FRAMEWORK AND OBJECTIVE OF THE INTERNSHIP
The French Red Cross’s International Logistics and Procurement Department is part of the International Operations Directorate. The department, comprised of 14 people, is dedicated to international missions (Africa, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Europe, French Overseas Departments and Territories, etc.). It is organized around two units: procurement and logistics.
The procurement department performs the following tasks:
- Implement the purchasing policy by ensuring consistency in purchases (standardization) and compliance with purchasing procedures. In this context, he/she also provides advice and technical support to the field.
- To guarantee the best conditions for flow, quality and costs.
- Establish and secure certain strategic supplies.
- Prepare and monitor calls for tenders, negotiate and implement contracts.
- Monitor technical equipment (including vehicles and IT) to ensure the nature and allocation of equipment, its maintenance, its condition and its availability over time.
- Managing inventory located in France and dedicated to international operations. The internship aims to support the purchasing unit within the International Purchasing and Logistics Department of the French Red Cross. It will allow the intern to understand the realities of the French Red Cross’s humanitarian missions through the lens of the supply chain.
Job
Within the international logistics and purchasing department, the intern will be responsible, after a training period:
PURCHASES
- Archiving completed purchase files: verify that the documentation is complete and, if not, complete it by searching in previous communications and by soliciting the stakeholders in the file, then archive the purchase files on the dedicated software.
- Manage purchasing files (including medical, ICT, and logistics) on behalf of headquarters and regional offices: • Collect and organize purchase requests • Prepare requests for quotations from suppliers • Gather and analyze quotes • Participate in the supplier selection process • Prepare purchase orders under the supervision of the purchasing team • Accompany shipments until delivery to the regional offices, in conjunction with suppliers and freight forwarders. Collect, verify, prepare, and distribute shipping documents. • Manage supplier invoices and payments: collect, verify, process payments, and monitor their execution.
- Update reporting tools (purchase tracking/supplier tracking on Google Sheets, etc.)
- Assist the department in the analysis and validation of headquarters suppliers.
- Publish international calls for tenders and participate in their implementation.
- Participate in the development of ICT product catalogues to facilitate orders from delegations.
STOCKS
- Track IT equipment and consumables: Request shipping quotes and export documentation for shipments via carrier and through representatives on international missions. Track shipments and file documentation. Monitor equipment and consumable stock levels in supervision with the buyer/stock manager (stock entries/exits, inventory counts, and replenishment orders).
INTERNSHIP STRUCTURE AND EXPECTATIONS:
The intern is supported by a mentor from the Purchasing team, with whom they hold a weekly progress review based on a tracking document that they proactively maintain. A Trainee Support Guide is developed jointly by the intern and the mentor, outlining the intern’s objectives and expected learning progression. This guide, which the intern uses to progress throughout their internship, is reviewed during mid-term and final interviews. Based on this guide and in interaction with their mentor and other members of the department, the intern is expected to develop independent learning skills. In the initial phase, the intern prepares for the internship: they meet with contacts within the department and the international management team, complete e-learning modules, and review the procedures relevant to the tasks assigned to them, while also beginning to perform simple support tasks for the buyers. The tasks are assigned to the intern by all four buyers on the Purchasing team. As the intern demonstrates the ability to complete assigned tasks according to quality and time expectations (particularly with regard to accountability), they will progress to new, more complex tasks with greater impact and autonomy. The intern is therefore expected to demonstrate rigor, efficiency, initiative, and a strong sense of responsibility. Depending on their progress, by the end of the internship, the intern is likely to be able to operate with a high level of autonomy within an international procurement process in the humanitarian sector.
Profile
SKILLS:
- Knowledge of purchasing, international trade, transport, and logistics
- Proficiency in computer tools (Google Suite and Excel).
- Good level of spoken and written English.
- Knowledge of the humanitarian environment is appreciated. Qualities:
- Dynamic profile, autonomy, rigor and precision, analytical and synthesis skills.
- Organizational skills: Ability to prioritize and manage multiple files and topics simultaneously.
- Strong interpersonal and writing skills, a service-oriented mindset, and the ability to communicate with different stakeholders in a multicultural context.
- A curious mind and a proactive approach will be assets for success in this position.
Practical information related to the position
Warning. Please do not apply if you do not meet the following strict criteria:
- The candidate is applying for an internship;
- Internship duration: 6 months (applications for a shorter duration cannot be considered);
- The internship is subject to the mandatory provision of an internship agreement issued by your educational institution (higher education).
- The internship involves working daily within our premises located in Montrouge (92), in the Paris region.
How to apply
https://emploi.croix-rouge.fr/form/?jobId=Q9DFK026203F3VBQBLOV4QWUD-45846&langCode=fr_FR