• Function title: Procurement Expert
• Reference: NOC-MA-2023-AD/720
• 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 competition: Internal and external competition
• Applicable regulations: General conditions of employment governing servants at the EUROCONTROL Maastricht Centre
• Type of post: Administrator
• Job level: AD6-AD9 – Check salary simulations for the basic grade
• Generic job title: Expert
• Number of posts: 1
• Duration of appointment: 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: MAAS/DIR/FIN – Finance Unit
• Working arrangement: Hybrid work (remote and onsite)
• Competition publication date: 07/12/2023
• Competition closing date: 18/01/2024 (23:59 Brussels time)
• Reserve list: Applicable – See details in the “Useful information” section

Your team

Within the Directorate Maastricht Upper Area Control Centre, Finance (FIN) ensures the management of the financial planning and control, the procurement and the accounting activities in accordance with the Agency’s financial and contract regulations.Procurement is responsible for managing MUAC’s processes and services related to procurement in a timely, effective and transparent manner. It is done in accordance with Agency’s regulations and with appropriate consultation with key Agency stakeholders and internal business partners.

Your role

Your role will be to:

• Analyse procurement requests from technical managers and provide advice on procurement and sales matters, especially in relation to legal, contractual, insurance and intellectual property rights aspects.
• Establish specific and/or complex purchase agreements in accordance with EUROCONTROL’s Contract and Financial Regulations and standard practices.
• Negotiate and draft independently highly complex contracts while obtaining the best legal guarantees, prices and commercial conditions.
• Prepare procurement files, defend them at relevant Committees (e.g., Advisory Committee on Procurement and Sales Contracts (CCMAV)) and ensure follow-up actions.
• Prepare procurement contracts for approval, as required.
• Lead and drive (major) improvement actions in procurement and identify opportunities to improve the effectiveness of the service including review of existing purchasing practices, Contract Regulations, internal procedures, terms and conditions, etc.
• Maintain and contribute to the improvement of currently used financial and procurement tools (e.g., ORACLE Financials, SharePoint, etc.) and act as the first point of contact with the suppliers.
• Act as mentor and provide direction and guidance to more junior staff in the team.
• Deputise for the Team Lead of Procurement in his/her absence as required and represent the Procurement team in key meetings with senior staff and/or stakeholders’ representatives to conclude major contracts and licence agreements.
• 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 (e.g., Master’s degree) in a relevant field (e.g. Business Administration, Law) or of 3 years plus 1-year relevant professional experience.
• A minimum of 5 years’ professional experience in international procurement, contract management and contract negotiation.
• Internal candidates can check on the intranet to see what level of in-house experience is considered equivalent to educational qualifications where appropriate.
• Experience in public procurement preferably in international organisations.
• Experience in drafting complex international contracts and agreements.
• Experience in contract law.
• Proficiency in legal drafting.
• Working experience in an international public organisation would be an advantage.
• Experience with the systems ORACLE Financials and SharePoint would be considered an advantage.
• Communication : You foster two-way communication.
• Analytical thinking : You analyse information and identify relationships.
• Influencing : You tailor style and approach to impact others.
• Quality focus : You set and foster high-quality standards.
• Planning and Organising : You plan ahead and adapt as required.
• Ability to work under strict deadline and set the correct priorities.
• 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) pursuant to the provisions of the Staff Regulations governing officials at EUROCONTROL. The contract may be renewed up to a maximum of 9 years or converted into an undetermined contract. Before being established in the post, the selected candidate will be requested to provide certified copies of their degrees and successfully serve a probationary period of 9 months.
• Internal candidates
  If selected, the person will keep their current type of appointment duration (undetermined or determined).
  The internal staff member with a determined contract will be offered, in principle, an appointment for 5 Year(s) with a maximum total duration of 9 years.
• The successful candidate shall be appointed at the grade set out in this vacancy notice, or if a group of grades has been published for a job level, in principle at the basic grade of the published job level.
• 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.