Research and Development Intern

**About COOi Studios**

COOi Studios, is an Open Innovation Studio, that helps large enterprises move from a digital strategy refresh, idea validation to rapidly solving a problem to a tested solution, using design thinking methods and emerging technologies. When it no longer makes sense to outsource innovation services, we help large enterprises build innovation capabilities.

**Job Title: Research and Development Intern**

**Department**: Business Development

**Reports to**: Senior Business Development Analyst

**Location**: Hybrid; Johannesburg

**Employment Type**: Full-time

**Job Purpose**

The **Research and Development (R&D) Intern** will support the organisation’s innovation, strategy, and content creation initiatives by conducting in-depth research, developing knowledge materials, and supporting the execution of internal and client projects. This role is ideal for a highly organised and curious individual who is passionate about strategy, communication, and emerging trends across industries.

As a consulting business, our projects are dynamic and fast-paced
- the intern will gain valuable experience across a range of disciplines, including research, communications, digital content, and strategic project support.

**Key Responsibilities**

**Research & Analysis**
- Conduct comprehensive quantitative and qualitative research on industry trends, market developments, policy updates, and competitor analysis.
- Analyse and synthesise data into clear, concise insights and reports that support decision-making.
- Assist in the creation of research summaries, briefing notes, and analytical presentations for internal and client use.

**Writing, Editing & Content Development**
- Provide writing and editorial support for reports, proposals, case studies, articles, and internal documents.
- Assist in editing content to ensure clarity, accuracy, and adherence to COOi’s tone and branding guidelines.
- Draft communication materials including success stories, speeches, and brochures for various stakeholder groups.

**Event & Project Support**
- Provide logístical and planning support for the organisation of conferences, workshops, webinars, or other client-facing or internal events.
- Contribute to the design and implementation of strategic initiatives, programmes, or special projects.
- Support project tracking, documentation, and reporting as needed.

**Digital & Social Media Content**
- Collaborate on the development of engaging online content, including blog posts, infographics, videos, and visual materials.
- Assist in the execution of digital campaigns across platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram.
- Monitor and report on content performance metrics to inform future campaigns.

**Administrative & Operational Support**
- Provide administrative assistance where required, including scheduling, documentation, data capture, and general office support.
- Support cross-functional teams with ad-hoc project and research tasks.

**Learning Outcomes & Development Opportunities**
- Gain practical experience in consulting project delivery, research methodologies, communications, and innovation processes.
- Build exposure to digital content creation and strategy execution in a consulting environment.
- Learn how to conduct professional-grade market research and support strategic decision-making.
- Develop a strong understanding of small business operations and cross-functional collaboration.

**Preferred Qualifications and Experience**
- Currently enrolled in or recently completed a degree in a relevant field such as Business, Economics, Communications, Development Studies, International Relations, Marketing, or a related discipline.
- Strong research and writing skills with a high attention to detail.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace (experience with design tools like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite is an advantage).
- Knowledge of social media platforms and trends.
- Ability to work independently, manage deadlines, and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment.
- Curious, collaborative, and proactive with a willingness to learn.

**Preferred Attributes**
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Analytical mindset and a passion for emerging trends and strategic thinking.
- Creativity and initiative in problem-solving and content ideation.
- Eagerness to contribute meaningfully to a growing consulting business with a social impact mission.

**Working Conditions**
- Hybrid working model with requirement to attend in-person events or meetings when required.
- Standard working hours, with occasional evening or weekend work during event preparation.
- Fast-paced, high-trust consulting environment with opportunities to take ownership and grow with the business.

**Company Benefits (post-probation)**
- Hybrid Work location model
- Work Life-Balance: 4-day week (Monday to Thursday 7am-6pm)
- 2 x 1 week vacation blocks per year + Unlimited Leave

**Jo