Sanitation Technology Intern

Job Description

Here is a detailed summary of the company and job description:

About Company

PSI (Population Services International) is a global non-profit organization that operates as a network of locally rooted, globally connected entities. Its overarching mission is to achieve consumer-powered healthcare, aiming for people-centered health systems that deliver quality, affordable care whenever and wherever needed.

Originally focused on sexual and reproductive health, PSI’s mission has expanded to address a broader range of essential health needs. They collaborate with public and private sectors, as well as local communities, always prioritizing people’s voice and choice in developing health solutions. With over five decades of experience, PSI has been instrumental in pushing boundaries, breaking taboos, setting trends, and developing innovative solutions to complex global health challenges.

PSI’s corporate values, which they expect their employees to embody, include:
• Measurement: Using data and evidence for decision-making and clear goal-setting.
• Pragmatism: Striving for the best possible results with available resources, without being hindered by the pursuit of perfection.
• Honesty: Owning mistakes and being transparent about shortcomings for continuous learning and improvement.
• Collaboration: Effectively leveraging internal and external networks, understanding who to rely on for various tasks.
• Trust: Accepting limits of control and giving colleagues the benefit of the doubt.
• Commitment: Demonstrating a long-term dedication to growing with the organization, mirroring PSI’s commitment to its consumers and partners.

Job Description

This document outlines the details for a Sanitation Technology Intern position within PSI’s WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Team.

• Job Title: Sanitation Technology Intern
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Technical Advisor I, WASH.
• Team Overview: PSI’s WASH Team is described as a dynamic group dedicated to building core sanitation market functionality to ensure sustained growth without external intervention. Their approach emphasizes curiosity over status quo, people-first over solutions-first, deliberation over formulaic methods, being allies over gatekeepers, and being doers over theorists. The team’s portfolio focuses on implementing market development programs in both urban and rural areas to provide consumer-centered, sustainable sanitation solutions.
• Job Purpose: The intern will support the improvement of design, engineering, and processes to offer enhanced sanitation products and advance safely managed sanitation. This role involves assisting PSI projects in assessing best-fit products and technologies, developing training plans, and optimizing workflows. The intern will contribute to or lead sanitation technology development projects and support daily operations. They will receive coaching and mentorship, attend internal learning sessions, and engage with colleagues at all levels to gain real-world experience.
• Location & Eligibility:
• US-remote eligible (within PSI’s 27 approved states).
• Alternatively, based in Nairobi, Kenya.
• The position is designated as “Work From Almost Anywhere Status = Eligible”.
• Compensation:
• For US-based candidates: $20.00 per hour. The organization emphasizes transparency regarding pay, noting that actual base salary will depend on qualifications, experience, internal equity, external market analysis, and other business factors. Hiring above the mid-point is not typical to allow for future salary growth.
• For Kenya-based candidates: A stipend of KSH 30,000.
• Note for non-US applicants: Those hired outside the US will be employed through the local PSI office, with pay and benefits commensurate with local practices and paid in local currency.
• Benefits (for US-based candidates): PSI offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health care, a retirement plan, generous leave, and other benefits.
• Key Contributions & Responsibilities:
• Special Project & Deliverables (approx. 60% of time):
• Contribute to or lead a specific learning project focused on current sanitation technologies and practices across PSI platforms and projects.
• Support ongoing research and development related to septic tanks, digester toilets, and toilet upgrades.
• Create a decision tree to guide PSI platforms in selecting appropriate technology offerings.
• Identify opportunities to scale promising solutions globally and assist teams in developing innovative solutions.
• Conduct or support research and analysis, assist with project management, propose ideas, and present the final deliverable to relevant teams.
• Administrative Support & Knowledge Management (approx. 25% of time):
• Provide routine administrative support for daily operations.
• Maintain the internal SharePoint page (posting new content, reorganizing for knowledge management).
• Provide basic financial management support.
• Learn and perform tasks within PSI systems.
• Assist with coordinating peer-to-peer learning webinars, blog writing, note-taking, technical writing support, and proofreading.
• Respond to ad hoc information requests.
• Contribute to a resource library and manual of current PSI technical product offerings, including updating technical drawings, descriptions, requirements, Bills of Quantities (BOQs), costs, and special considerations.
• Networking & Relationship Building (approx. 15% of time):
• Develop relationships with PSI staff on the global WASH team and across the broader organization, as well as with external partners.
• Schedule one-on-one meetings with colleagues for career advice and learning.
• Regularly attend learning sessions hosted by other departments and PSI’s organization-wide events and meetings.
• Shadow colleagues in meetings.
• Facilitate peer-to-peer coaching and networking opportunities both within PSI’s programs and with external partners/networks.
• Required Qualifications & Skills:
• Enrollment in a graduate degree program is preferred.
• Some work experience is preferred.
• A strong passion for supporting WASH and market-based sanitation efforts worldwide.
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills, with keen attention to detail and timeliness.
• Readiness and ability to interact with diverse individuals and take on varied duties and tasks.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced computer skills, particularly strong in Excel and other MS Office applications.
• French speaking is preferred.
• Additional Information: References will be required, and the successful candidate must pass a background check. For US domestic positions, candidates must be authorized to work in the United States, as PSI will not consider work visa sponsorship for this role. PSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from diverse qualified individuals.