• Function title: IT Acquisition Specialist
• Reference: NOC-MA-2024-FGIV/819
• Location: Maastricht
• The selected candidate must reside either at this location or within a reasonable proximity that allows for the satisfactory execution of their duties – Information about living in Maastricht
• Nature of the competition: Internal and external competition
• Applicable regulations: Conditions of Employment of Contract Staff at EUROCONTROL assigned at the Maastricht Centre
• Function group: Function group IV
• Job level: 16-18 – Check salary simulations for the basic grade
• Generic post: Project Manager/Specialist
• Number of posts: 1
• Duration of engagement: 5 Year(s) – extension or conversion of the contract is possible – see “Useful information” section
• Security clearance: Security vetting may be required in accordance with the relevant EUROCONTROL security provisions
• Directorate/Service: MUAC/DIR/DMO
• Working arrangement: Hybrid work (A blend of onsite and remote work). Please note that EUROCONTROL does not offer full-time remote working arrangements.
• Competition publication date: 04/07/2024
• Competition closing date: 01/08/2024 (23:59 Brussels time)
• Reserve list: Applicable – See details in the “Useful information” section

Your team

Within the Directorate Maastricht Upper Area Control Centre, Legal Affairs & Procurement supports the Director MUAC in carrying out his tasks by advising him on legal matters, managing the MUAC procurement activities and by ensuring MUAC’s regulatory compliance. Within the unit, the Procurement team is responsible for managing the MUAC procurement activities in compliance with Agency rules and regulations, DG decisions, corporate processes and systems as well as managing the relationship with the Procurement Unit of the Directorate Central Route Charges Office and Finance (CF/PROC).

Your role

Your role will be to:

• Prepare, maintain, and follow up on the multi-annual procurement plan of technical items, and coordinate the technical preparation of procurement procedures in collaboration with subject matter experts, product owners, and project managers.
• Prepare procurement-related documents and provide support throughout the whole procurement process, from purchase requests, and technical specifications up to technical and financial evaluation reports.
• Negotiate and review contracts and prices to ensure compliance with organizational policies, and mitigate potential risks.
• Participate in the Cost-Benefit Analysis studies, prepare reports, provide inputs (risks, cost, etc.), and advise on the optimal sourcing strategy for technical equipment and solutions.
• Identify, evaluate, and select vendors based on their capabilities, pricing, quality of products or services, and delivery timelines.
• Establish and maintain a strong supplier relationship and support the supplier management process by organizing and chairing meetings, preparing documentation, follow-up on decided actions, etc.
• Provide support during internal and external audits, maintain the relevant documentation and the supplier and licenses management database.
• Stay up-to-date with new products, services, various licensing and support cost models on the market.
• Establish and maintain an effective network within MUAC and the Agency and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements and synergies in procurement matters.
• Carry out any other task in line with the main purpose of the job.

Required qualifications, experience & competencies

• Completed university studies of at least 4 years in a relevant domain (i.e., Economics, Logistics, Business Administration, Engineering, etc.) followed by a minimum of 4 years of relevant working experience preferably in technical procurement.
• Experience with procurement process and Call for Tenders; experience with public procurement process would be considered an advantage.
• Knowledge of the IT industry as well as the products and services provided by technology vendors.
• Understanding of a Supply Chain Management.
• Experience in SharePoint would be considered an advantage.
• Communication: You foster two-way communication
• Networking: You are able to maintain and expand effective networks
• Analytical Thinking: You analyse information and identify relationships
• Planning & Organising: You plan ahead and adapt as required
• Problem solving: You anticipate and solve business issues
• Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment.
• Professional conduct in line with the corporate behaviours of the Agency, i.e. result-driven, readiness to change, customer focus, integrity and team-player approach.
• The working languages of the Agency are English and French. For this particular job, candidates must be proficient users of English at level C1. The levels relate to the European-framework-reference Common European Framework of References for languages (CEFR).

Useful information

• Applications will be accepted from nationals of EUROCONTROL Member States only.
• The selected candidate will be offered a contract of 5 Year(s) and it may be renewed up to a maximum of 9 years or converted into an undetermined contract pursuant to the provisions of the Conditions of Employment of Contract Staff at EUROCONTROL. Before being established in the post, he/she will be requested to provide certified copies of his/her degrees and successfully serve a probationary period of 9 months.
• The successful candidate shall be engaged in principle at the basic grade of the advertised grades.
• Candidates declared suitable who are not selected for the post will be placed on a reserve list for similar roles. The reserve list will be valid for one year from the closing date of applications.
• Information on salary and benefits can be found on our Careers site
• EUROCONTROL is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to equality and diversity. In the event of equal merit, preference may be given to the applicant from the under-represented diversity characteristics in order to complement diversity of teams and rebalance the workforce.
• Candidates should go to our Careers site and read the tips on how to apply.