Grain SA: Science Communication & Advocacy Internships 2026

This internship is ideal for a science graduate who wants to use their technical knowledge to tell the real story of grain farmers and support evidence-based advocacy on issues such as climate resilience, plant protection, soil health, biotechnology, markets and food security.

Science communicators help translate complex research and field realities into clear, engaging messages for farmers, media, policymakers and the public, and support better, evidence-based decisions in society. 

You will work closely with Grain SA’s communication, research, farmer-development and policy teams to bridge what happens in the lands and silos with what is discussed in the media, community meetings and Parliament. This is a 12 month fixed-term internship with strong mentoring and exposure to the grain value chain.

Key Responsibilities:

• Science-based Communication & Storytelling
• Translate technical information (e.g. climate impacts, cultivar performance, plant protection, input costs, conservation agriculture) into accessible stories, articles and explainer pieces for grain producers and broader audiences.
• Draft and edit member communications, newsletters, website content and fact sheets grounded in sound science and real farm data.
• Assist with press releases, opinion pieces and media briefs on scientific and economic issues affecting grain producers.
• Help gather content by interviewing farmers, researchers and experts and turning their insights into compelling narratives.
• Evidence-based Advocacy Support
• Work with Grain SA’s policy and research staff to convert research reports, statistics and field trial results into:

1. short policy briefs
2. infographics and slide decks
3. talking points for meetings, media and presentations.

• Support myth-busting and clarification where grain farming is misunderstood (e.g. pesticides, fertilisers, GM/NBTs, water use, climate).
• Assist in preparing submissions, presentations and background documents for engagements with government, value-chain partners and the media.
• Digital, Multimedia & Online Platforms
• Support content planning, drafting and scheduling for social media (e.g. X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube/short-form video).
• Contribute to short videos, animations or simple data visualisations that explain key issues facing grain producers.
• Help with updates and content management on Grain SA’s websites (WordPress).
• Assist with basic analytics and reporting on which messages and platforms are reaching farmers and the public
• Events, Field Engagement & Campaigns
• Support coverage of major industry events such as NAMPO, Congress, NAMPO Cape, NAMPO ALFA and farmerdays.
• Assist with:

1. preparation of communication materials and visual content
2. media centres and briefing packs
3. capturing content (photography, short interviews, video clips, social media updates).

• Contribute to campaigns that highlight the contribution of grain farmers to food security, rural jobs and the wider economy.
• Brand, Media & Stakeholder Support
• Help maintain consistent messaging and visual identity across all science-related content.
• Assist with media monitoring: tracking where grain-related issues appear in the media and flagging risks and opportunities for response.
• Maintain and update media and stakeholder contact lists relevant to agricultural and science reporting.
• Support the coordination of interviews, media visits, farm visits and media days.

What You Will Learn / Be Exposed To:

• How science, economics and policy interact in the grain sector.
• Practical science communication techniques – from writing and interviewing to visual storytelling and digital content.
• How a national commodity organisation advocates for producers in policy, trade, environmental and regulatory debates.
• Real-world exposure to farmer realities, including field visits, farmer-days and NAMPO events.
• Mentoring from experienced communicators, economists, researchers and farmer leaders.

Requirements:

A Bachelor’s degree (BSc or similar) in one of the following or related fields:

• Agricultural Sciences (e.g. Agronomy, Plant Production, Soil Science, Agricultural Economics)
• Environmental Science / Ecology
• Food Science
• Engineering
• Biological / Life Sciences.

Skills and Competencies:

• Demonstrated aptitude for writing and communication – for example:

1. student or campus publications
2. blogs, newsletters or social media threads
3. science-writing assignments or projects.

• Strong computer literacy (Microsoft Office) and willingness to learn design and digital tools (e.g. Canva, basic video-editing, or Adobe Suite).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Afrikaans.
• Additional South African languages will be an advantage.

Advantageous (but not required):

• Previous experience in student media, debate, science communication, social media management, or similar.
• Basic familiarity with WordPress or other content-management systems.
• Prior exposure to farming or the grain industry (family farm, research project, vacation work, etc.)

Key Attributes:

• Strong scientific literacy and curiosity – comfortable reading research, asking questions, and checking sources.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to simplify complex ideas without losing accuracy.
• Interest in policy, sustainability, and rural development, and how they affect grain producers.
• Creative mindset with an eye for visual communication (infographics, photos, short videos, layouts).
• Ability to listen well, work across disciplines and respect different viewpoints.
• Organised and reliable – able to manage deadlines and multiple tasks.
• Enthusiasm for agriculture, innovation and communication.
• Willing to work occasional overtime (including some weekends during key events).
• Willing and able to travel occasionally and be away from home for short periods.
• Valid driver’s licence and own transport will be a strong advantage