Understanding this job ad: Administration and procurement intern

SNV is a nonprofit international development organisation with deep roots in the countries where it operates. Their vision? A world where all people, across every society, live with dignity and have equitable opportunities to thrive sustainably. They are looking for an Administration and Procurement Intern.

The job ad lays out exactly what they’re looking for. Have you caught them all? Let’s break it down;

• Experience matters, even for an internship. Even though this is an internship/entry-level role, experience (internship or 2 years) in procurement or administration is preferred. If you have this experience, make it shine in your application! And if you’ve interned or worked in procurement within a donor-funded development project, this is your moment, spell it out clearly and give details of the projects you were on. 

• International exposure is a plus. Experience in multicultural environments within an international NGO is essential. If you’ve worked in such a setting, this is your time to stand out. This also signals that SNV wants someone who can handle diverse workplace dynamics and international donor expectations.

• Professional certification is valued but not required. The employer would love you to have a professional certification in procurement (CIPS, ZIPS), but it’s not a dealbreaker. If you don’t have one yet, no stress, go ahead and apply. The fact that they mentioned it means they value professional standards in procurement.

• There's also an emphasis on accountability, integrity, and handling confidential information. This suggests that SNV operates with strict compliance and governance expectations, so they’re looking for someone who understands and respects these principles.

•  Now, about the job itself. This role covers procurement, logistics, administration, and travel management. The ad also says the environment is fast-paced. Translation? You’ll need to juggle multiple responsibilities like a pro and stay cool under pressure.

•  But it’s not just about technical skills! Soft skills are just as important. They’re looking for someone who’s collaborative, adaptable, a strong communicator, proactive, and a strategic thinker. The mention of strategic thinking? That’s a hint - it’s not just about executing tasks but also anticipating challenges and offering smart solutions.

• Can you drive? Do you have a valid class B driver's license? Great, this is a bonus for you. There may be some field visits or mobility involved.

So, how do you make your application stand out? Here’s the game plan:

• Show off your past procurement or administrative experience, even if it was an internship, university project, or something informal.

•  Highlight the soft skills they’ve mentioned in the ad.

• Demonstrate integrity, accountability, and confidentiality, these matter here.

• If you’ve worked in a donor-funded development project, an international NGO, or a multicultural setting, shout about it.

• No procurement certification yet? No worries, just show that you’re planning to get one.

Guide to job listings in the Agriculture & Conservation sector

Want to put the skills you’ve learned into practice? Below are some job listings for you to explore:

• BASF | Project Engineer

• Sunculture | Telesales Agent

• Land O'Lakes Venture37 | Production Technologist for Whey Processing in Cosmetic Production

• Simiyu, Tanzania | Trees for the Future | Program Manager

• Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania | World Agroforestry | Associate Scientist - Natural Resource and Climate Change

• Victory Farms | Construction Foreman (Building Construction and Maintenance)

• The Nature Conservancy | Operations Assistant for Equitable Conservation

• Akure, Nigeria | Zowasel | Procurement Officers

• Nakuru, Kenya | Land O'Lakes Venture37 | Forage Agronomy Internship - Kenya Mechanic

• Form Ghana | Nourishing Prosperity Alliance (NPA)

Explore more opportunities at Shortlist job board