ABOUT YOU We are hiring a highly motivated individual to join the Allied Joint Support and Enabling Command (JSEC) as Senior Contracting Officer, NATO Grade 15. In this role, you will support end-to-end contracting activities, with responsibility for pre-award, award, and post-award functions. You will contribute to procurement planning by developing purchase and contracting strategies, evaluating purchase requests, and supporting competitive bidding and proposal processes. You are expected to provide timely, effective support, playing a critical role in the analysis of requirements and ensuring their prompt fulfilment. This work is essential to maintaining the HQ’s daily operations and achieving long-term objectives. Your performance directly impacts the command and the effective stewardship of NATO`s financial resources. At all levels, you will be expected to exercise sound judgment and demonstrate well-developed analytical and critical-thinking skills. If this resonates with you, apply here\: NATO - NATO Vacancies. YOUR QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE The ideal candidate must have University Degree in supply chain management, commercial and mercantile law, logistics, inventory management, procurement or related discipline and 2 years function related experience, or Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training in that discipline leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 4 years post related experience; Profound professional experience in procurement of goods and services to include purchasing, contracting and bidding activities; Working knowledge of Automatic Data Processing (ADP) systems; A good command of English both written and spoken. The following would be considered as an advantage: A minimum of four years’ experience in the procurement/contracting field with experience and demonstrated ability in executing the full cycle of procurement; specifically\: having held a warrant or equivalent authority to sign contracts; Experience in internal control/risk management is considered an asset; Experience in negotiating settlement of contractual disputes; Experience in negotiating and awarding contracts; Any further training certificates and courses related to subject field or acquired through NATO (eg.\: resource management, orientation or contingency contracting course); Experience in an international/military organization. Experience in a senior role; Experience in supervising teams and associated requirements/priorities. YOUR ROLE Lead procurement planning and develop purchase and contracting strategies; Evaluate purchase requests, conduct market research, and manage solicitation and source-selection processes; Publicize competitive opportunities, manage deviations from standard procurement procedures, and organize bidder conferences, site visits, and related contractual events. Evaluate bids and proposals using cost and technical criteria to assess value, compliance, and contractor reliability; Negotiate contract terms and conditions as required and prepare contracts for award in line with approved strategies; Award contracts within delegated authority and financial limits, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations; Monitor contractor performance, address non-compliance (including contract termination), and manage contract close-out activities; Provide technical oversight, supervise Contracting Officer’s Technical Representatives, and support the Branch Head as required; May be required to direct and supervise the work priorities of one or more HQ multifunctional teams. In the absence of the Branch Head, may be required to deputize over individuals. Remark: This post requires the incumbent to be suitably qualified to be appointed with an unlimited warrant. Furthermore, the incumbent is authorised to negotiate settlement of contractual disputes. Holds limited authority to negotiate and award contracts and – therefore – to commit funds in the respective amounts. YOUR SKILLS Must possess integrity, strong ethics and a sound business judgment appropriate for working in an international purchase and contracting (P&C) Office; Ability to exercises substantial personal responsibility and autonomy; Ability to Influence customers, suppliers and partners at account level; Proven ability and skills to investigates, define and resolve complex issues; Ability to communicate fluently, orally and in writing, and can present complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences. WHY TO WORK FOR US? By joining our organization, you will be part of a multi-national team while working towards NATO`s common goal of safeguarding peace and promoting democratic values for over a billion people. We are committed to fostering a collaborative work environment built on mutual respect and professionalism, where every individual’s work makes a difference and has a meaningful impact on the mission and operation of the Alliance. If this resonates with you, we encourage you to apply. YOUR TEAM Headquarters JSEC provides a resilient operational-level Joint Headquarters, capable of supporting 24/7 operations to coordinate enablement (at the operational level) and, on order, the execution of reinforcement by forces (RbyFo) and sustainment flow in order to contribute to the Alliance's ability to project and sustain combat power into a Joint Operations Area (JOA). The Finance Directorate (J8) is responsible for drafting, managing and executing the HQ allocated budgets as well as accounting, purchasing and contracting goods and services. The Purchasing and Contracting Branch provides advice, direction, guidance and oversight of the contracting activities at the HQ. Click here to read more about JSEC - Allied Joint Support and Enabling Command HOW TO APPLY Ready to make an impact and work in an international environment? Click here: NATO - NATO Vacancies to apply directly via the Talent Requisition Platform. After creating a candidate account, select the job title you are applying for and complete the application form which includes a pre-screening questionnaire. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION Please attach any documentation (proof of highest education, diplomas, certificates, testimonials etc.) that you consider to be particularly relevant to the qualification requirements specified in this advertisement. Any documentation submitted in a language other than English must be accompanied by at least an unofficial translation. Please note that upon taking up duties, candidates will be asked to provide original certificates of their education and professional experience as relevant for this vacancy. CONTRACT Serving civilian members of NATO will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations. Newly recruited staff will be initially offered a definite duration contract of three years. Thereafter, an indefinite duration contract might be offered. SALARY/BENEFITS Salary values indicated in this vacancy notice are based on NATO`S Single Salary Spine scale; The salary is tax free including (where eligible) expatriation, family and children's allowances and additional privileges for expatriate staff; Education allowance for children (where appropriate) and an excellent private health insurance scheme; Generous annual leave and home leave (if eligible); Retirement Pension Plan. TEST/INTERVIEW The selection process will consist of multiple stages. Candidates shortlisted for further consideration will be contacted by the Recruitment Team and receive detailed information on subsequent steps. The process will conclude with an interview.