NGO Event Coordinator Internship in Cape Town

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Help organize an environmental action summit in South Africa

Bring your event management skills to this unique environmental event

Greenpop hosts festivals every year, putting on unique environmental events in a stunning South African forests. Participants of the events plant trees, help restore the forest, learn about important sustainability issues, and soak up the forest setting. You can be part of making this happen. Between February and April 2024, we have an Event Management Internship available, and applications are open now!

As an Event Management Intern with Greenpop, you’ll be a vital part of planning and organizing the festival. You’ll liaise with partners, put systems in place, help run logistics, and manage schedules. You’ll be part of both the planning phase and the actual event, which ensures that you’ll get to see the result of your work on the ground, and that you’ll experience the thrill of working on the ground at a large event. The internship will offer you an incredibly rich and valuable work experience, as you’ll have a wide range of tasks and a good amount of responsibility. A brilliant experience on both a professional and personal level.

The ideal candidate for this Event Management Internship in South Africa will have strong organizational skills, a can-do attitude, and good problem-solving skills. If you think this is the work experience you’re looking for, we’d love to hear from you!

ORGANIZATION

Greenpop is a nonprofit organization that runs urban greening, reforestation, and eco-education projects. Based from Cape Town, South Africa, Greenpop plants trees and creates gardens at schools in underprivileged areas and works to regenerate indigenous forests throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. And as part of their mission to encourage a treevolution, the organization has a strong focus on activating people – both Africans and people from around the world – to participate in their projects.

Greenpop is motivated by the vision of a world in which people and nature thrive together. Since they kickstarted their programs in 2010, the team has planted over 190,000 trees and activated over 300,000 citizens to get active in protecting their environment.

Their programs:

  1. Urban greening: concentrate on planting fynbos gardens and trees in urban spaces and run school-based eco-education workshops in marginalized communities. It also aims to create biodiversity corridors across Cape Town.
  2. Forest restoration: plants trees, clears alien vegetation, and works with communities to protect indigenous forests, restore degraded forest areas, and increase biodiversity.
  3. Sustainable development and environmental art projects on an ad hoc basis: these give communities tools to improve their lives while effectively managing their natural resources and create public art and music which brings awareness to local environmental issues.
  4. Events: experiential and educational events. Think of interactive educational workshops on a variety of environmental, entrepreneurial and leadership topics for school groups, corporate teams and the general public. They aim to equip people with the skills they need to get active (not anxious) about the future of our planet.

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

Every year in March/April Greenpop organizes a reforestation festival during the weekend. One day of tree planting and during the evening and next morning there is music and entertainment (workshops, speakers, etc.). This requires a lot of organization with regards to logistics, coordination with partners, sponsors, suppliers, artists, etc. As an event coordination intern you can assist our Production department in several ways.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as liaison with vendors, artists and partners on event-related matters: applications, dealing with contracts, set-up instructions, accreditation, etc.
  • Digital event marketing: social media management, direct marketing, responding to questions, copywriting event communication, preparing the ticketing
  • Fundraising: contacts with partners & sponsors, checking if ROI has been fulfilled, partner communication
  • Assist on keeping track of event finances including quote requests, invoicing, and reporting.
  • Planning and administration: drafting a timescale for the job/event, coordination of volunteers, keep track of the budget, site map and evacuation plan
  • Event logistics: hands-on preparations for the events (signing, site map, packing, decoration), on site assisting with the production, artist liaison, bands & sound tech liaison.
  • Assist with set-up, strike and managing on-site production and cleanup for events as necessary.

You can either focus more on the coordination or logistics side of things. When on site for the event, everybody helps out in any way they can to assist in running the events smoothly.

Requirements

  • Preferably with some background in working outdoors, or at least excited to get outdoors and get dirty.
  • Good communication skills
  • Good time management and multitasking skills
  • Problem solver and creative thinker with a flexible mindset
  • Not afraid to take responsibility
  • Hands on mentality
  • Willing to work evenings and weekends (especially when on site for events days are long)
  • Willing to camp for the weeks when you are on site for the events
  • Ideally have an (international) driver’s license (and willing to drive in South Africa)
  • Bring your own laptop
  • Available February-April 2023 and/or July-September 2023.

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

The internship is available for a period of three months from January/February until the end of April.

What you’ll pay (2024 rates)

12 WEEKS USD 2,279

16 WEEKS USD 2,741

At Roots, we do everything we can to make your internship experience smooth and hassle-free. We offer an all-inclusive service, which means we will help you find the right internship (we believe we are great matchmakers!), help you with visa arrangements, book accommodation for you in Cape Town, give you all the pre-departure information you need before arriving, pick you up from the airport and check in with you while on your work placement to ensure you feel supported.

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
  • Pleasee during the event you will be camping in the forest.
  • 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
PROGRAM FOCUS: Environmental NGO
TASK FOCUS: Event Management, Logistics, Budgeting, Planning
LENGTH: Feb – April 2025
COST: From USD 2,382

REVIEWS

“I think that this internship was the perfect combo between working in an office, writing stuff, etc, and working on the ground. I've seen and learned so many things, it made me grow a lot.”

Juliette, FranceNGO Event Management Internship, Cape Town
READ MORE REVIEWS

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Help organize an event to reconnect people with nature and like-minded active citizens
  • Gain experience in event coordination, logistics, planning, budgeting, and facilitation
  • Gain insight into the daily operations of this environmental nonprofit
  • Live and work in Cape Town, arguably one of the most stunning cities in the world.
  • Enjoy exploring South Africa’s many highlights during your time off
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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