakers, civil society, and the broader public.
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Application Process
Candidates interested in the IEJ Communications Intern position should prepare a detailed CV and a short motivation letter explaining their interest in the role and in the mission of the Institute for Economic Justice. Applications should demonstrate writing ability, interest in social and economic justice, and a willingness to learn in a professional environment.
Shortlisted applicants may be required to complete a short writing or communications task as part of the selection process. Only candidates who meet the minimum requirements and demonstrate strong communication potential will be considered.
Conclusion
The IEJ Communications Intern internship offers a structured and meaningful pathway into the world of development and policy communications. By working with the Institute for Economic Justice, interns gain practical experience, professional mentorship, and the opportunity to contribute to research and advocacy that addresses some of South Africa’s most pressing socio-economic challenges. This internship is a strong foundation for future careers in communications, public policy, and social justice advocacy.
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Head of Business Development, Alula Animation. With 10 years in advertising and sustained involvement in startups and entrepreneurship since graduating from business school and the School of Diplomacy and International Relations, Beloved researches and writes practical business analysis and verified job-market insights for The Business Pulse Africa.
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