The internship offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in communications, storytelling and impact reporting within an international social impact organisation.
About Catalyst Now
Catalyst Now, formerly Catalyst 2030, is a global movement for social innovation connecting thousands of social innovators and organisations across more than 150 countries.
Its mission is to create spaces where social innovators can connect, collaborate and contribute to transformational change.
The movement brings together actors working across areas including climate, inequality, health, livelihoods and the Sustainable Development Goals.
About the Collaborations Communications Internship
The Collaborations Communications Intern will support the Collaborations, Chapters and Communications teams in identifying, documenting and communicating stories and impact emerging from Catalyst Now’s regional and global collaborations.
The Intern will review meeting notes, project updates, presentations and other materials to identify compelling stories, achievements and evidence of impact.
The role will also involve gathering information, quotes, images and other relevant content from collaboration leads and team members and transforming complex information into accessible and engaging narratives.
Job Summary
- Employer: Catalyst Now
- Job Type: Internship
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Communications
- Closing Date: 2026-10-12
Key Responsibilities
- Work closely with the Collaborations and Chapters teams to identify activities, achievements, milestones and emerging stories.
- Identify collaboration activities and outcomes suitable for internal or external communication.
- Review meeting notes, presentations and project updates to identify compelling stories and evidence of impact.
- Maintain an organised overview of stories, updates and communications opportunities.
- Turning complex project information into clear and engaging narratives.
- Gathering information, quotes, images and supporting materials from collaboration leads and team members.
- Supporting the drafting of website stories, collaboration summaries, newsletters, social media content, case studies and impact stories.
- Identifying human stories, important moments, insights and impact behind ongoing collaborations.
- Developing stories explaining what is happening, who is involved, why it matters and what difference it is making.
- Identifying opportunities to spotlight regional and global collaborations, Chapter initiatives, partnerships and events.
- Help explore creative ways of communicating collaboration stories and impact through: Simple graphics, Presentations, Short videos, Digital content, Visual and multimedia storytelling
- Work with the Collaborations, Chapters and Communications teams to gather updates and support content development.
- Developing materials for internal audiences such as team updates, briefings, collaboration summaries and internal stories.
- External content may include website stories, newsletters, partner communications, social media posts, case studies and impact stories.
- Support copywriting, editing and proofreading.
Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree in a related field .
- Fluency in English.
- Strong English writing and editing skills.
- An interest or experience in social impact, systems change, collaboration, partnerships, communications or community-led initiatives.
- Strong communication and storytelling skills.
- An eye for visual storytelling.
- Ability or experience creating content across formats such as social media posts, stories, simple graphics, presentations and short videos.
- Comfort using digital content creation, presentation and collaboration tools.
- Strong organisational and project-tracking skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- High attention to detail and reliability.
- Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to different audiences.
- Creativity, curiosity and willingness to experiment with new tools and approaches.
- Ability to work collaboratively and adapt content for different platforms.
How to Apply
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need for a Communications Intern role in Zimbabwe?
Most employers require a diploma or degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or Marketing from institutions like the University of Zimbabwe or Midlands State University. Practical skills in social media management, content creation, and basic graphic design tools are highly valued. Previous volunteer work or campus leadership experience can strengthen your application.
What are typical day-to-day responsibilities for a Communications Intern?
You will likely draft press releases, manage social media accounts, create content for newsletters, and assist with event publicity. Interns often coordinate with external partners and track media coverage for organizational visibility. Expect to juggle multiple tasks with tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
How does workplace culture differ for interns in Zimbabwean NGOs and private sector?
NGO and volunteer-based roles often emphasize relationship-building and community impact over rigid hierarchies, though respect for seniority remains important. Punctuality is expected, but flexibility around transport challenges is common in Harare and Bulawayo. Dress codes tend to be business casual, with formal attire required for external meetings.
What career progression paths exist after a Communications Internship?
Successful interns typically advance to Communications Officer, Digital Marketing Specialist, or Public Relations Coordinator roles within 1-2 years. Building a strong portfolio and professional network through organizations like ZIMPRA can accelerate growth. Some transition into freelance consulting or pursue further specialization in crisis communications or brand management.
What benefits should I expect as a volunteer intern in Zimbabwe?
Volunteer positions rarely offer salaries but may provide transport allowances, lunch stipends, or internet data for remote work. Formal benefits like medical aid and pension contributions are uncommon at intern level unless the organization has international funding. Always clarify these details before accepting the role.
How do I apply and what do Zimbabwean employers look for in applications?
Submit a concise CV with a tailored cover letter highlighting relevant skills and local context understanding, often via email or online portals. Employers prioritize demonstrated writing ability, initiative, and cultural fit over extensive experience. Follow up politely after two weeks, and prepare for practical assessments like drafting a mock press release during interviews.
