Buyer

NATO; Belgique (MO); On-site; USD 68,587 - 102,880; Full time

Job summary

NATO SHAPE seeks a procurement professional to serve as a buyer, handling the full procurement workflow for goods, services and engineering works. You will review specifications, support bidding processes and assist in contractor evaluations from our Headquarters in a NATO environment.

The role focuses on maintaining supplier data, market research, and adherence to NATO procurement directives, with training in e-commerce tools and Oracle-based systems. Strong English and French are required.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of contracting experience.
• At least 2 years of professional experience in supplier relationship management.

Responsibilities

• General Purchasing and Contracting for goods, services and engineering works.
• Review, edit and recommend wording of technical specifications for solicitations.
• Screen potential bidders and maintain supplier data; monitor market trends.
• Support deviations and basic market research; manage simplified procurement solicitations.

Skills

Contracting experience

Supplier relationship management

Procurement operations

Education

Higher secondary education with vocational training in supply chain management

Secondary education with advanced vocational training + 4+ years experience

Tools

Oracle-based procurement software

E-commerce tools training

Job description

Job Overview

The Finance and Acquisition Directorate of SHAPE oversees international and multinational appropriated and non‑appropriated funds in the ACO. It supervises subordinate ACO commands, develops financial and acquisition policies, represents SHAPE/ACO in the Budget Committee, and advises the SHAPE Command Group on military budget‑funded requirements. The incumbent serves as a buyer for the headquarters, processing acquisition actions for goods and services and performing contract administration.

Principal Duties

• General Purchasing and Contracting.
• Act as a buyer throughout the procurement workflow for goods, services, and engineering works, including:
  • Reviewing, editing, and recommending wording of technical specifications for solicitations.
  • Screening potential bidders, maintaining supplier data in the Supplier Management Database, and monitoring market trends.
  • Supporting customer requests for deviation from normal procurement methods through basic market research.
  • Managing simplified procurement solicitations in accordance with established thresholds.
  • Drafting bidding instructions and contract clauses, including for Invitation For International Bids.
  • Supporting international and formal competitive bidding procedures.
  • Assisting the Contracting Officer in organizing bidders’ conferences, site surveys, inspections, progress review meetings, and other contractual events.
  • Assisting in the evaluation of bids and contract award recommendations.
  • Investigating the financial viability of vendors/contractors (e.g., Dun & Bradstreet evaluations) when necessary.
  • Providing administrative support to the Contracting Officer’s input to the Contract Award Committee.
  • Assisting the Contracting Officer in dispute resolution and settlement proposals.
  • Administering contract files, including archiving and eventual destruction.
  • Educating customers and bidders on good procurement practices and efficient contracting tools.
• Operate an Automated Accounting/Purchasing Application System for requisitions, purchase orders, invoices, receipts, reports, and system maintenance.
• Assist the Contracting Officer in the SHAPE Credit Card Programme management.
• Ensure financial viability checks on vendors/contractors before contract award.
• Perform all other duties as assigned or directed.

Special Requirements and Additional Duties

The employee may be required to perform a similar range of duties elsewhere within the organisation at the same grade without any change to the contract. Work is normally performed in a normal NATO office working environment.

Eligibility

Only nationals from the 32 NATO member states may apply for vacancies at SHAPE.

Essential Qualifications

Professional / Experience

• At least 2 years of prior contracting experience.
• At least 2 years of professional experience in supplier relationship management.

Education / Training

• Higher secondary education with intermediate vocational training in supply chain management, commercial and mercantile law, logistics, inventory management, procurement, or a related discipline, leading to a formal qualification.
• Alternatively, secondary education with advanced vocational training leading to a professional qualification or accreditation with at least 4 years of post‑related experience.

In case of ambiguity, the required job‑specific experience listed above takes priority over the standard education and training levels described.

Languages

• English – SLP 3322 (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing)
• French – SLP 3322 (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing)

Desirable Qualifications

Professional Experience

• Minimum of four years experience in procurement/contracting, demonstrating full‑cycle procurement for simplified procurement.
• Experience contracting for military or international organisations as a buyer or equivalent.
• Experience in NATO organisations and/or knowledge of NATO procurement directives.

Education / Training

• Specialised training in e‑commerce tools.
• Experience with automated accounting systems and procurement application software (Oracle‑based preferred).
• Completion of the NATO‑ACO Contingency Contracting Course or equivalent.

Languages

• English – SLP 3333

Attributes / Competencies

Personal Attributes

The incumbent must maintain rational thinking and a high standard of judgment, act with persuasion and diplomacy during negotiations, and exhibit analytical and imaginative thinking. Good judgment is required to decide when to involve higher‑level officials. The incumbent must possess character, ethics, and sound business judgment suitable for a P&C Office.

Professional Contacts

The incumbent will interact daily with industry professionals involved in the promotion, sale, operation, and servicing of commercial supplies, ranging up to management levels in small and medium businesses. Attendance at professional events and firm presentations is expected.

Contribution To Objectives

The incumbent’s duties ensure that essential goods and services for SACEUR’s missions are obtained efficiently and timely. High‑quality contract administration supports financial accountability and enables prompt payment discounts, thereby freeing additional funds for other requirements.

Duration of Contract

Serving staff members will be offered a contract as per the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations (NCPR). Newly recruited staff receive a definite three‑year contract, normally followed by an indefinite duration contract.

Compensation

Salary is the basic entry‑level monthly salary defined by the NATO Grade of the post, which may be augmented by allowances based on eligibility. Approximately 20 % is withheld for pension and medical insurance contributions.

EEO and Diversity Statement

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 welcomes applications of nationals from all member Nations. Building integrity is a key element of NATO’s core tasks, and selected candidates are expected to promote good governance in their work.