Apply for the Novartis Medical Sales Learnership in Midrand, Gauteng. A structured programme for unemployed South African youth to gain real-world pharmaceutical sales experience and industry exposure.
The Novartis Medical Sales Learnership Programme offers unemployed South African youth a valuable opportunity to enter the pharmaceutical industry through structured learning and real-world exposure. This learnership is designed for individuals who are eager to build a career in medical sales, customer engagement, and healthcare marketing while gaining hands-on experience within a global healthcare organisation.
Based in Midrand, Gauteng, the programme provides selected learners with direct exposure to Novartis’ field force environment, allowing them to understand how medical products are promoted responsibly and ethically to healthcare professionals, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes.
About Novartis South Africa
Novartis is one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, focused on reimagining medicine to improve and extend people’s lives. In South Africa, Novartis plays an important role in providing innovative healthcare solutions, supporting the local healthcare system, and developing future talent through structured early-career programmes.
The company operates within strict ethical and regulatory standards and places a strong emphasis on integrity, compliance, innovation, and people development. Joining Novartis as a learner means becoming part of an organisation that values continuous learning, collaboration, and meaningful impact in healthcare.
Overview of the Medical Sales Learnership
The Medical Sales Representative Learnership is aimed at giving learners practical exposure to the pharmaceutical sales environment. Learners will work closely with experienced professionals, including Customer Engagement Consultants, and gain insight into how medical sales strategies are developed and executed.
This programme focuses on both professional development and workplace readiness, allowing learners to build confidence, communication skills, and industry knowledge within a highly regulated environment.
What the Learnership Involves
Throughout the learnership, participants will be exposed to a wide range of activities that reflect the daily responsibilities of a medical sales environment.
Learners will assist with the promotion of Novartis’ product portfolio and services by supporting customer engagement initiatives. They will also gain experience in preparing and managing documentation related to marketing events and sponsorships, ensuring that all processes comply with internal and external regulatory requirements.
The programme includes working with internal systems such as the Besure system, where learners will assist with uploading and managing marketing events for approval. Learners will also be introduced to various digital tools and platforms used within the organisation and will support selected digital initiatives under close supervision.
In addition, participants will be involved in conducting literature searches on designated healthcare and scientific topics and assisting with the preparation of supporting documents. Shadowing experienced Customer Engagement Consultants forms a key part of the programme, giving learners real insight into field-based responsibilities and customer interactions.
Learners will also be required to support ad-hoc initiatives as they arise and will be trained on the importance of reporting adverse events or special case scenarios related to Novartis products within required timeframes.
Key Responsibilities
Participants in the Medical Sales Learnership will be expected to:
Behave ethically at all times and comply fully with regulatory requirements and Novartis values
Support administrative processes related to events and sponsorships
Assist with internal systems used for marketing and approvals
Use digital tools to support team initiatives
Conduct basic research and assist with document preparation
Work closely with Customer Engagement Consultants in daily activities
Support team projects and additional initiatives as required
Ensure timely and accurate reporting of any product-related safety information
Minimum Requirements
To be considered for the Novartis Medical Sales Learnership, applicants must meet the following criteria.
Applicants must hold a university degree in science, business, marketing, or an equivalent qualification. While prior work experience is not required, academic transcripts must be included with the application, along with a clear motivational letter.
Candidates must be South African citizens between the ages of 18 and 35. A valid South African driver’s licence, unendorsed for a minimum of two to three years, is essential, as the role involves exposure to field-based activities.
Strong communication skills in English, both written and spoken, are required. Applicants should demonstrate analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a team-based, matrix environment.
An understanding of ethical guidelines within the pharmaceutical industry is advantageous, along with good interpersonal, negotiation, and presentation skills. A high level of integrity, professionalism, and customer focus is essential for success in this programme.
Employment Equity
Novartis South Africa is committed to employment equity and transformation. Preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups in line with the company’s Employment Equity Plan, while ensuring that selections are based on merit, suitability, and role requirements.
Why Choose Novartis
Joining Novartis means becoming part of a purpose-driven organisation that places people at the centre of everything it does. The company believes that advancing healthcare requires more than scientific innovation; it requires passionate individuals who are committed to collaboration, learning, and ethical leadership.
The learnership provides a supportive environment where learners are encouraged to grow professionally while contributing meaningfully to healthcare outcomes in South Africa.
How to Apply
Applications must include a detailed CV, academic transcripts, and a motivational letter explaining why you are interested in the Medical Sales Learnership and a career in the pharmaceutical industry.
To apply for this job please visit www.novartis.com
Conclusion
The Novartis Medical Sales Learnership offers a strong entry point into the pharmaceutical and healthcare sales sector for young South Africans who are eager to learn and grow. Through structured exposure, ethical practice, and mentorship within a global organisation, this programme equips learners with practical skills, industry insight, and professional confidence. For candidates who are passionate about healthcare, communication, and making a real impact on patient outcomes, this learnership represents a meaningful step toward a long-term career in the pharmaceutical industry.
