DBSA High-Paying Careers & Internships | No Experience Jobs

The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) is a leading development finance institution in South Africa, dedicated to promoting sustainable economic growth and infrastructure development across the region. The DBSA plays a critical role in financing and implementing projects in key sectors such as energy, water, transport, education, and healthcare , both within South Africa and across the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

DBSA offers a range of internship programs and entry-level career opportunities for young professionals, graduates, and students seeking hands-on experience in finance, engineering, project management, economics, and other fields. These programs are designed to provide participants with exposure to the workings of a development finance institution while contributing to meaningful projects that drive socioeconomic development.

Internships and careers at DBSA are highly competitive and offer invaluable opportunities for professional growth, mentorship, and skill development in a dynamic and impactful environment.

Popular Internship and Career Roles at DBSA

The DBSA promotes diversity, encouraging applications from youth (18–35), women, and South African citizens, particularly under Emiratization-like initiatives for local talent.

Common internship roles suitable for minimal or no experience include:

• Graduate Trainee (Finance, Marketing, Human Capital, Audit, Legal): Supports financial analysis, project coordination, or administrative tasks.

• African World Heritage Intern: Assists with cultural heritage projects remotely, aligned with the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF).

• Administrative Intern: Handles clerical tasks, data entry, and office support.

• Project Support Intern: Assists with infrastructure project documentation and coordination.

• IT Support Intern: Provides basic technical support for municipal systems.

Salaries and Stipends for DBSA Internships

DBSA internships offer competitive, tax-free stipends, reflecting South Africa’s moderate cost of living in Midrand. Below are approximate stipend ranges for internships as of 2025, based on regional trends for similar programs (e.g., DSBD Graduate Internship at R10,061/month):

• Graduate Trainee: R8,000–R12,000 per month (approx. R96,000–R144,000 annually).

• African World Heritage Intern: R6,000–R9,000 per month (approx. R72,000–R108,000 annually, typically 6 months).

• Administrative Intern: R5,000–R8,000 per month (approx. R60,000–R96,000 annually).

• Project Support Intern: R6,000–R10,000 per month (approx. R72,000–R120,000 annually).

• IT Support Intern: R6,000–R9,000 per month (approx. R72,000–R108,000 annually).

Stipends vary based on program duration (6–24 months) and role complexity. Benefits may include professional development (e.g., business school qualifications, mentorship), exposure to leadership, and networking opportunities, but typically exclude health insurance or leave, as internships are temporary.

Requirements for DBSA Internships and Careers

DBSA internships are designed for graduates and students with minimal qualifications. General requirements include:

• Education:

  • Graduate Trainee: Bachelor’s, Honours, or Master’s degree (completed or final year by 2024) in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Environmental Sciences, Business Studies, IT, Legal, Supply Chain Management, Quantitative (Maths, Stats, Actuarial Science), or Built Environment studies. Minimum academic average of 65% across all years of study.

  • African World Heritage Intern: Bachelor’s degree in Art, Cultural Heritage, or related fields.

  • Administrative/Project Support/IT Support Intern: Matric certificate or diploma; degree in progress for students (e.g., Business Administration, IT).

• Experience: Minimal to no work experience required (<6 months). On-the-job training provided (e.g., soft skills, project management).

How to Apply for DBSA Internships and Careers

Application Process

1. Visit Official Portals:

   • DBSA Careers Portal: www.dbsa.org or dbsa.erecruit.co (primary platform for internship applications).

   • MoHRE Equivalent (South Africa): www.labour.gov.za (for broader public sector opportunities).