A research assistant internship at Aurum could give public health and research-focused candidates practical exposure to programme coordination, evidence generation, partner engagement and real-world health implementation work.
The Aurum Research Assistant Internship 2026 is a temporary student or graduate-level opportunity based in Isando. The role supports Aurum South Africa with programme development, implementation support and performance assessment under a multi-country HIV programme working with key populations and migrant communities.
Applications close on 08 July 2026.
Why should candidates consider the Aurum Research Assistant Internship 2026?
Public health work needs people who can organise information, support teams and turn programme data into useful insights.
This internship gives candidates exposure to real public health implementation and research support. It also includes regional coordination, community-led approaches, partner engagement and health systems challenges in Southern Africa.
For candidates interested in public health, this opportunity can help build practical workplace confidence beyond classroom theory.
Who is offering the internship?
The opportunity is offered by Aurum South Africa.
The intern will support programme work linked to HIV, key populations and migrant health programming. The role includes coordination, research support, reporting inputs and stakeholder engagement.
This makes the internship suitable for candidates who want experience in public health implementation, programme learning and evidence-based decision support.
Where is the Aurum Research Assistant Internship based?
The internship is based in Isando.
Applicants should consider transport, daily availability and whether they can commit to a temporary workplace opportunity.
Because the role involves deadlines, programme documents and coordination, candidates should be ready for a structured professional environment.
How long will the internship run?
The job details list the duration as 9 to 12 months.
This gives the successful candidate time to learn programme systems, support implementation work and build practical research-related experience.
The opportunity is listed as a temporary role with a market-related salary.
Who can apply for the Aurum Research Assistant Internship 2026?
Applicants should meet the minimum requirements before applying.
The listing requires:
- Current final-year student in Research Psychology Master’s or Public Health
- Strong interest in HIV, public health implementation, migrant health and key populations programming
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
- Strong organisational skills
- Attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines and stakeholders
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, especially Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint
Candidates should read the official advert carefully before applying, especially the qualification wording.
What added advantages can strengthen an application?
Some experience may help applicants stand out.
Added advantages include exposure to:
- Public health research
- Programme implementation
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Data handling
- Data synthesis
- Dashboard reporting
- HIV, tuberculosis, sexual and reproductive health and rights, community health or rights-based programming
- Regional health programming
- Cross-border public health issues
Applicants should highlight any relevant academic, research, volunteer or workplace exposure in their curriculum vitae.
What will the intern do during the programme?
The intern will support planning, coordination, research and performance tracking activities.
Key duties include:
- Supporting programme planning and follow-up
- Assisting with concept notes and workplans
- Helping prepare internal briefing materials
- Supporting coordination across country teams and partners
- Tracking deliverables, timelines, risks and action points
- Preparing meeting agendas, minutes and follow-up actions
- Reviewing programme data and partner reports
- Supporting literature reviews and background research
- Preparing summaries, notes and presentation materials
- Maintaining organised records and project documents
This role requires accuracy, planning and strong written communication.
Why does programme support experience matter?
Public health programmes depend on strong coordination.
Teams need clear documents, accurate updates, reliable tracking and useful evidence to make decisions.
Therefore, this internship can help candidates understand how public health work moves from planning to implementation.
That experience can support future opportunities in research, monitoring and evaluation, public health coordination, programme support and development work.
What skills can the intern develop?
The internship can help candidates strengthen both technical and workplace skills.
These may include:
- Analytical thinking
- Research support
- Programme coordination
- Report writing
- Data review
- Meeting preparation
- Stakeholder communication
- Document management
- Planning and follow-through
- Professional confidentiality
Aurum also lists teamwork, cultural sensitivity, initiative, integrity and professional communication as important competencies.
What type of candidate is likely to stand out?
This opportunity may suit someone who is organised, thoughtful and serious about public health work.
Strong candidates should show:
- Interest in health systems and implementation
- Ability to write clearly
- Good research habits
- Comfort with data and reports
- Respect for confidentiality
- Ability to work with different stakeholders
- Professional communication
- Strong attention to detail
- Willingness to learn
- Sensitivity when working with diverse communities
The role involves vulnerable populations and partner coordination, so professionalism matters.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: For this internship, your curriculum vitae should show research ability and programme support skills clearly. Place your public health or research qualification, Microsoft Office skills, monitoring and evaluation exposure, data handling experience and writing ability near the top.
What should applicants prepare before applying?
Applicants should prepare a focused application that matches the role.
Useful documents may include:
- Updated curriculum vitae
- Academic record, if requested
- Proof of current final-year study, if requested
- Identity document copy, if requested
- Short motivation or cover letter, if requested
- Certificates linked to research, public health or monitoring and evaluation, where available
Candidates should make sure their curriculum vitae highlights public health, research, communication, data and coordination experience.
What should applicants know about selection?
Aurum states that all appointments are subject to security clearance, reference checks and competency assessment.
The organisation also states that only shortlisted applicants will be interviewed.
If applicants do not hear back within 21 days of the closing date, they should consider the application unsuccessful.
Aurum welcomes applications from persons with disabilities.
How can candidates submit their application?
Applications for the Aurum Research Assistant Internship 2026 must be completed online.
Candidates should prepare a clear curriculum vitae and supporting documents before starting the process.
Applications must be submitted through the official online application portal.
The closing date is 08 July 2026.
What should applicants check before submitting?
Before applying, candidates should review every detail carefully.
Check that:
- Your curriculum vitae is updated
- Your qualification or current final-year study status is clear
- Your public health or research experience is visible
- Your Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint skills are included
- Your monitoring and evaluation exposure is listed, if applicable
- Your contact number is correct
- Your email address is active
- Your documents are clear and readable
- Your application is submitted before 08 July 2026
Small mistakes can weaken an application, especially for a role that requires accuracy and attention to detail.
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Final Thoughts
The Aurum Research Assistant Internship 2026 offers a practical opportunity for research and public health-focused candidates to gain exposure to programme coordination, implementation support, data review and evidence generation.
With a 9 to 12 month duration, Isando location and work linked to a multi-country HIV programme, this internship can help candidates build experience in a specialised public health environment.
Candidates who meet the requirements should prepare a focused curriculum vitae and submit their application before 08 July 2026.
