Research and Development Manager (Permanent)

Job Title: Business Operations Intern (Graduate Workplace Learning Programme) Start Date: 2026-07-13 - 2026-09-30 Vacancy Type: Contractor JHB000967 Sectors: Admin, Office & Support Location: Gauteng , JHB - Northern Suburbs Salary: Brief: Signa Opportunity is recruiting unemployed graduates for the Graduate Workplace Learning Programme. The Business Operations Intern(BOI) forms part of Signa Opportunity's Graduate Workplace Learning Programme and provides operational, administrative and project support to the organisation in delivering workforce sustainability solutions. The BOI contributes to the efficient implementation and continuous improvement of Signa Opportunity's programmes, including the YES Programme and the emerging Graduate Programme. He/she supports programme planning, operational coordination, stakeholder engagement, governance administration, reporting and business process improvement, while gaining meaningful workplace experience within a dynamic, purpose-driven environment. The intern maximises on the structured exposure to programme operations, project coordination, business administration, governance, reporting and organisational systems, in order to develop professional capability, workplace confidence and long-term employability. The BOI works under supervision and in collaboration with operational teams, the intern will contribute to programme implementation, support client and stakeholder engagements, maintain operational records, assist with reporting requirements and participate in projects that strengthen Signa Opportunity's position as a Workforce Sustainability Partner. Role: Business Operations Intern Duration: 24 Months Stipend: R7,500 per month Location: Johannesburg (Randburg) Detail: Purpose of the Role: The Business Operations Intern (BOI) forms part of Signa Opportunity's Graduate Workplace Learning Programme and provides operational, administrative, and project support to the organisation in delivering workforce sustainability solutions. The BOI contributes to the successful implementation and continuous improvement of Signa Opportunity's programmes, including the YES Programme and the emerging Graduate Programme. The role supports programme planning, operational coordination, stakeholder engagement, governance administration, reporting, and business process improvement while gaining meaningful workplace experience within a dynamic, purpose-driven environment. The internship provides structured workplace exposure to programme operations, project coordination, business administration, governance, reporting, and organisational systems. Working under the guidance of experienced professionals, the intern will contribute to programme implementation, support client and stakeholder engagements, maintain operational records, assist with reporting requirements, and participate in projects that strengthen Signa Opportunity's position as a Workforce Sustainability Partner. About the Role: The Business Operations Intern will support the day-to-day operations of Signa Opportunity by assisting with programme delivery, project coordination, governance administration, stakeholder engagement, operational reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives. The role contributes to the successful implementation of workforce sustainability programmes through effective administration, coordination, reporting, and operational support. The internship offers practical exposure to programme operations, project management, governance, business administration, stakeholder engagement, organisational reporting, and business process improvement while working closely with cross-functional teams across the organisation. Key Responsibilities: Support the implementation and day-to-day delivery of workforce sustainability programmes, including the YES Programme and Graduate Programme. Assist with participant onboarding, workplace integration, and programme implementation activities. Coordinate operational schedules, implementation plans, and programme milestones. Monitor programme progress and escalate implementation risks where required. Prepare and maintain programme documentation, operational records, and implementation trackers. Support the planning, coordination, and execution of organisational projects. Coordinate meetings, agendas, action items, and project timelines. Follow up on outstanding project deliverables and support cross-functional project teams. Maintain organised programme records and support governance, compliance, and audit readiness activities. Prepare operational reports, supporting schedules, and ensure document version control and record management. Ensure documentation complies with organisational standards and POPIA requirements. Assist with communication between departments, clients, and programme stakeholders. Coordinate stakeholder meetings, client onboarding activities, and prepare meeting documentation and correspondence. Update operational dashboards, programme trackers, and management reports. Assist with data validation, quality assurance, and operational analysis to identify trends and improvement opportunities. Contribute to improving operational processes by supporting workflow enhancements, new systems, and operational tools. Participate in organisational improvement projects and recommend initiatives that enhance programme efficiency. Participate in mentoring, coaching, workplace learning initiatives, and professional development activities while maintaining high professional standards. Minimum Requirements: South African citizen. Unemployed graduate aged 18–34 years. Able to commit to the full 24-month internship programme. In possession of a completed relevant qualification. Strong organisational and administrative skills. Computer literate, including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Google Workspace will be advantageous). Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities. Willing to participate fully in onboarding, mentoring, workplace learning, and performance reviews. Demonstrates a willingness to learn, grow, and contribute to organisational success. Qualifications: A National Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 6 or higher) in one of the following fields: Business Management Business Administration Operations Management Project Management Public Management Office Management & Technology Or a related qualification. Required Skills: Programme and project coordination. Business administration and operational support. Project planning and implementation. Governance, compliance, and document management. Operational reporting and data analysis. Business documentation and record management. Data capture and analysis. Operational planning and basic financial awareness. Stakeholder engagement and relationship management. Business process improvement. Strong organisational and time management skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Attention to detail and problem-solving ability. Analytical thinking and planning skills. Ability to work independently and within a team. Adaptability and willingness to learn. Professionalism, accountability, customer service orientation, and initiative. Responsible and compliant use of AI-enabled productivity tools. Learning & Development Opportunities: During the internship, the successful candidate will gain practical experience in: Programme and project administration. Business operations management. Organisational governance and compliance. Business reporting and operational data analysis. Stakeholder engagement and professional communication. Project coordination methodologies. Business process improvement. Commercial awareness and organisational effectiveness. Workforce sustainability concepts and graduate employability programmes. Professional workplace behaviours, ethics, accountability, and cross-functional collaboration. Experience: No formal work experience is required. Previous internship, student le