Community and Development Researcher Internship – Apply now!

📌 JOB DETAILS

🏢 Company: Pele Energy Group
📍 Location: Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa
🏠 Work Type: On-site
📄 Employment Type: Contract Internship
💼 Job Family Group: Research & Development

🏢 COMPANY OVERVIEW

Pele Energy Group is a renewable energy company committed to driving sustainable, inclusive growth across South Africa. Its Research Unit delivers evidence-based insights that inform development strategies, socio-economic initiatives, and responsible business practice. Pele empowers graduates and professionals to gain practical experience while contributing to impactful community development projects.

🧩 JOB OVERVIEW

The Graduate in Training – Community and Development Researcher will support Pele Energy’s Research Unit in conducting socio-economic and community-based studies. The role involves assisting with research project design, field data collection, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and report writing. Interns will gain exposure to both practical fieldwork and analytical research in the renewable energy and development sectors.

This internship is ideal for graduates interested in community development, socio-economic research, and evidence-based decision-making, with potential career progression in research and development roles.

📝 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the design and implementation of socio-economic and community research projects

• Assist in developing and piloting research tools such as surveys, interview guides, and focus group discussion guides

• Coordinate and monitor field data collection, ensuring adherence to research protocols

• Recruit, train, and oversee community data collectors and research assistants

• Verify, code, clean, and manage datasets for analysis

• Conduct quantitative (statistical) and qualitative (thematic) analysis using Excel, SPSS, Power BI, or similar tools

• Draft research briefs, summaries, and full reports aligned with Pele’s research standards

• Prepare presentations and infographics to communicate findings to stakeholders

• Support dissemination of research findings internally and externally

• Travel to project sites as required for field research

• Participate in organization-wide initiatives aligned with research and sustainability objectives

🎓 QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Honours degree in Social Science (e.g., Development Studies, Sociology, Political Studies)

• Proficiency in English and at least one additional African language (preferably Setswana, isiZulu, or Sepedi)

Skills & Experience

• Strong analytical, writing, and problem-solving skills

• Experience or familiarity with research and data analysis tools (Excel, SPSS, Power BI, SurveyCTO)

• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities

• Flexibility and adaptability to changing environments

• Willingness to travel to field sites; valid driver’s licence preferred

Personal Attributes

• Passion for community development and evidence-based research

• Detail-oriented and proactive in task management

• Curious, adaptable, and eager to learn

• Ethical, professional, and respectful in all engagements

📄 INTERNSHIP CV TIPS

• Highlight any research projects, fieldwork, or community development experience

• Demonstrate analytical and data management skills

• Showcase communication skills and ability to work in diverse teams

• Include any familiarity with Excel, SPSS, Power BI, or Survey tools

• Emphasize adaptability, curiosity, and commitment to social impact

🎁 BENEFITS OF JOINING PELE ENERGY

• Hands-on exposure to community and socio-economic research in renewable energy

• Opportunity to develop practical skills in data collection, analysis, and report writing

• Mentorship from experienced research and development professionals

• Networking and collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders

• Strong foundation for a career in research, community development, and sustainability

📜 COMPANY POLICY

Pele Energy Group is committed to fair employment practices and equitable development. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or other legally protected characteristics. The company promotes internal growth and inclusivity while ensuring ethical and responsible business conduct.