Procurement and Contracts Officer

1. OVERVIEW OF DIANA

NATO DIANA is the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic a NATO body dedicated to finding and accelerating innovation to provide decisive defence and security effects for the Alliance while fostering deep-tech innovation.

NATO DIANA is comprised of a Board of Directors representing all 32 nations and an operational team referred to as the DIANA Executive (DX). Operating from three offices in Europe and North America the DX leverages a network of military end users world-leading accelerator sites test centres professional mentors and experts and Allied expertise to accelerate the most innovative technologies from across the NATO Alliance. DIANA is a dynamic agile workplace which strives for innovative thinking diversity and performance excellence across all teams. To achieve our mission DIANA is committed to providing our people with an environment that is positive inclusive and collaborative.

2. OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE

The postholder works in the DIANA Executive Office of the Financial Controller (DX OFC).

As custodians of member Nations funds DX OFC provides reliable and transparent financial and procurement services in support of DIANAs mission and objectives.

The Procurement and Contracts Officer supports DX OFC in the development and implementation of DIANA-specific procurement processes policies and standard operating procedures. TheProcurement and Contracts Officermanages end-to-end procurement workflows ensuring compliance with DIANAs policies while driving automation and process efficiency. The role consolidates procurement requirements verifies budget availability and oversees acquisition procedures including chairing Contract Awards Boards. By streamlining systems and implementing digital tools the Officer ensures transparent timely and cost-effective procurement operations in a multinational environment.

Reporting to theFinancial Controller.

Duties of this role include:

• Ensure the integrity and compliance of DIANAs procurement and acquisition processes across all operational areas.

• Oversee the implementation of procurement policies and procedures providing proactive advice and guidance to stakeholders.

• Act as the focal point for gathering procurement requirements and verifying sufficient budgetary provisions.

• Organize and manage acquisition procedures including chairing Contract Awards Boards.

• Coordinate the design development and implementation of automated flexible and adaptable workflows to optimize procurement processes

• Support organizational effectiveness by promoting best practices in procurement and fostering harmonious labour-management relations.

• Contribute to conflict resolution and continuous improvement initiatives within a multinational environment.

• Ensure procurement activities align with DIANAs strategic objectives and operational timelines.

• Perform any other related duties as may be required.

3. ROLE REQUIREMENTS QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL

The incumbent must have:

• a Masters degree from an institute of recognized standing or equivalent level of qualification AND at least 5 years post-related work experience (or have a Bachelors degree AND 8 years post-related work experience)

• at least 3 years of procurement and contracting experience in the public sector (referring to organizations that are owned funded or operated by government entities at national regional or local level)

• Proven ability to apply contemporary strategic sourcing practices including market analysis market engagement supplier relationship management and cost optimization strategies.

• Demonstrated experience in planning conducting and coordinating procurements using a range of methods such as single-source procurement limited competition full and open competition and framework agreements.

• Significant experience in supplier and proposal evaluation including organizing managing and leading multidisciplinary evaluation teams

• Possess the following minimum levels of NATOs official languages (English/French): V (Advanced) in one; and I (Beginner) in the other.

NOTE:Most of DIANAs internal work is conducted in the English language.

DESIRABLE

The following would be considered an advantage:

• Minimum of 3 years of procurement and contracting experience in an international governmental organization

• Experience inimplementing digital solutions as well as workflow automation tools and processes within procurement

• recognized professional certification in procurement or supply chain management such asCIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply)ISM CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) or equivalent international credential

• Knowledge of NATO institutional framework policies and procedures.

COMPETENCIES

The incumbent must demonstrate:

• Organisational and environmental awareness

• Ability to take initiative and responsibility

• Ability to adapt and be flexible

• Ability to have impact and influence

• Ability to manage stakeholders

• Ability to lead and develop others

• Self-awareness and a learning mindset

4. WHAT WE OFFER

• Genuinely meaningful work as part of the newest unit within the most successful alliance in history.

• Tax-free salary.

• Household and childrens allowances and privileges for expatriate staff including expatriation and educational allowances (where applicable) and additional home leave.

• Excellent private health insurance scheme.

• NATO pension scheme.

• Generous annual leave of 30 days plus official holidays.

• Flexible working conditions and a smoke-free office in London.

• Opportunities for learning and development.

5. CONTRACT

In accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations the successful candidate will receive a definite duration contract of three years which may be followed by an extension.

If the successful applicant is seconded from the national administration of one of NATOs member States a 3-year definite duration contract will be offered which may be renewed for a further period of up to 3 years subject to the agreement of the national authority concerned. The maximum period of service in the post as a seconded staff member is six years.

NOTE: Irrespective of previous qualifications and experience candidates for twin-graded posts will be appointed at the lower grade. Advancement to the higher grade is not automatic and will not normally take place during the first three years of service in the post.

6. USEFUL INFORMATION REGARDING APPLICATION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that we can only accept applications from nationals of NATO member countries.

Applications must be submitted using the e-recruitment system. Applications and other documents will not be reviewed if sent through other formats (including email social network etc).

Before you apply to any position we encourage you to click here and review how to apply. There are helpful videos to watch that describe the recruitment process and provide helpful tips to prepare your application.

Due to the broad interest in NATO DIANA and the large number of potential candidates telephone or email enquiries cannot be dealt with.

After review of your online application successful candidates will be invited to a pre-recorded video interview. Shortlisted candidates from that will then be invited to the final assessments which include: a language proficiency test a written test and a panel interview. These final assessments are expected to be held approximately 8-10 weeks after the application closing date.

Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate) and approval of the candidates medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser.

Applicants who are not successful in this competition may be offered an appointment to another post of a similar nature albeit at the same or a lower grade provided they meet the necessary requirements.

NOTE: DIANA will not accept any phase of the recruitment and selection prepared in whole or in part by means of generative artificial-intelligence (AI) tools including and without limitation to chatbots such as Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (Chat GPT) or other language generating tools. DIANA reserves the right to screen applications to identify the use of such tools. All applications prepared in whole or in part by means of such generative or creative AI applications may be rejected without further consideration at DIANAs sole discretion and DIANA reserves the right to take further steps in such cases as appropriate.

7. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

NATO is committed to diversity and inclusion and strives to provide equal access to employment advancement and retention independent of gender age nationality ethnic origin religion or belief cultural background sexual orientation and disability.

NATO is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible working environment where all candidates living with disabilities can fully participate in the recruitment and selection process. If you require reasonable accommodation please inform us during your selection process along with documented medical evidence to support your request.

All NATO DIANA personnel are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the current NATO Code of Conduct as agreed by the North Atlantic Council (NAC) and thus display the core values of integrity impartiality loyalty accountability and professionalism.

The incumbent is required to be a resident in the host nation for the duration of their contract. DIANA has a flexible teleworking policy to permit working in office at home and across NATO Allied Nations subject to managerial approval.

For more information on DIANA please visit our website.