Overview
This role is responsible for executing the complete range of Buyer duties within the prescribed limits of delegation, supporting the acquisition of complex technical components, systems, IT infrastructure, engineering services, or high-value, specialized items.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Branch Head to ensure the timely, cost-effective, and quality acquisition of complex technical components, systems, IT infrastructure, engineering services, or high-value, specialized items.
- Responsible for the sourcing, negotiation and procurement of specialized goods, equipment and technical services in support of the Centre's Program of Work.
- Review and sign contracts within the delegated procurement authority.
- Assume overall responsibility, on behalf of the Contracting Officer, for assigned contracts from the conclusion of negotiation through the contract closeout stage.
- Manage end-to-end Requests for Proposal (RFP), Requests for Quotation (RFQ), Invitations for Bids (IFBs) and tender processes for complex technical requirements.
- Evaluate suppliers’ offers based on technical proposals, quality, price, and delivery terms.
- Liaise closely with internal stakeholders to accurately understand and translate complex requirements into procurement specifications.
- Conduct market research to stay current on industry trends, new technologies, and potential supply chain disruptions.
- Assist the Branch Head in the negotiation of contracts and framework agreements with suppliers.
- Ensure proper monitoring and evaluation of suppliers’ performance is conducted and recorded.
- Ensure all procurement activities comply with NATO Financial Regulations, the STO’s Charter and Financial Procedures, and ethical procurement standards.
Required Experience
- At least 4 years post-related experience with higher vocational training in public procurement/contracting.
- Or
- A secondary educational qualification with at least 6 years post-related experience.
- Recent and thorough hands-on professional experience (at least 4 years) in procurement methods and procedures involving contract solicitations, negotiations, award and closeout, preferably acquired procuring technical, scientific, engineering, IT hardware/software material and related services, applying public (national or international organizations’) procurement rules.
- Demonstrable understanding of public procurement best practices and contract law, rules and regulations.
- Ability to work with minimum supervision and under pressure.
- Experience working within a research, industrial or international environment (desirable).
- Experience in managing complex / high value (min 1M Euro) solicitations and contract from cradle to grave, including best value source selections, IFIBs, MATOCs, etc. (desirable).
- Familiarity with e-procurement tools (desirable).
- Knowledge of NATO financial and/or procurement rules and procedures (desirable).
Qualifications
- Higher vocational training in public procurement/contracting.
- Or
- A secondary educational qualification.
- Certification from a recognized procurement/contracting professional body (e.g. CIPS Level 2, DAWIA) (essential).
- Bachelor’s degree at a nationally recognised/certified University in Law, Engineering, Science, Economics, Business Management or related field (desirable).
- Vocational training in public procurement/contracting (desirable).
- Certification from a recognized procurement/contracting professional body (e.g. CIPS Level 3 or higher, DAWIA level 2 or higher) (desirable).
