Sanitation Technology Intern

Job Description

About PSI

PSI is a network of locally rooted, globally connected organizations working to achieve consumer-powered healthcare — people-centered health systems that ensure quality, affordable care wherever and whenever it is needed. Their origins in sexual and reproductive health have grown into a broader mission. Today, they work with the public and private sectors as well as local communities, prioritizing people’s voice and choice and developing solutions to meet their essential health needs.

Job Description: Sanitation Technology Intern

PSI’s WASH Team is seeking a Sanitation Technology Intern to support the improvement in design, engineering, and processes to offer better sanitation products and improve safely managed sanitation. The intern will assist PSI projects in their assessment of best-fit products and technologies, training plans, and workflows.

Work Location & Reporting:

• US-remote eligible (within PSI’s 27 approved states)
• No Travel Required
• Or Nairobi, Kenya
• Work From Almost Anywhere Status = Eligible
• Reports to Senior Technical Advisor I, WASH

Key Responsibilities:

The Sanitation Technology Intern will contribute to or lead sanitation technology development projects and support daily operations. The intern will receive coaching and mentorship, attend internal learning sessions hosted by other departments, and engage with colleagues at all levels across the organization, learn about what it’s like to work for PSI, build relationships, and gain valuable real-world experience.

Specific tasks include:

• Project Contribution (60% of Time):
• Contribute to or lead a special project with a specific deliverable related to current sanitation technologies and practices used across PSI platforms and projects.
• Support ongoing research and development around septic tanks, digester toilets, and toilet upgrades.
• Create a decision tree that PSI platforms can use to select appropriate technology offerings.
• Identify opportunities to scale promising solutions from around the world and support teams in identifying / creating innovative solutions.
• Conduct or provide support to research and analysis, assist with project management, propose ideas and solutions, and present the final deliverable to members of the team or a broader audience.
• Operational Support (25% of Time):
• Provide routine administrative support for daily operations, which may include maintaining the internal SharePoint page, providing basic financial management support, learning and performing tasks in PSI systems, and assisting with coordinating peer-to-peer learning webinars, blog writing, note-taking, technical writing support and proof reading, or responding to ad hoc requests for information.
• Contribute to a resource library and manual of current PSI technical product offerings, including updating technical drawings, descriptions, requirements, BOQs, costs, and special considerations.
• Networking (15% of Time):
• Develop relationships with PSIers on the WASH team globally and across the organization and with external partners.
• Schedule one-on-one meetings with colleagues to learn more about what they do and gain valuable career advice, regularly attend learning sessions hosted by other departments, attend PSI’s org-wide events and meetings, and regularly shadow colleagues at meetings.
• Facilitate peer to peer coaching and networking opportunities both within PSI’s programs and with external partners and networks.

Qualifications:

• Enrollment in a graduate degree program preferred
• Some work experience preferred
• Passionate about supporting WASH and market-based sanitation efforts across the world.
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills with keen attention to detail and timeliness.
• Readiness to interact with a variety of people and assume diverse duties and tasks.
• Strong analytical/problem solving skills.
• Advanced computer skills with strong excel skills (and including MS Office applications).
• French speaking preferred

Compensation:

• $20.00 per hour (US-based candidates)
• Kenya Stipend of KSH 30,000

Note: For applicants applying outside of the US; please note that those hired outside of the US will be employed through the local PSI office. Pay and benefits will be commensurate with the role and practices of the local office, including payment in local currency.