SFA Foundation Graduate Trainee Opportunity – Procurement
Deadline: Friday, January 17, 2025
Are you a recent graduate passionate about science and innovation? Are you eager to gain hands-on experience and contribute to an organization that drives impactful research across Africa? The Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) is excited to invite applications for the Graduate Trainee Programme, offering an exceptional opportunity to launch your career.
About SFA Foundation
The Science for Africa Foundation is a non-profit, public charity organization dedicated to strengthening and promoting science innovation across the African continent. We aim to address Africa’s most pressing developmental challenges by generating scientific knowledge that solves real-world problems and informs critical decision-making.
Our mission extends beyond funding research and innovation ideas; we also focus on enabling interdisciplinary collaboration, building thriving research ecosystems, and producing quality research tailored to local needs. Through well-established grant-making schemes, advocacy, and policy-making mechanisms, we empower researchers to achieve scientific excellence and catalyze transformative change.
The Graduate Trainee Programme
Our Graduate Trainee Programme is a one-year, fixed-term opportunity designed to develop talented and driven individuals. Trainees will gain practical skills, mentorship, and exposure to the fast-paced environment of the SFA Foundation. While the program does not guarantee employment, it provides invaluable experience to propel your career forward.
If you’re passionate, innovative, and eager to grow, this is your chance to work with experts in a collaborative and supportive environment, making a meaningful impact.
Position Overview
Position Title: Graduate Trainee, Procurement
Department: Procurement
Reporting To: Senior Procurement Officer
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Job Purpose
The Graduate Trainee, Procurement, will be integral to the Foundation’s procurement activities. This role provides a unique chance for a recent graduate to learn and contribute to procurement functions, including invoice management, vendor sourcing, and tender processes, while collaborating closely with the procurement team.
Key Responsibilities
- Execute assigned purchase requests using the NetSuite system.
- Support the Travel desk as assigned.
- Assist in preparing quotation analyses and bid justifications.
- Participate in sourcing and tendering processes.
- Generate Local Purchase Orders (LPOs) in the NetSuite system.
- Communicate procurement outcomes and decisions to vendors.
- Collaborate with the Finance team to reconcile supplier invoices and provide vendor payment remittances.
- Follow up with vendors for proper supplier documentation and delays in deliveries or overdue LPOs.
- Maintain and update the invoice tracker, procurement reports, and supplier VAT refunds.
- Ensure proper filing of executed contracts, LPOs, invoices, and related procurement documents in the Document Management System (DMS).
- Build and maintain positive relationships with suppliers.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Key Result Areas
- Contract management
- Sourcing and tender management
- Vendor management
- Vendor invoice reconciliation and payment tracking
Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes
- Team-oriented mindset with strong interpersonal skills.
- Exceptional communication abilities.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills.
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
- Professionalism, integrity, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Eagerness to learn and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Personal Attributes
- Demonstrates adaptability and willingness to grow professionally.
- Ability to establish and maintain productive relationships across diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
