Development Action Group (DAG) is recruiting a paid Intern for its Civic Action Hub Programme in Cape Town. Learn about the role, responsibilities, requirements, and how to apply before 16 January 2026.
The Development Action Group (DAG), a respected non-profit and non-governmental organisation in South Africa, has announced an exciting opportunity for an early-career professional to join its team as an Intern within the Civic Action Hub Programme. Based in Cape Town, this paid internship offers a one-year fixed-term contract, subject to probation, with an anticipated start date of 1 March 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. Applications close on Friday, 16 January 2026.
This opportunity is well suited to individuals who are passionate about social justice, civic participation, and addressing inequality in housing, land, and urban development.
About Development Action Group (DAG)
The Development Action Group is widely recognised for its long-standing commitment to community-centred development in South Africa. DAG works at the intersection of research, advocacy, training, and civic engagement to challenge and address economic, social, and spatial inequalities that affect marginalised communities.
Through its programmes, DAG supports communities to participate meaningfully in housing and land development processes, strengthens democratic engagement, and promotes inclusive, just, and sustainable urban environments. The organisation’s work plays a vital role in shaping policy discourse and empowering communities to claim their rights within urban systems.
Internship Overview
The internship forms part of DAG’s Civic Action Hub Programme, which focuses on building civic capacity, strengthening community organising, and advancing informed participation in urban development processes. The Intern will work closely with the Programme Manager and the broader programme team, contributing to a wide range of activities including research, advocacy, training, project administration, and community engagement.
This role offers a valuable learning experience for candidates interested in development practice, civic education, and participatory governance, while allowing them to contribute meaningfully to DAG’s mission.
Purpose of the Role
The primary purpose of the internship is to support the effective delivery of the Civic Action Hub Programme. The Intern will assist with research and advocacy initiatives, support community organising and training activities, and provide coordination and administrative support across programme areas. The role is structured to balance hands-on learning with real responsibility, ensuring the Intern gains practical experience while strengthening DAG’s programme outcomes.
Key Areas of Responsibility
The Intern will be involved in several interconnected areas of work. In project design and implementation, they will assist with housing- and land-related initiatives, supporting programme activities that respond to community needs and civic priorities. This includes contributing to planning processes and providing coordination support for ongoing projects.
In the area of policy review and advocacy, the Intern will help review policy documents related to housing, land, and urban development. They will assist with preparing commentary and advocacy inputs, and support research and analysis that informs DAG’s engagement with policymakers and stakeholders.
The role also includes significant involvement in research and content development. The Intern will conduct background research to support training programmes and public events, assist in developing content for workshops and webinars, and contribute to evidence-based advocacy and civic education initiatives.
Training, Capacity Building, and Community Engagement
A core component of the internship is support for training and capacity-building activities. The Intern will assist in the design and delivery of training courses and workshops, support webinars and public learning events, and help develop facilitation materials and training methodologies. This work contributes to building accessible, user-friendly educational content on housing, land, and urban rights.
In terms of community engagement, the Intern will provide basic technical support to civic and community-based organisations, assist with the preparation of accessible engagement materials, and support civic education initiatives focused on land, housing, and urban development issues.
Administration, Coordination, and Events
The internship also includes responsibilities related to project administration and coordination. These include assisting with annual planning and budgeting processes, maintaining accurate project documentation, and preparing reports for internal and external stakeholders.
The Intern will also support event coordination and logistics, helping to organise meetings, workshops, and training sessions. This involves scheduling, venue arrangements, participant communication, and preparation of materials to ensure smooth event delivery.
As part of a dynamic programme environment, the Intern may also be required to take on additional tasks as requested by the Programme Manager, providing flexible support to meet evolving organisational needs.
Required Qualifications and Skills
DAG is seeking candidates with a relevant university degree or diploma in fields such as Urban Planning, Social Development, Human Settlements Development, Social Anthropology, or related built environment or social science disciplines. Applicants should have at least two years’ experience in training and research related to housing, land, social development, or urban development.
Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of research and training methodologies, familiarity with housing and urban policy frameworks, and proficiency in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint at an intermediate level, as well as basic proficiency in Excel.
Strong organisational and time management skills, excellent written and verbal communication in English, and the ability to work collaboratively are essential. DAG also values diplomacy, creativity, initiative, and the ability to build trust and maintain positive working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to carefully review the role requirements before applying. Applications must be submitted by 16:00 on Friday, 16 January 2026, and should include:
- A motivational letter outlining relevant experience and interest in the role
- A comprehensive CV
- Three contactable references
Applications should be emailed to [email protected].
DAG is an equal opportunity organisation committed to diversity and employment equity. The position is based in Cape Town, and relocation costs will not be covered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within two to three weeks of the closing date.
For individuals eager to contribute to community-centred development and civic action, this internship represents a meaningful opportunity to learn, grow, and make a tangible impact.
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