Are you an advocate of democracy? Do you have an interest in using your skills to enhance social justice as we move to the 2024 General Elections? 

If you are looking for an opportunity to develop your skills and play a role in a young and dynamic organisation that will make South African politics fairer and will deepen our democracy – then this opportunity is for you! 

My Vote Counts (MVC) is seeking a recent post-graduate to develop their own skills and support our research and campaigns work.  

MVC is an NGO based in Cape Town that works towards a democracy where every person has an equal influence in the decisions that affect them.  

Opportunity closing date: Sunday, 12 November 2023 

Contract Period: Starting 1 January-31 December 2024 

Remuneration: R13,500 a month 

2024 is a crucial year for MVC, as the country moves towards our most important General Elections since 1994. Most of our work over the next period will revolve around the 2024 General Elections. The intern will work closely with the research team to carry out this work.  

The intern’s work will primarily be research-based but will also be exposed to work on campaign strategy, coalition building and political education.  

Key Responsibilities 

You will work closely with our research team. Your responsibilities will include: 

  • Supporting the development of research publications. 
  • Capturing of data relating to the Political Party Funding Act (PPFA). 
  • Supporting in the updating of the Whose Vote Counts? virtual tool. 
  • Co-writing opinion pieces. 
  • Monitoring and reporting on parliamentary meetings. 
  • Liaising with civil other society members, social movements and activists, and 
  • Support in organising workshops, webinars, seminars and other events 

Requirements 

  • Proven research, campaigning and writing skills. 
  • Ability to read and analyse numerical data sets. 
  • Completed postgraduate studies in politics, journalism, sociology or a related field. A Masters degree is preferred. 
  • A demonstrated commitment to social justice and democracy. 
  • An understanding of and interest in South African politics. 
  • An understanding of and interest in South African electoral systems. 
  • An understanding of South African civil society. 
  • Strong work ethic, administrative skills, time-management skills and the ability to work well with and collaborate with others. 
  • Basic IT skills, including skills in data visualisation, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. 

How to apply? 

We will only accept applications that follow these guidelines. Please read them carefully 

Email info@myvotecounts.org.za with the subject “Intern Application”, and include: 

  • Your curriculum vitae with three references (max: 2 pages) 
  • A letter of motivation, and 
  • A copy of or link to recent written work 
  • All file names must be saved in the following format: Full name – Name of document (either CV, motivation letter, or written piece). Example: Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa – CV 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us by 24 November, consider your application unsuccessful.