SHE Intern

Introduction The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) spearheads South Africa's activities in the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope, commonly known as the SKA, in engineering, science and construction. SARAO is a National Facility managed by the National Research Foundation and incorporates radio astronomy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT telescope in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme in nine African countries as well as the associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.

Position: SHE Intern
Business Unit: South Africa Radio Astronomy Observatory
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Position Details Position Summary:
This role is to support the organization in maintaining compliance, reducing risks, and promoting a safe workplace while gaining practical, hands on experience in occupational health, safety. and environment. The main focus is to provide support to SARAO and the projects in all regions by supporting compliance, risk management, and operational continuity.

Key Responsibilities:
Assist in maintaining, implementing and improving health and safety management system.
Assist in ensuring ongoing compliance with SARAO adopted policies and procedures, including compliance with ISO 45001 and ISO 14001.
Maintain HSE documentation and assist in development and implementation of HSE policies and procedures.
Report on HSE matters and coordinate with the clinic Sr and administrator to address IODs and submission in terms of COIDA.
Assist in conducting and coordinating incident investigation and provide lessons learnt.
Participate in internal and external audits.
Inspect and monitor PPE management and make provisions for replacements when required.
Ensure quotations are received from suppliers for new equipment/ recalibration/ servicing of equipment and obtain approval
Plan and participate in HSE committee meetings.
Participate in performing appropriate emergency drills to ensure effectiveness of emergency preparedness.
Participate and contribute to implementation of disaster management and identify required emergency responses.
Assist in contributing to project management plans, project objectives and project commissioning phase.
Assist and support project HSE programs and project specific permits to facilitate application on time.
Assist and ensure compliance requirements are met and review HSE files.
Assist departments and other functions to facilitate hazard identification risk assessment.
Assist in preparation of project occupational health and safety specification.
Assist in conducting health and safety training for the contractors and during audits to ensure contractors meet requirements
Collect information and compile report for projects, including.
Assist in management of contractors to reduce the number of accidents and ensure compliance with health and safety requirements and objectives.
Assist in conducting baseline risk assessment, task-based risk assessment or issue based
Participate in conducting inspections, complete checklists and create action plan.
Understanding of environmental legislation and able to enforce principles.
Plan and facilitate health and safety trainings, site inductions, HSE team talks, and awareness programmes.
Assist in maintaining legal register and share updates with the department.
Assist in monitoring and evaluating performance and application of safety procedures and identify gaps for improvement




Additional Notes:
Good communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
Strong administrative skills.
Capable of working in a high-pressure environment.
Highly motivated and committed.
Observation and attention to detail.
Willing to develop new technical knowledge.
Requirements Qualification:
National Diploma or B-Tech degree in Health and Safety Management, Environmental Management, Occupational
Health and Safety, and Environmental Health. NQF Level 6, or NQF Level 7.
SAMTRAC/NEBOSH certificate (advantageous)
Member of a recognized institution such as SAIOSH/IOSH and SACPCMP (Advantageous)
Drivers license


Experience:
Strong knowledge and understanding of SHE legislation, NEMA, BCEA, and other applicable laws
MS Office (Word, Powerpoint and Excel)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Strong knowledge and understanding of SHE legislation, NEMA, BCEA, and other applicable laws
MS Office (Word, Powerpoint and Excel) How to Apply Closing Date: Thursday, 12 Nov 2026

The NRF website provides more details on the initiatives and activities. Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by registering and apply online through the NRF Recruitment and Selection Portal. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant's suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided. Contact Information Recruitment Support:
[email protected]