Media and design internship

Media & Design Internship at Environmental NGO in Cape Town Gain practical design, photography, and video experience at a fast-growing environmental NGO

Are you an innovative graphic designer or someone with a passion for photography or making videos? Are you looking for some valuable work experience? We have an exciting Media and Design internship in Cape Town with a dynamic environmental nonprofit.

Greenpop is a young but fast-growing organization that runs tree planting and eco education projects in Southern Africa. They also activate large groups of people and involve them in their green mission. With their strong focus on well designed and original communications material, Greenpop often looks for graphic designers, photographers, or filmmakers to join their team and contribute to its message of sustainability. You'll get heaps of experience in design and art direction, while being part of a high energy group of people achieving great things.

The ideal time for interns to join is from February through May, with a strong preference for those who can be in Cape Town during the lead up to the annual Reforest Fest, held over Easter weekend. Interns are expected to attend this event and actively participate as a volunteer. August through September is also a key period, particularly for those interested in contributing to Arbour Day activities.

ORGANIZATION Greenpop is a nonprofit organization that runs urban greening, reforestation, and eco education projects. Based in Cape Town, Greenpop plants trees and creates gardens at schools in underprivileged areas and works to regenerate indigenous forests throughout Sub Saharan Africa. And as part of their mission to encourage a treevolution, the organization has a strong focus on activating people - both Africans and people from around the world - to participate in their projects.

Greenpop is motivated by the vision of a world in which people and nature thrive together. They aim to empower the public to get active (not anxious) about the future of our planet.

Their programs:

• Urban greening: concentrate on planting fynbos gardens and trees in urban spaces and run school based eco education workshops in marginalized communities. It also aims to create biodiversity corridors across Cape Town.
• Forest restoration: plants trees, clears alien vegetation, and works with communities to protect indigenous forests, restore degraded forest areas, and increase biodiversity.
• Sustainable development and environmental art projects on an ad hoc basis: these give communities tools to improve their lives while effectively managing their natural resources and create public art and music which brings awareness to local environmental issues.
• Events: experiential and educational events. Think of interactive educational workshops on a variety of environmental, entrepreneurial and leadership topics for school groups, corporate teams and the general public. They aim to equip people with the skills they need to get active (not anxious) about the future of our planet.

As Greenpop actively engages large audiences, they put a strong emphasis on having well designed communication material, and they often have a need for photography, videography, graphic design interns or volunteers to join their team.

During this internship, there is no physical office, as the team in Cape Town operates on a remote work model. As an intern, you will mainly work remotely, with occasional supervisor and team meet ups and opportunities at the Greenpop Nursery. Additionally, you will have the chance to participate in Garden Days or other events happening while you're on the ground. You will be required to attend the entire duration of Reforest Fest.

Responsibilities

• Graphic design of posters, flyers, website elements, or images for use on social media.
• Support with designs needed for events (boards, signing) or eco education (booklet, info sheets).
• Taking pictures of workshops, events, and other activities taking place.
• Creating videos for workshops, programs, events, and other activities. This can include making storyboards, pre and post production, and/or including graphic elements (or motion graphics) into the videos.
• All interns assist with office support, plant days, workshops, and eco hub open days.

Examples of projects previous interns have worked on: off and online campaigns for events, new design for containers in the nursery, signing for Greenpop vehicles traveling to Zambia, video on the 'Fynbos for the Future' project, and promotional videos for Greenpop events.

Requirements

• Experience and education in graphic design, photography and/or videography
• Excellent Photoshop, Indesign skills (and ideally other design programs)
• Strong branding and creative strategy skills
• Ability to work with deadlines
• An interest in environmental issues is a plus
• Ideally you'll bring your own laptop
• In case you are interested in photography/videography: bring your own camera and (video) editing software
• Commitment of 30 hours per week
• As part of the application process, candidates are required to submit a portfolio

While a 100% remote option is available, time zones will play a critical role in the selection process. All interns must be available for regular check ins during South African working hours.

As an intern in Cape Town, you'll have the choice between three different accommodations. With dorm and single room options, you can opt for the lodging option that meets your needs and budget. All locations include Wifi, linens & towels, communal areas, shared facilities, 24/7 security, laundry services, and housekeeping. Each option is conveniently located to be walking distance from various shops, cafes, restaurants, and some of the touristy highlights Cape Town has to offer as well. You'll have the opportunity to meet a variety of travelers, including students & backpackers, and explore the wonders of the city - while being based in the heart of it all.

Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. During your placement, you'll have access to the Roots team remotely, along with your internship supervisor on the ground.

South Africa does have high crime rates, so it's important to be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Safety recommendations include: do not walk anywhere alone and do not walk anywhere at night - it's better to Uber, no matter the distance, even if you are in a group. Upon arrival, ask your accommodation about the safe/dangerous areas & streets that are nearby. Keep your belongings close to you (avoid using handbags), always keep an eye on your drinks when out socializing, don't walk around with large sums of cash (you can pay for everything with a card), minimize wearing flashy accessories, and be cautious of overly friendly strangers. Take extra precautions at night by staying in a group and always taking an Uber once the sun goes down.

Your accommodation will include free Wifi to keep family and friends up to date via WhatsApp, Zoom, etc. Most cafes/restaurants also offer free Wifi for remote work days and staying online. You can also consider getting a local SIM card if your phone is unlocked for international carrier, or setting your phone's status to roaming (be aware of high charges for this option).

Meals are NOT included at the accommodation options in Cape Town. The kitchen facilities vary at each location and details will be provided during the application process. With a variety of international cuisine options available in the area and throughout Cape Town, there is no shortage of restaurants, bars, and cafes to try out.

Discover Cape Town's attractions: Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Gardens, city tours, historical sites, and the Cape Point Peninsula. There are also opportunities to surf, kayak, paraglide, cage dive with sharks, and more! Cape Town has a mediterranean climate with cool winters and hot summers so be sure to check what the temperature will be like during your stay.

DATES & RATES Fee Breakdown Start and end dates are flexible and will be discussed during the application process. Please keep in mind Greenpop is closed for two weeks of holiday at the end of the year.

What you'll pay (2026 rates)

Remote internship

Hybrid internship: get in touch for customized pricing

Inclusions

• Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
• Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
• An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
• Accommodation in a mixed gender dorm room (up to 6 pax). If you prefer a smaller dorm size, female only dorm, or single room - please contact us for availability and prices.
• Airport transfers upon arrival and departure.
• Housekeeping service.
• Guidance with your visa arrangement and other preparations.
• Development of an Internship Work Plan to help you reach your learning goals.
• Onboarding with your supervisor.
• Support from the Roots team remotely.
• A certificate of completion at the end of your internship.
• A reference letter upon request.
• A discount on weekend activities, exclusive to Roots Interns click apply for full job details