Contract jobs in United Kingdom

DIVISION DIANA

TITLE Procurement and Contracts Officer

LOCATION London, United Kingdom

GRADE G20

SECURITY CLEARANCE NATO SECRET

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.

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 DIANA’s 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. The Procurement and Contracts Officer manages end‑to‑end procurement workflows, ensuring compliance with DIANA’s 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 the Financial Controller.

• Ensure the integrity and compliance of DIANA’s 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 optimise procurement processes
• Support organisational 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 DIANA’s strategic objectives and operational timelines.
• Perform any other related duties as may be required.

The incumbent must have:

• A Master’s degree from an institute of recognised standing or equivalent level of qualification AND at least 5 years’ post‑related work experience (or a Bachelor’s degree AND 8 years’ post‑related work experience)
• At least 3 years of procurement and contracting experience in the public sector (referring to organisations 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 optimisation 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 organising, managing, and leading multidisciplinary evaluation teams
• Possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): V ("Advanced") in one; and I ("Beginner") in the other.

NOTE: Most of DIANA’s internal work is conducted in the English language.

The following would be considered an advantage:

• Minimum of 3 years of procurement and contracting experience in an international governmental organisation
• Experience in implementing digital solutions, as well as workflow automation tools and processes within procurement
• Recognised professional certification in procurement or supply chain management, such as CIPS, ISM CPSM, or equivalent international credential
• Knowledge of NATO institutional framework, policies and procedures.

• 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

• Genuinely meaningful work as part of the newest unit within the most successful alliance in history.
• Tax‑free salary.
• Household and children’s 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.

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 NATO’s 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.

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.

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 candidate’s 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 DIANA’s sole discretion, and DIANA reserves the right to take further steps in such cases as appropriate.

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.