Graduate Trainee – Procurement

ORGANISATION OVERVIEW

The Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) is a non-profit, public charity organisation that supports strengthens and promotes science innovation in Africa. The goal of the SFA Foundation is to address the continent’s most pressing developmental needs by generating scientific knowledge that solves problems and informs decision-making.

We serve the African research ecosystem by funding excellent research and innovation ideas; enabling interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, building and reinforcing environments that are conducive for scientists to thrive and producing quality research that generates new, locally relevant knowledge.

The SFA Foundation takes a holistic approach to the development of science. Our programmatic initiatives are crafted to cater to the entire science ecosystem and span across the value chain from early discovery sciences to translation sciences and target cross-cutting gaps.

Our commitment to strengthening the entire research ecosystem is reflected in the creation of major science and innovation programmes implemented through a well-established grant-making scheme, advocacy, and promotion of scientific excellence, emphasis on intra-Africa collaboration and evidence-based policymaking mechanisms.

THE SFA FOUNDATION GRADUATE TRAINEE PROGRAMME

Are you passionate about science, and what enables delivery of the same, eager to learn and take on new challenges? Do you possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills coupled with ability to work well in a team-oriented environment? Then explore the graduate trainee openings within SFA Foundation.

We invite talented and driven individuals to join our Graduate Trainee Programme for a fixed term period of one year. Although the Program does not guarantee employment at SFA Foundation, it prepares trainees by giving them the necessary experience.

We are looking for motivated candidates who are eager to grow, innovate, and make an impact. Our Graduate Trainee Programme offers the perfect chance to launch your career. With hands-on training, mentorship, and real exposure, you will develop the expertise needed to excel in a dynamic, collaborative, and supportive environment.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Position Title: Graduate Trainee, Procurement

Department: Procurement

Reporting To: Senior Procurement Officer

Position Location: Nairobi, Kenya

JOB PURPOSE

The Graduate Trainee, Procurement, will play a key role in supporting the SFA Foundation’s procurement efforts. This one-year contract position offers an exceptional opportunity for a recent graduate to gain hands-on experience in procurement within a dynamic and fast-paced environment. The successful candidate will work closely with the procurement team and will assist in the delivery of procurement activities including invoice management, invoice reconciliation, and sourcing of vendors among other tasks. The ideal candidate should be adaptable, innovative and eager to learn.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Execute assigned purchase requests in the NetSuite system.
• Supporting Travel desk as assigned.
• Assist the procurement team in seeking and preparation of quotation analysis.
• Support in sourcing and tendering processes as assigned.
• Prepare Bid analysis/justification and relevant reports.
• Generate LPOs in the NetSuite system.
• Communicate procurement outcomes and decisions with vendors.
• Working with the Finance team to reconcile supplier invoices and provide vendor payment remittances.
• Following up with vendor for proper supplier documentation.
• Receiving invoices and updating the invoice tracker.
• Follow up with users to sign off invoices, prepare payment requests, submit to finance for payment and share payment notifications with vendors.
• Follow up with finance on suppliers’ VAT refunds and update the vendor.
• Updating relevant reports.
• Follow up with Suppliers for delays in deliveries or overdue LPOs.
• Maintain positive relationships with SFA Foundation suppliers.
• Maintain proper filing of fully executed contracts, LPOs, invoices, and procurement documents in the Document Management System (DMS).
• Perform any other duty as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Should have graduated in 2023 or 2024
• Bachelor’s degree in with a minimum of upper second-class honors in specialized fields related to the areas below.
• Should have a B+ and above in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) or its equivalent
• Kenyan citizen.

Academic Qualifications

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Procurement and Logistics or a related field from a recognised institution.

Professional Qualifications

• KISM/ CIPS membership

Experience

• Previous volunteer /experience in procurement and supply chain management
• Proficient use of computers, especially MS Office.

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes

• Teamwork: Works as a supportive team member, recognises opportunities to grow the team, and proactively builds and manages relationships.
• Strong Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Integrity, Professionalism, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially MS Excel
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Eagerness to learn and grow in a professional environment.

Personal Attributes

• Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
• Demonstrates a strong willingness to learn and grow professionally.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relations with individuals of different cultural backgrounds.

Key Result Areas

• Contract management
• Sourcing
• Vendor management
• Tender management
• Vendor invoice management