Senior Contracting Officer - Complex Services (2030 P&C)

Overview

The Joint Warfare Centre (JWC) is looking for an experienced and pro-active senior contracting specialist. The successful candidate will have a comprehensive set of skills in contracting, preferably in an international environment such as NATO, excellent attention to detail and will be able to work under pressure whilst still producing high quality results.

This vacancy notice is for a NATO-2030 agenda project-linked NATO International Civilian (PLN) post.

This post is limited to a 15-month definite duration project. It will be filled as soon as possible.

In view of the urgency of this project, qualified candidates who hold or have recently held a valid NATO or National security clearance will be given priority consideration.

Summary

The JWC plans, prepares, and executes static and distributed joint operational level training in support of Warfare Development and Warfighting readiness. The Purchasing and Contracting Section is responsible and exclusively authorized to conduct Procurement and Contracting activities, including Travel Services, for the JWC budgets and for funds delegated by other NATO bodies. The Senior Contracting Officer acts as the JWC 2030 Programme Contracting Officer primarily responsible for all contractual aspects involving 2030 business arrangements in support of JWC directly relating to the Command’s transformational mission in relation to military structure, forces, capability, and doctrine for JWC 2030 requirements.

REPORTS TO

Section Head (Purchasing and Contracting)

Principal Duties

The incumbent's duties are :

• Responsible for determining the proper contractual instrument and leading negotiations in support of unusual requirements with complex pricing schemes that support Exercises, Training and Innovation and all activities for all JWC’s large complex acquisition support needs. Such contract arrangements may be characterized by one or more of the following : Short-term or emergency driven lead times, major new initiatives, contract specific policy development, jointly funded and managed programs in collaboration with other nations, services or agencies, highly complex programs involving multiple subcontractors and / or pricing schemes, and actions requiring the development of new or specialized terms and conditions.
• Responsible for preparation of all pre-award documentation including any required Acquisition Plans, Justifications & Approvals for the use of non-competitive procedures, and deviation requests from normal methods of procurement. The incumbent is responsible for defending proposed contracting decisions before appropriate NATO officials to obtain all required approvals.
• Functions as a Senior Contracting Officer and may receive an unlimited warrant, in support of all JWC activities.
• Functions as the primary point of contact and acquisition advisor to Exercises, Training and Innovation Directorate on innovation requirements, development and associated issues.
• Maintains a wide range of professional contacts within and outside JWC. Internal contacts include all levels up to and including the Division Chiefs. External contacts include a broad range of commercial companies. Exchanges information with Host Nation defence procurement agencies. Coordinates closely with Fund Managers and BUDFIN staff.
• Conducts extensive cost / price analysis of complex and / or high-value requirements, and analysis of subcontractor efforts to ensure reasonableness, accuracy and eligibility of proposed contractor costs.
• Coordinates, plans, and seeks out advice and / or the participation of other negotiation team members (technical, legal and audit representatives) where necessary to complete assigned work. Where there is conflicting advice, the incumbent is responsible for distilling this input into a business case with recommendations for resolution during negotiations. It is the incumbent’s responsibility to negotiate the final product within the approved framework and to justify the results when seeking final approval by the JWC / ACT FC.
• Tracks and reports status of assigned actions to ensure the Programme priorities of JWC are properly addressed.
• Provides assistance to technical program officers on matters such as application of acquisition laws / regulations, proper use of contractual instruments, and competition / source selection issues.
• Makes a significant direct contribution to the objectives of all JWC organisational elements for which funds and contractual activity are required. Directly impacts the sustainability of the JWC Mission through effective procurement of goods and services, by ensuring best use of financial resources. Incumbent’s success in identifying and defending contractual elements has a substantial impact upon the ability of JWC to accomplish its mission.
• Acts as Chief Purchasing and Contracting as required.
• Contractual Project Supervisory over JWC 2030 related contracts.
• Authorized to negotiate contracts subject to approval (Expectation is Unlimited Warrant). Consistent coordination with Budget team for oversight and future contract authority planning.
• Authorized to execute purchases within delegated authority.

Essential Qualifications

Professional / Experience

Education / Training

Language

Desirable Qualifications

Professional / Experience

Education / Training

Attributes / Competencies

Personal Attributes : Proven ability to motivate, lead, train, and mentor peers, customers, and trainees in contracting processes. Very good interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills are required, and, in dealing with commercial suppliers, a high degree of personal integrity is essential. Maturity, firmness and balanced behaviour are required. Good professional judgement is required in balancing price, quality and delivery factors. Must be a skillful communicator, both verbally and in writing, and be able to argue diplomatically and convincingly on sensitive issues with officials of same and higher grade and to convey highly complex and technical matters. Good health. The incumbent must be able to work under pressure. Must be able to travel regularly on temporary duty.

Managerial Responsibilities : Enters into legal obligations on behalf of JWC when placing contracts. Provides procurement advice to the Commander, managers and the staff. Provides procurement decisions, on behalf of the of the NATO body, in accordance with delegated authority. Directs the operation of the Purchasing & Contracting Section. Manages all procurement input into CNAFS. Leads supplier negotiations or other special projects as directed. Represents JWC views and policies when participating in external meetings and conferences within delegated responsibilities. Assists with the growth and development of procurement staff.

Professional Contacts : Have regular professional contacts at higher level – requiring explanation, discussion, persuasion and approval actions. Maintains a wide range of professional contacts within and outside the JWC. Internal contacts include all levels up to and including the Division Heads. External contacts include a broad range of commercial companies for which the incumbent represents the JWC. Exchanges information with Host Nation defence procurement agencies to obtain economies of scale for purchases. Receives functional guidance and responds to tasks from JWC Head of Contracts and coordinates regularly with P&C staff at other HQs. Co-ordinates work closely with Fund Managers and BUDFIN staff. Deals with a wide range of JWC staff who have identified procurement requirements

Contribution to Objectives : Work involves a major task directly affecting plans / management / policy and objectives of the HQ. Makes a significant direct contribution to the objectives of all JWC organisational elements for which funds and contractual activity are required. Directly impacts the sustainability of the JWC Mission through effective procurement of goods and services, by ensuring best use of financial resources. Incumbent’s success in identifying and defending contractual elements has a substantial impact upon the ability of JWC to accomplish its mission. Directly impacts the sustainability of JWC operations through effective purchasing of goods and services. Assists the efficient use of international resources by skillful and cost-effective contract negotiations.

Supervisory Responsibilities : There are no supervisory responsibilities. Controls daily work priorities and may influence the Section / Branch priorities.

Work Environment

The work is normally performed in an office environment.

Note : The work both oral and written in this post and in this headquarters as a whole is conducted mainly in English.

How to Apply for a Project Linked NATO Civilian Post at JWC

JWC, as an equal opportunities employer, values diverse backgrounds and perspectives and is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and talented workforce. We welcome applications from nationals of all NATO Member States and strongly encourage women to apply.

Applications are to be submitted, in English, using the NATO Talent Acquisition Platform (NTAP) ( ). Applications submitted by other means (e.g. mail, e-mail, fax, etc) will not be accepted.

NTAP allows for the adding of attachments. Candidates are to attach a copy of the qualification(s) / certificate(s) covering the highest level of education and vocational qualifications held to support their application as well as a copy of a diploma / certificate which confirms any relevant professional status.

Applications are automatically acknowledged within one working day after submission. In the absence of an acknowledgement please make sure the submission process is completed or re-submit the application.

Applications will not be accepted after the deadline .

Remarks :

Notes for candidates : NATO redundant staff at grade G15 / A-2 will be considered before any other candidates.

Notes for NATO Civilian Human Resources Managers : if you have qualified redundant staff at grade G15 / A-2, who wish to be considered for this post, please advise JWC Civilian HR no later than the closing date.

Contract :

This project post is limited to a definite duration of 15 months. There is no guarantee that this post will continue beyond that period. Successful applicants will be offered a 15-month definite duration employment contract. Serving staff will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations.

Salary :

Starting basic salary is NOK 90,669.00 per month (tax-free). Additional allowances may apply depending on the personal circumstances of the successful candidate. For further details see NATO Terms & Conditions.

For any queries, please contact the Joint Warfare Centre Recruitment Team at

#J-18808-Ljbffr