The City of Johannesburg is a metropolitan municipality that is the largest city and economic hub of South Africa and the provincial capital of Gauteng, the country’s wealthiest province. It is a Category A Metropolitan Municipality with a local government structure comprising a legislative council, an executive branch, and an administrative arm responsible for delivering key public services. It is the most advanced commercial city in Africa, generating approximately 16% of South Africa’s GDP and home to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and the headquarters of many major corporations. The economy has shifted from mining to services and trade.

The City of Johannesburg Student Internship Programme is designed to provide practical work experience to students who require on-the-job training to complete their qualifications. This initiative is part of the City’s commitment to supporting skills development and employability among youth in Johannesburg communities.

This internship opportunity is available for a maximum duration of 18 months, offering exposure to Integrated Planning, Policy, and Research within the Community Development Department.

Minimum Requirements

To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Matric / Grade 12 (NQF Level 4);
• Bachelor’s Degree (NQF Level 7) in Public Management, Development Studies, Political Studies, or a related field;
• Must be a resident of the City of Johannesburg;
• Must not have participated in any other internship programme previously (unless it was unrelated to the current course of study).

Primary Function

Provide analytical, research, and coordination support to the Integrated Planning, Policy, and Research (IPPR) Directorate within the Department of Community Development.
The role involves developing skills in policy, strategic planning, performance monitoring, and data analysis to support evidence-based decision-making and effective service delivery.

Key Learning Areas

• Conduct research, reviews, and analysis of policy, legislative, and strategic documents.
• Assist in business planning and performance verification for departmental and city scorecards.
• Support facilitation, documentation, and analysis of stakeholder input for planning processes.
• Collect, analyse, and present policy and performance data for reporting and decision-making.
• Provide administrative and logistical support for IPPR operations and governance compliance.

Competencies

Leading Competencies:

• Proficiency in MS Excel and Power BI (or similar data visualisation tools).
• Strong research, data analysis, and report-writing skills.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and presentation abilities.
• Good organizational, administrative, and coordination skills.
• Attention to detail and analytical thinking.
• Commitment to Batho Pele Principles and professional ethics.

Core Competencies:

• Understanding of policy development cycles and evidence-based decision-making.
• Familiarity with municipal governance, MSA, and MFMA.
• Basic knowledge of performance management, SDBIP, and IDP alignment.
• Ability to handle data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and reporting techniques.

How to Apply

Applicants are required to complete the online application form and attach all relevant certified documents (Qualifications, ID, and CV).