Animal Charity Communications Internship in South Africa

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Help a new charity on a mission to improve the lives of stray dogs and cats in Southern Africa

If you’d like to have a hugely varied internship, and if you’re passionate about animal welfare, this could be a great opportunity for you. We welcome you to apply for an internship with Street Tails Foundation, a new charity that is on a mission to improve the lives of stray dogs and cats that roam the streets in various Southern African countries. This is a new initiative in its startup phase, which will allow you to play an essential role in the development of its voice, fundraising focus, and overall strategy.

As an intern, your role will be shaped according to your individual skills and experience, but you’ll likely be involved in helping formulate a communications strategy, writing online content, managing various communications channels, doing fundraising research, and helping run fundraising campaigns. You’ll also have the opportunity to help design and implement various backend systems. Either way, you’ll be a large part of a new and exciting initiative.

If being part of a startup excites you, and you’re keen to have a hugely varied work experience in the nonprofit sector, we’d love to hear from you!

Learning Outcomes:

  • Practical work experience in communications and fundraising
  • A thorough understanding of strategy and development within a nonprofit organization
  • Experience working in a startup environment
  • An understanding of the nonprofit sector and its needs
  • International work experience (whether you’re working from home or traveling to Cape Town)

ORGANIZATION

You’ll join Street Tails Foundation, a brand new nonprofit organization on a mission to improve the lives of street dogs and cats in Southern Africa. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, Street Tails helps to fund animal welfare projects in South Africa, Zambia, and Mozambique.

There are hundreds of thousands of stray dogs and cats in Southern Africa; animals that face malnutrition, disease, and often abuse. As there’s lack of intervention, these populations grow exponentially, causing issues – such as the spreading of diseases – for human populations in the process.

Street Tails is dedicated to improving the lives of stray dogs and cats by funding mass neutering projects, increasing people’s understanding of animal welfare, and rescuing animals who need medical attention.

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

As a communications intern with this animal charity, you’ll play a vital role in the early stages of this new nonprofit organization. Your role is flexible and can be tailored to your skills and interests.

Responsibilities

  • Helping develop communication strategies
  • Setting up and managing various communication platforms, including social media and newsletters
  • Writing blog content and assisting with website management
  • Researching the nature and extent of of the stray animal issue across different countries in Southern Africa
  • Doing fundraising research and helping develop a fundraising strategy
  • Writing grant applications and other funding proposals
  • Assisting with designing donor management systems
  • Helping run digital fundraising and email marketing campaigns
  • Assisting with developing and managing backend systems

Requirements

  • Strong English writing skills
  • Great communication skills and a passion for telling stories
  • An interest in working in a startup environment
  • A passion for animal welfare
  • A willingness to learn & a flexible attitude
  • Bring your own laptop

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

You’ll be staying at The Lenox, a comfortable guesthouse in the heart of Cape Town. Built in the old Cape Dutch style, The Lenox is characterful and historic. It has multiple balconies, a large dining room, and many other communal spaces. Shared bedrooms include 2 twin beds, and there are plenty of single rooms available as well (at an extra fee). You’ll be walking distance from many shops, cafes, restaurants, and some of the touristy highlights Cape Town has to offer as well.

Safety & Support

Safety & Support

Be sure to prioritize hydration in the summer to avoid heatstroke. South Africa does have high crime rates, so it’s important to be aware and use common sense to stay safe. Some safety guidelines are to always walk in groups, take a taxi/Uber in the evenings, know safe/dangerous areas, secure your belongings, don’t walk around with large sums of cash (you can pay everything with a card), minimize wearing flashy accessories, and be cautious of overly friendly strangers.

Communication

Communication

The accommodation offers free Wi-Fi to keep family and friends up to date via WhatsApp, Zoom, etc. Cafes/restaurants also offer free Wi-Fi. You can also consider getting a local SIM card if your phone is unlocked, or setting your phone’s status to roaming, depending on your provider’s rates.

Meals

Meals

A simple breakfast, lunch and a delicious cooked dinner (vegetarian & vegan options available) from Monday to Friday are included in your fee. Indulge in local dishes, like bobotie and South African Braai! For desserts, don’t miss out on milk tarts and malva pudding. There is a diverse food scene in Cape Town, so no matter your cuisine preference or dietary restrictions you’ll have plenty of options. Let us know in advance if you have any allergies/dietary needs.

Location details

Location details

Discover Cape Town’s attractions: Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Gardens, city tours, historical sites, and the Cape Point Peninsula. There are also opportunities to surf, kayak, paraglide, cage dive with sharks, and more! Cape Town has a mediterranean climate with cool winters and hot summers so be sure to check what the temperature will be like during your stay.

DATES & RATES

Fee Breakdown

Start and end dates for this internship are flexible and will be discussed during the application process.

What you’ll pay (2023 rates)

8 WEEKS USD 1,817

12 WEEKS USD 2,321

16 WEEKS USD 2,797

20 WEEKS USD 3,273


Remote internship: USD 525

Inclusions

  • Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
  • Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
  • An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
  • Accommodation in a shared room (2 pax). If you prefer a single room, please contact us for availability and prices.
  • Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
  • Meals from Monday to Friday
  • Wifi access
  • Housekeeping service
  • Assistance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
  • An orientation program with your supervisor
  • Supervision and support during your stay
  • Regular check-ins during your internship with your supervisor
  • Troubleshooting if needed
  • A reference letter at the end of your internship
  • A discount on weekend activities, exclusive to Roots Interns

Exclusions

  • Flights to Cape Town International Airport
  • Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
  • Transport to the office
  • Meals during weekends
  • Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
  • Costs for additional excursions or activities
SCHOLARSHIP & FUNDING

FAQs

Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in South Africa.

What can I expect from a NGO internship in South Africa?

During your internship in South Africa you can expect to meet people from around the world, as well as indulging yourself into the culture of this beautiful country! If you want to know more about what to expect, make sure to check out our top 7 reasons for an internship in Cape Town.

Will I have time to explore South Africa during my internship?

Yes! We partner with various activity organizers that can offer discounts exclusive to Roots Interns, for example, a road trip through the Garden Route and bungee jumping off the world’s largest natural bungee. You may also explore the country on your own and we are happy to give recommendations.

Am I able to do an internship while on a study program in Cape Town?

Yes! You are able to do a part-time internship with certain organizations so that you can continue your studies, while also gaining valuable work experience.

Will I receive a stipend of any kind during my internship with Roots?

Unfortunately, no. When working with a nonprofit organization, your internship will be unpaid, but there are many ways to fund your internship. Your experience will bring a wealth of knowledge and opportunities for both professional and personal growth that are invaluable!

QUICK FACTS

LOCATION: Cape Town, South Africa OR Remote
PROGRAM FOCUS: Animal welfare NGO
TASK FOCUS: Communications, Writing, Fundraising,  Research
LENGTH: Min. 8 Weeks
COST: From USD 1814 (in-person) / USD 525 (remote)

REVIEWS

“A great introductory internship to gain knowledge in the non-profit sector and get a feel of working in a professional setting. Loved the organization I was working for and I felt like a huge part of the organization - was given a lot of responsibility with social media, and my supervisor was very open to feedback and new ideas! I worked remotely so a lot of the internship is what you put into it. It is also a great boost for your resume!”

Christian, United States, Remote animal charity communications internship
READ MORE REVIEWS

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Gain experience in communications in a nonprofit context
  • Be part of the startup phase of a nonprofit organization, allowing you to play a vital role in the shaping of this new initiative
  • Get a thorough understanding of the nonprofit sector
  • Get experience in fundraising, on a number of different levels
  • Be part of the overall strategy and development of a charity
  • Enjoy hugely varied tasks, and plenty of responsibilities
  • Contribute to important animal welfare projects in Southern Africa
  • Enjoy the flexibility of working from home, coming to Cape Town, or doing a combination of both
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW

HOW TO APPLY

If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:

APPLY

Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.

GET STARTED

SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR

We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.

INTERNSHIP MATCHING

If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.

PAYMENT

If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.

CONFIRMATION

Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.

NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?

Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!

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