Agricultural Economist Intern Opportunity at Grain SA Pretoria

Grain SA is inviting applications for an Agricultural Economist Intern position in Pretoria. This 12-month internship offers an opportunity for a suitably qualified graduate to gain practical experience in agricultural economics while contributing to work that supports grain producers and the wider agricultural value chain. The successful candidate will work with economic research, market analysis, production data, industry information and stakeholder engagement. This role is well suited to an Agricultural Economics graduate who has strong analytical abilities, an interest in the grain and oilseed industries and the confidence to communicate research findings to different audiences.

The Grain SA Group of Entities works to build and sustain a credible, voluntary and inclusive organisation that represents grain producers and drives strategic actions that support the industry. The organisation places value on trust, respectful relationships, knowledge sharing and creating an environment where committed employees can develop professionally. As an Agricultural Economist Intern, the successful candidate will become part of this environment while gaining exposure to economic research and practical agricultural industry challenges. The position will involve working with colleagues across several teams and engaging with farmers, industry organisations, government officials, financial institutions and research institutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain market, input and production research databases and relevant online information.
• Conduct research and analysis on grain and oilseed inputs, production and markets.
• Analyse economic conditions affecting the grain and oilseed industries.
• Collect input costs and calculate enterprise budgets.
• Prepare presentations for working groups, meetings, farmer days and research events.
• Write articles, newsletters and contributions for various media platforms.
• Compile and analyse comprehensive reports covering grain economics, inputs, markets and production.
• Develop projections and forecasts and interpret the results for relevant stakeholders.
• Attend farmer days and industry meetings and deliver presentations when required.
• Proofread minutes from commodity and specialist working group meetings.
• Assist the Committee Officer with administrative responsibilities.
• Write reports and assist with arranging and facilitating meetings.
• Maintain the Economics Department’s database.
• Collect information and update relevant datasheets.
• Engage with stakeholders across the grain and agricultural industries regarding agricultural policies.
• Assist Grain SA members with concerns and challenges relating to the grain industry.
• Respond to enquiries from members of the public, financial institutions, research institutions, government officials, management and Grain SA members.
• Provide inter-departmental support to the Applied Economics and Member Services team, Marketing team and Research team.
• Perform other duties related to the position as required.

Requirements and Skills

• A completed degree in Agricultural Economics.
• Intermediate computer literacy across Microsoft Office programmes.
• Knowledge of data analysis tools will be a strong advantage.
• Fully bilingual in English and Afrikaans, both written and spoken.
• Knowledge and understanding of the agricultural industry.
• Strong analytical and research abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional conduct and strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with data, research findings and economic information accurately.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly to different audiences.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively.
• Ability to spend extended periods away from home when required.
• Willingness and ability to work overtime, including weekends when necessary.
• A valid driver’s licence.
• Own reliable transport.

The Agricultural Economist Intern role requires more than academic knowledge. The successful candidate will need to demonstrate initiative, attention to detail and an ability to translate economic research into useful information for agricultural stakeholders. The position may involve travel to farmer days, industry meetings and other events, making flexibility and professional communication important. Candidates should also be comfortable working with databases, reports, spreadsheets and economic information while meeting deadlines in a professional environment.

This 12-month Grain SA internship can provide valuable practical exposure for an Agricultural Economics graduate looking to build experience in the agricultural sector. The role offers opportunities to work across market research, production economics, policy engagement, reporting and member support. It can also provide insight into the economic factors affecting grain and oilseed producers and the broader food value chain. Applicants should ensure that they meet all minimum requirements and submit the requested documentation before the closing date.

Internship Details

• Position: Agricultural Economist Intern
• Location: Pretoria
• Duration: 12 months
• Industry: Agriculture and Grain Production
• Remuneration: Competitive salary based on the organisation’s cost-to-company remuneration approach
• Closing date: 31 August 2026
• Employment Equity: Candidates will be recruited according to Grain SA’s Employment Equity policy.

Applicants must submit a detailed CV indicating their qualifications and experience, two recent written references and certified copies of their ID and qualifications. The application must clearly state the position being applied for in the email subject line. Applications that do not include the required documentation will not be considered. All applications will be treated as confidential, and candidates who have not been contacted within 30 days of the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.

Apply here