Principal Contracting Assistant

Essential Qualifications/Experience:

·       Higher vocational training in a relevant discipline with 4 years post-related experience. Or a secondary educational qualification with 6 years post-related experience

·       Knowledge of monitoring and maintaining all required financial records for compliance and audit to all agreed requirements

·       Knowledge of using appropriate procurement methods; Experience with high value, high volume framework type contracts for services

Desirable Qualifications/Experience:

·       NATO Procurement Knowledge and experience

·       Working in the public sector

·       Prior experience of working in an international environment comprising both military and civilian elements

·       Knowledge of NATO responsibilities and organization

·       Vocational training at a higher administrative level, or equivalent combination of appropriate national qualifications and experience, supplemented by basic level contracting training courses

·       8+ years experience at a responsible level in contracting, finance or business

·       Demonstrated knowledge of competitive and sole source procurement procedures, price analysis techniques, contract law, contract administration and industrial practices

·       Experience with the procurement of software licenses; knowledge of different software models (perpetual and subscriptions)

·       Ability to work responsibly and independently

DUTIES/ROLE:

·       Performs all contractual duties relating to the competitive and sole source procurement process, including; drafting, coordination and release of solicitations, evaluation and analysis of bids, discussions with bidders, and award of contracts in accordance with the Agency's procurement procedures

·       Coordinates and liaises with contractors to ensure compliance and timely performance of contract tasks

·       Manages and processes a high volume of Request for Quotations (RFQs) and Purchase Orders (POs) under some urgency

·       Performs contract administration tasks including processing changes and amendments

·       Reviews business cases (requirements, potential benefits and options) and determines appropriate procurement routes. e.g., open market or collaborative framework

·       Investigates, resolves or escalates procurement related issues and problems

·       Implements supplier service improvement actions and programmes

·       Supports the local internal Customers with procurement related issues

·       Provides high quality and timely contribution to ACQ and NCI Agency reporting

·       Keeps line manager informed of problems and concerns

·       Performs any other duties as may be required