Branch Head (Purchasing & Contracting)

The Branch Head (Purchasing & Contracting) leads the ACT Purchasing and Contracting Branch, overseeing procurement functions for all ACT Headquarters, agencies, and programmes. The role involves strategic oversight, policy implementation, contract negotiation, and management of procurement activities to support NATO's mission and financial interests.

Responsibilities

• Exercise day-to-day strategic oversight and technical supervision of the procurement function at all ACT headquarters on behalf of the ACT Financial Controller.
• Represent ACT in meetings on purchasing and contracts with senior officials from NATO, nations and industry.
• Translate NATO procurement policy and instructions into directives and procedures applicable to all ACT Headquarters and Bodies.
• Develop and/or approve bidding instructions and contractual clauses and determine ACT-wide implementation and enforcement.
• Harmonise procurement practices on an ACT-wide basis and monitor performance of ACT P&C offices.
• Develop, co-ordinate and implement common Bi-SC acquisition rules and procedures.
• Negotiate procurement support agreements with NATO nations and decide on eligibility of beneficiaries.
• Provide representation before nations on procurement issues.
• Direct development and publication of doctrine relating to procurement support of operations and exercises.
• Review requests for exceptions to bidding procedures and provide expert advice.
• Establish ACT-wide criteria for recruitment of civilian P&C officers and participate in selection boards.
• Review proposals for Contracting Officer appointments and endorse warrant proposals.
• Organise and chair professional development workshops and seminars for NATO procurement community.
• Provide technical training and advice to subordinate Headquarters and external agencies.
• Provide functional support to ACT Financial Controller and Command Group.
• Direct development of procurement aspects of ACT automated financial management systems.
• Exercise overall technical supervision of NATO contracting function during operations and exercises.
• Direct and administer all procurement activity at HQ SACT.
• Oversee personnel management within the P&C Branch.
• Function as a Contracting Officer with unlimited warrant.
• Monitor HQ for unauthorized procurements and investigate incidents.
• Determine courses of action involving contract disputes and negotiate settlements.
• Review customer funded taskings and identify commercial alternatives.
• Serve as HQ SACT Customs Liaison Officer and oversee international importation activity.
• Screen requests from commercial firms for sales presentations and briefings.
• Liaise with auditors and implement recommendations.
• Serve as Chair of Headquarters’ Contract Awards Board.
• Maintain Invitation for International Competitive bidding and Notification of Intent database.

Requirements

• University Degree and 6 years post related experience, or Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 6 years post related and 2 years function related experience.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in management of a government or commercial contracting office and/or an acquisition program.
• 6-8 years’ experience in the field of contracting, supply, financial management, or related field.
• Possess DAWIA level II or higher accreditation or hold Chartered Membership with the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) or similar international accreditation.
• Experienced in the interpretation of laws, directives and the formulation of policies and implementation rules and procedures on matters of procurement.
• Sufficient legal knowledge to determine when legal aspects are material to procurement decisions and procedures.
• Intimate knowledge of and experience with negotiation, award and administration of contracts, negotiated procurement, competitive bidding procedures, and resolution of claims/disputes.
• A minimum of 6-8 years managerial and supervisory experience.
• English - SLP 3333 - (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing).
• Knowledge of NATO Financial Regulations and associated procurement directives (desirable).
• Experience in contracting involving military or international organizations (desirable).
• Knowledge of Host Nation contract law (desirable).
• Previous staff experience in joint and/or multi-national HQ (desirable).
• Resource Management Education Programme (RMEP) Course provided by NATO - School Oberammergau (NSO) (desirable).
• French SLP 2222 - (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing) (desirable).

Skills

• Contract Management
• Procurement Policy Implementation
• Contract Negotiation
• Competitive Bidding
• Claims and Disputes Resolution
• Government Contracting
• Acquisition Program Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Finance Management
• Legal Knowledge in Procurement
• Procurement Law Interpretation
• Contract Award Administration
• Senior Managerial Experience
• Supervision Experience
• DAWIA Level II Accreditation
• CIPS Membership
• NATO Financial Procedures
• Resource Management
• Military Contracting
• International Organization Contracting

Languages

English, French