The South African National Seed Organization (SANSOR) invites applications for its Seed Certification Internship Position for the 2026/2027 recruitment period. This opportunity is designed for graduates in Agricultural Sciences seeking to gain valuable practical experience in South Africa’s agricultural and seed industry while working alongside experienced professionals.
The South African National Seed Organization (SANSOR) has opened applications for its Seed Certification Internship Position for the 2026/2027 recruitment period. This opportunity is aimed at graduates in Agricultural Sciences who are looking to gain valuable practical experience in South Africa’s agricultural and seed industry while working alongside experienced professionals.
The internship is offered on a temporary basis from 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2027, with the possibility of annual extensions for a maximum period of three years, depending on organisational requirements and performance.
Internship Details
- Position: Seed Certification Intern
- Location: Lynnwood, Pretoria
- Work Environment: Mainly office-based with local travel
- Contract Period: 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2027
- Extension: Renewable annually up to a maximum of three years
- Salary: To be discussed as part of the employment offer
This internship provides graduates with exposure to seed certification processes, agricultural legislation, technical administration, field monitoring, and stakeholder engagement within one of South Africa’s leading agricultural organisations.
About SANSOR
The South African National Seed Organization (SANSOR) represents the South African seed industry at both national and international levels. The organisation serves as the secretariat for the seed trade, promoting and protecting the interests of its members while supporting the development of a competitive and sustainable seed industry.
SANSOR is also responsible for administering the South African Seed Certification Scheme on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture. Through this role, the organisation ensures that certified seed produced and marketed in South Africa complies with strict quality standards that benefit farmers, producers, and the broader agricultural sector.
Graduates joining the organisation will gain practical insight into the regulatory framework governing seed certification while contributing to maintaining high standards within the agricultural industry.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must possess a minimum four-year qualification in Agricultural Sciences with strong academic knowledge in several specialised agricultural disciplines.
Suitable candidates should have knowledge in:
- Seed Science
- Botany
- Crop Production
- Plant Pathology
- Entomology
- Seed Legislation
Candidates with relevant practical work experience in agriculture or seed trade matters, excluding experience obtained during academic studies, will have an added advantage.
Additional Requirements
Applicants should also meet the following requirements:
- Be fluent in both English and Afrikaans
- Demonstrate excellent written communication skills
- Provide a minimum of four professional references
- Be highly proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Have experience using database systems
- Be willing to travel extensively when required
- Possess a valid Code B driver’s licence
- Have no criminal record
- Be a natural-born South African citizen
- Be based in Pretoria
Meeting these requirements will assist candidates in performing effectively within both office-based and field-related responsibilities.
Skills and Competencies
The successful intern should demonstrate excellent organisational and administrative abilities while maintaining high levels of professionalism.
Key competencies include:
- Strong planning and organisational skills
- Good judgement and sound decision-making abilities
- Ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously
- Capacity to perform effectively under pressure
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Professional interaction with clients and industry stakeholders
- Excellent attention to detail
- Strong analytical and reading comprehension skills
- Effective record management and database administration
- Ability to perform general administrative duties, including preparing meeting minutes
- Good problem-solving abilities
- Strong work ethic and motivation
- Ability to contribute positively within a team environment
Applicants who demonstrate innovation and genuine enthusiasm for the South African agricultural sector may enjoy an added advantage during the selection process.
Internship Responsibilities
The Seed Certification Intern will support various technical, administrative and operational functions within SANSOR.
Primary responsibilities include:
Secretarial Support
The successful candidate will provide secretarial support for meetings by:
- Preparing meeting agendas
- Recording accurate meeting minutes
- Monitoring action items
- Following up on outstanding secretariat responsibilities
These duties are essential to ensuring efficient communication and organisational effectiveness.
Seed Certification Administration
The intern will assist with all aspects relating to the implementation of the South African Seed Certification Scheme.
Responsibilities include:
- Administrative support
- Documentation management
- Monitoring certification processes
- Supporting field inspections and monitoring activities
This work contributes directly to maintaining the integrity of South Africa’s certified seed system.
Technical Administration
The internship includes technical and administrative responsibilities involving various seed and industry-related matters.
The successful candidate will gain practical experience in interpreting technical information, processing documentation and supporting industry compliance activities.
Legislative Advice
Another important responsibility involves assisting members with legislative matters affecting the seed trade.
This provides an excellent opportunity to develop an understanding of agricultural legislation and its practical application within the seed industry.
General Organisational Support
The intern will also perform other related duties that support the objectives and daily operations of the South African National Seed Organization.
This varied workload provides valuable exposure to several aspects of agricultural administration and industry regulation.
Benefits of the Internship
Graduates participating in this internship can expect significant professional development opportunities.
Some of the benefits include:
- Practical agricultural industry experience
- Exposure to seed certification systems
- Knowledge of agricultural legislation
- Administrative and technical training
- Field monitoring experience
- Professional networking opportunities
- Development of communication and organisational skills
- Experience working within a nationally recognised agricultural organisation
The internship also strengthens future career prospects within agriculture, seed production, regulatory services, research institutions and government departments.
Ideal Candidate
This opportunity is suitable for graduates who enjoy both office-based and field-based work.
The ideal candidate will possess excellent organisational skills, enjoy working with technical information, communicate effectively with stakeholders and maintain high standards of accuracy.
A genuine passion for agriculture, crop production and seed quality assurance will contribute to success in the role.
Applicants should also be adaptable, dependable and willing to travel when operational requirements demand.
How to Apply
Application Process
Applications must be submitted via email before the closing date.
Applicants should email their application to:
- Email: cert.technician@sansor.co.za
- Subject Line: Certification intern application 2026
Applications should include:
- A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
- Current notice period (included in the CV)
- Certified copy of South African Identity Document
- Certified copy of driver’s licence
- Certified copies of qualification certificates
Only complete applications containing all required documentation will be considered during the recruitment process.
Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in further assessment.
As part of the recruitment process, shortlisted applicants will undergo a personality profile evaluation.
Successful candidates will be contacted directly by SANSOR regarding the next stages of the recruitment process.
Applicants who do not receive feedback within four weeks after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful
Closing Date: 15 July 2026
Applications received after the closing date may not be considered.
Graduates interested in building a career within South Africa’s agricultural and seed certification industry are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline. This internship offers valuable experience in technical administration, agricultural legislation, seed certification, field monitoring and stakeholder engagement, making it an excellent starting point for a long-term career in agriculture and the seed industry.