Internship - Executive Assistant to the COO

We are excited to offer a dynamic internship opportunity within the Office of the COO designed for a motivated individual eager to gain hands-on experience in operations and strategic business management.

The internship offers unparalleled exposure to the inner workings of a fast-paced operations environment, with mentorship from seasoned professionals.

Key duties and responsibilities

Strategic executive support

• Proactively manage the COO's dynamic calendar, strategically prioritizing commitments to align with business objectives.
• Develop executive dashboards and performance reports using data visualisation.
• Anticipate needs and provide decision-ready information to support the COO's leadership.
• Support COO-led initiatives, such as financial system implementations, M&A due diligence, or cost optimisation projects.

Meeting and governance facilitation

• Organise and co-chair executive meetings, ensuring agendas, pre-reads, and follow-ups are actioned.
• Document minutes, key decisions, and action items with accountability tracking.
• Coordinate cross-departmental leadership forums, including board committees and media partner summits.
• Oversee budget management, expense reconciliation, and procurement for the COO’s office.

Communication and stakeholder management

• Serve as the primary gatekeeper for the COO’s communications with executives, investors, and external partners.
• Screen and prioritise emails, calls, and requests, ensuring timely responses and escalation when needed.
• Draft high-impact communications (emails, memos, speeches) on behalf of the COO.
• Maintain confidential document systems and ensure compliance with data governance policies.

Meeting and governance facilitation

• Organise and coordinate executive meetings, including board sessions, audit committees, and investor briefings.
• Coordinate cross-departmental leadership forums including board committees and media partners summits
• Document key decisions, action items, and follow-ups with accountability tracking.
• Ensure compliance with corporate governance protocols for financial documentation.
• Coordinate domestic and international travel arrangements for the COO
• Oversee budget management, expense reconciliation, and procurement for the COO’s office.
• Act as the culture carrier for the executive office, liaising with HR on leadership communications.
• Manage confidentiality protocols for sensitive corporate matters (e.g., financials, legal, talent).

Minimum uqalifications, experience and Skills required: 

• Diploma/Degree in business administration, finance, or related field
• Written and verbal communication skills (English essential, other SA languages beneficial).
• Organisational and time-management abilities.
• High-level discretion and confidentiality management.
• Professional minute-taking and report-writing skills.
• Project coordination and multitasking capabilities.
• Knowledge of corporate governance principles.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and represent the COO’s office.
• Anticipate needs, identify risks, and propose solutions.
• Analyse reports, create decks, and synthesize complex information.
• Full-time office hours with flexibility as required based on the COO’s schedule.
• Occasional overtime may be required for urgent tasks or meetings

Company Description

The Rooms Network is more than just a collection of TV channels on DStv — it's a home for every story and every viewer. We're a proudly South African entertainment network, delivering diverse, family-friendly programming that inspires, educates, and entertains. we create, curate, and broadcast compelling entertainment across a dynamic portfolio of TV channels.

Posted on 15 Apr 17:06, Closing date 14 Jun