Listing Reference: HRI2
Listing Status: Open
Position Summary
Company: South African National Space Agency (SANSA)
Industry: Space Science and Technology
Job Category: Human Resources Internship / In-Service Training
Location: Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa
Contract Type: Internship Contract
Remuneration: Market Related
EE Position: Yes
Closing Date: 31 March 2025
Introduction
The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) plays a critical role in advancing space science, engineering, and technology in South Africa. As a government agency, SANSA fosters innovation, drives industrial development, and supports space cooperation activities in line with national policy. SANSA provides a stimulating environment where employees can thrive through creativity, collaboration, and high performance.
An exciting opportunity exists at SANSA’s Space Science Programme, based in Hermanus, Western Cape. SANSA invites applications for a Human Resource Intern / In-Service Trainee position. The programme targets motivated South African individuals who are passionate about Human Resources and are looking to complete their in-service training or gain practical HR experience in a dynamic and innovative organisation.
Job Description
The Human Resource Intern / In-Service Trainee role is designed to provide comprehensive exposure to Human Resources management processes within SANSA. Successful applicants will gain hands-on experience in various HR functions, including recruitment administration, personnel records management, transaction processing, and HR systems support using SAGE.
This internship offers an excellent opportunity for students needing to complete their in-service training as part of an official Human Resources qualification or qualified individuals seeking practical workplace experience. The internship period ranges from 1 to 2 years, providing meaningful experience aligned with HR industry standards.
Key responsibilities include:
- Preparing and maintaining employment records related to appointments, terminations, leave, transfers, and promotions using SAGE
- Organising, maintaining, and retrieving personnel records and documentation efficiently
- Providing administrative support for HR transactional services and day-to-day HR operations
- Managing recruitment processes from job advertisement to appointment and onboarding
- Maintaining and tracking employee records and ensuring data accuracy
- Assisting with background verification processes and responding to employee queries
- Coordinating meetings, HR events, and workshops as required
- Running reports on SAGE and preparing various HR-related documents as per organisational requirements
Ideal Candidate
SANSA seeks an enthusiastic and hardworking Human Resource Intern / In-Service Trainee who meets the following minimum requirements:
- A student currently requiring in-service training for 1-2 years to complete an official Human Resources qualification
OR
A qualified graduate in need of practical HR workplace experience - Must be 35 years of age or younger at the time of application submission
- Must be a South African citizen
- Willing to reside in Hermanus, Western Cape, for the full duration of the internship or in-service training
- Passionate about Human Resources with a desire to contribute to a high-performing team
- Demonstrates adaptability, responsibility, and a proactive work ethic
Role Responsibility
The successful Human Resource Intern / In-Service Trainee will:
- Manage the administration of HR records and personnel files in line with SANSA policies and procedures
- Process employee lifecycle events including onboarding, promotions, terminations, and leave applications
- Facilitate recruitment activities from job postings to candidate onboarding
- Maintain HR databases and ensure data integrity within SAGE
- Provide support to HR managers and staff with day-to-day transactional tasks
- Coordinate and organise HR-related meetings, training sessions, and events
- Ensure confidential handling of employee information and compliance with data protection legislation
- Run standard and ad-hoc reports from the HR system and assist in generating data analytics for management reporting
Skills and Attributes
SANSA is looking for candidates who demonstrate the following competencies and personal attributes:
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
- Attention to detail and strong organisational abilities
- Ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines
- Basic knowledge of HR processes and best practices
- Experience or familiarity with HR management systems, particularly SAGE, will be advantageous
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- A strong sense of ethics, confidentiality, and professionalism
- Problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently when required
- Enthusiasm for working in a dynamic and innovative organisation
Why Join SANSA?
SANSA offers an exciting opportunity to work in a cutting-edge, space science-focused environment that drives innovation and fosters professional development. As an intern, you will be part of an organisation that values customer-centric solutions, teamwork, responsiveness, and innovation. SANSA’s commitment to transformation and employment equity makes it an ideal place for aspiring professionals from underrepresented groups to gain valuable experience.
SANSA’s Human Resource Intern / In-Service Training opportunity will provide:
- A structured learning experience in Human Resource Management
- Practical, hands-on experience working with HR processes and systems
- Mentorship and professional development from seasoned HR practitioners
- Opportunities to develop critical HR competencies and interpersonal skills
- Exposure to a high-performance environment focused on innovation and collaboration
Application Process
Interested candidates should upload a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) via the SANSA recruitment portal: SANSA Career Opportunities
Ensure that you attach all required documents with your application:
- Certified copy of your South African Identity Document
- Proof of qualification or current academic transcript (if still studying)
- A motivation letter detailing your interest in the internship
Please note the following: - Communication will be conducted with shortlisted candidates only
- If you do not receive feedback within 4 weeks of the closing date, kindly consider your application unsuccessful
- SANSA reserves the right not to make an appointment
Employment Equity and Personal Information
SANSA is committed to employment equity and transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from underrepresented designated groups, including African males and females, Coloured females, and people with disabilities, in line with SANSA’s Employment Equity Plan and targets.
By submitting your application, you consent to SANSA collecting, processing, and sharing your personal information for verification, assessments, and recruitment purposes in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Background verification, including criminal record checks, credit checks, qualification verification, and security clearances, may be conducted as part of the selection process.
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is 31 March 2025. Early application submission is recommended to ensure consideration.
Conclusion
The Human Resource Intern / In-Service Trainee opportunity at SANSA in Hermanus offers a unique chance for aspiring HR professionals to gain practical experience in a space science environment. If you are passionate about Human Resources and wish to be part of an innovative and high-performing team, this internship offers the ideal opportunity to grow your skills and build your career.
Apply today and take the first step toward joining SANSA in advancing space science and technology for the benefit of South Africa and beyond.
SANSA Human Resource Internship
We wish you all the best on your Applications