ETDP SETA Internship (University of the Free State)
The ETDP SETA Intern will be based at DiMTEC and will gain practical experience by supporting disaster management research, training programmes, and community engagement initiatives. This internship is designed for graduates with a Master’s degree in Disaster Management or a related field who are looking to develop professional skills in research, disaster risk reduction, and climate adaptation.
- Job Title: ETDP SETA Internship (40 Hours per Week) – Job ID: 110357
- Company: University of the Free State – Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa (DiMTEC)
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa
- Employment Type: Internship (24-Month Contract)
- Monthly Stipend: R8,500.
Company Overview:
The University of the Free State (UFS) is one of South Africa’s leading higher education institutions, dedicated to academic excellence, research, and innovation. The Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa (DiMTEC), within the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, focuses on advancing disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, research, and professional training across Africa.
Responsibilities:
- Assist with disaster risk reduction, resilience, climate adaptation, and disaster management research projects.
- Conduct literature reviews and synthesise scientific publications.
- Collect quantitative and qualitative research data using approved methodologies.
- Assist with data analysis using statistical or qualitative analysis software.
- Draft research reports, policy briefs, technical reports, and academic publications.
- Support the planning and delivery of disaster management training workshops and seminars.
- Engage with government departments, NGOs, communities, and research partners.
- Attend conferences, seminars, journal clubs, and professional development activities.
- Adhere to research ethics, institutional policies, confidentiality, and health and safety standards.
- Identify opportunities to improve research processes, training programmes, and administrative systems.
Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree (NQF Level 9) in Disaster Management or a closely related field.
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must be unemployed.
- Must not be studying full-time.
- Must not have participated in a previous SETA internship or learnership.
- Must have no previous formal work experience.
- Must be between 18 and 35 years of age.
- Must be willing to sign a 24-month internship agreement with UFS.
Recommended Qualifications & Experience:
- GIS training or certification related to disaster risk management.
- Experience using ArcGIS, QGIS, SPSS, R, NVivo, or similar software.
- Participation in community-based disaster risk reduction or climate resilience projects.
- Experience as a postgraduate tutor, demonstrator, or research assistant.
- Membership of a recognised professional body related to disaster management or environmental sciences.
Key Skills and Competencies:
- Research and analytical skills.
- Attention to detail and problem-solving.
- Data collection and reporting.
- Communication and teamwork.
- Microsoft Office proficiency.
- Time management and organisation.
- Ability to work independently and under supervision.
Salary & Benefits:
- Monthly Stipend: R8,500.
- Opportunity to gain practical research and disaster management experience within a leading higher education institution.
- Professional development through workshops, seminars, and research activities.
Application Process:
Applications must be submitted online through the official University of the Free State vacancies portal by 20 July 2026.
Applicants must submit:
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Copies of qualifications (or official proof of qualification, including SAQA accreditation for foreign qualifications).
- A copy of a South African ID or passport.
- An affidavit confirming that they are unemployed and have not previously participated in a SETA-funded internship.
Only complete applications submitted before the closing date will be considered.