Operations and Procurement Intern

PATH is a global organization that works to accelerate health equity by bringing together public institutions, businesses, social enterprises, and investors to solve the world’s most pressing health challenges. With expertise in science, health, economics, technology, advocacy, and dozens of other specialties, PATH develops and scales solutions—including vaccines, drugs, devices, diagnostics, and innovative approaches to strengthening health systems worldwide.

Global Program:  Global Health Programs

Project Name:  Zambia Country Program

Start Date:  March 2019

End Date : August 2019

Estimated number of hours per week: 30

Location(s) of internship: Lusaka, Zambia

Will the intern be receiving a stipend?*: Yes

Will the intern travel? (local or international):  No

Description of internship project:

In general, the Zambia Country Program is interested in rolling out a robust Internship program for a number of reasons. Since we believe that there are mutual benefits in any internship, it is our desire that we would like to highlight the potential benefits of a well-structured internship program.

PATH is seeking an intern to support the procurement team which provides administrative and clerical support and assists in the coordination and procurement of goods and services such as printed materials, lab and shop supplies, and catering. The intern will be supported by the operations team at the Country Program. They will also work closely with the local Procurement Review Committee (PRC). The intern will learn the major processes in PATH’s procurement system.

This internship is designed to provide a practical work experience to students or recent graduates from a purchasing and supplies college program. The intern will work together with the Country Program team in Zambia and will be mentored by the Country Operations Director.

Benefit to Intern:

The intern will :

• Gain experience partnering with operational leadership
• Learn to navigate relationships with stakeholders and vendors
• Refine their knowledge and understanding of a procurement system within a global context
• Have access and exposure to a global health network

Internship’s goals and learning objectives:

• Develop communications skills with business vendors and operations stakeholders
• Learn about supply chain methods in a global health context
• Refine organization and project management skills
• Make recommendations to align and optimize procurement processes

Skills to be developed and/or expanded during internship:

• Develop customer communication techniques for bringing cases to resolution/closure.
• Gain comprehensive, real-world experience in procurement, supply chain, and relationship management.
• Thorough understanding of the complexities of the NGO work environment.
• Demonstrate ability to create database information system for vendors.

Proposed activities:

• Develop database for local vendors in category of service or supply chain.
• Attend meetings and support agenda creation, minutes, and meeting next steps
• Track and organize communication and documentation with external vendors.
• Support contract management.
• Assist to prepare procurement documentation for review by the PRC.

Learning outcomes (how the Intern’s performance will be evaluated):

Intern will be evaluated based on outcomes of the proposed activities as well as on feedback from customers, peers and internship manager assessment. The intern will meet regularly with internship manager and the rest of the team.

Required skills and experience:

• Interested in learning about purchasing and Supply
• Pursuing a degree in business, operations, procurement or a related field
• Exceptional work ethic and decision-making skills.
• The ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Drive to be a self-starter.
• Talent for out-of-the-box thinking.
• Ability to thrive in a challenging and dynamic work environment.
• Skill in MS Excel and Access a plus.
• Interest in global health

*PATH does not provide a stipend to interns who are California residents.

*All PATH internships are eligible for school credit. Please refer to your university’s process for credit eligibility.

Must have legal authorization to work in Zambia.

PATH is dedicated to diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.

PATH is an equal opportunity employer. Every qualified applicant will be considered for employment. PATH does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, political ideology, military or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.