Senior Contracting Officer

NATO; Belgique (MO); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

NATO is seeking a Senior Contracting Officer at their headquarters in Missouri, Belgium. The role involves managing the procurement of goods and services supporting various 2030 initiatives and ensuring compliance with NATO's rules and regulations.

Candidates should possess substantial experience in contract negotiation and procurement strategy, along with a relevant degree. This is a project-linked position with a three-year definite duration, offering competitive salary and allowances.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years professional acquisition experience, with at least 3 years in procurement.
• Managing supplier relations to ensure on-time delivery.
• Prior contracting experience at the management level.

Responsibilities

• Procurement of goods and services for NATO initiatives.
• Developing and approving bidding instructions and contract clauses.
• Providing contracting support to NSIP projects.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Procurement strategies

Analytical skills

Professional integrity

Education

University degree in supply-chain management or related discipline

Advanced vocational training in procurement

Tools

MS Office

Automated accounting/purchasing application

Job description

Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) provides an integrated Strategic Effects framework, employing a multi‑domain and multi‑region focus to create a 360‑degree approach, with the flexibility to enable, upon direction, a seamless transition from Baseline Activities and Current Operations (BACO) up to the Maximum Level of Effort (MLE). SHAPE supports SACEUR in fulfilling his terms of reference, as directed by the North Atlantic Council.

The Finance and Acquisition Directorate is responsible for all international and multinational appropriated and non‑appropriated funds in ACO, supervising subordinate ACO commands and developing financial and acquisition policies. It represents SHAPE/ACO in the Budget Committee, participates in the development of international agreements and the annual Consolidated Resource Plan (CRP), and advises the SHAPE Command Group on military budget‑funded requirements. The Directorate plans and executes the annual ACO military budget with contracting, finance and accounting, and cash management, ensuring coordination with external entities.

Principal Duties

The incumbent is a senior contracting officer responsible for the procurement of goods and services in support of 2030 initiatives and other DDA‑related procurement, acting on behalf of the Head of ACO Strategic Acquisition Management.

• Provides procurement of goods and services related to Defense and Deterrence (DDA) projects or activities funded by 2030 or other budgets.
• Acts as a senior contracting officer, exercising contracting authority within the limits authorized by their warrant in accordance with NATO rules, regulations, procedures and directives.
• Develops acquisition strategies, evaluates contractor responsibility, analyzes past performance and cost/price information, drafts and approves bidding instructions and contract clauses for solicitations.
• When support is procured from NATO Agencies, participates in negotiation, drafting and staffing of agreements (LSAs, SLAs and SAs), and develops deliverables and key performance indicators in close coordination with the Senior Contracting Officer of the Agency.
• Provides advice and support on procurement matters to the requirement holder and assists in obtaining Committee approvals when necessary.
• Provides contracting support to NSIP projects when SHAPE is selected as Host Nation for 2030 or DDA‑related investment contracts.
• Co‑ordinates related matters with the SHAPE Legal Office and performs all other duties as assigned or directed.

Committee Participation

• Military Budget Committee – Contributor
• Resource Policy and Plans Board – Contributor

Special Requirements and Additional Duties

The employee may be required to perform similar duties elsewhere within the organisation at the same grade without contract change. This is a mandatory deployment post; deployments may exceed 30 days up to 183 days within any 547‑day period and may be on short notice.

Essential Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years professional acquisition experience, with at least 3 years leading and improving procurement activity, negotiating complex contracts and extensive knowledge of international contract and business law.
• Prior contracting experience at the management level and understanding of contract oversight.
• Experience in sourcing and managing external suppliers to ensure delivery of products and services.
• Minimum 4 years of prior contracting experience at the management level and comprehensive understanding of operational logistics from a supply‑chain perspective.
• University degree in supply‑chain management, commercial and mercantile law, logistics, inventory management, procurement or related discipline and 4 years post‑related experience, or higher secondary education with advanced vocational training and professional accreditation (5 years post‑related, 2 years function‑related).

Desirable Qualifications

• Minimum five years’ experience in procurement/contracting, with demonstrated ability to negotiate, execute competitive bidding, award and administer contracts, and prosecute claims and disputes.
• Experience evaluating very complex, urgent and sensitive requisitions for a wide variety of goods, services and engineering works.
• Experience translating complex technical or operational requirements into commercially adequate invitations for bids.
• Experience executing the full cycle of procurement activities: market surveys, strategy development, solicitation, proposal evaluation, award, administration and contract closeout.
• Proven experience with MS Office, Internet, e‑commerce and an automated accounting/purchasing application system.
• Experience contracting for military or international organisations, preferably as a warranted contracting officer.
• Knowledge of NATO procurement directives and Host Nation contract law.

Attributes & Competencies

High degree of professionalism, technical expertise, excellent judgment, persuasion, diplomacy, and sound business judgement. Must demonstrate high energy, personal integrity, loyalty, ethics and sound business judgment for work in a P&C Office.

Professional Contacts

• Procurement, finance and legal staff within NATO at all professional levels.
• Senior staff in other divisions of SHAPE, from working level up to the ACOS and Command Group.
• Senior national representatives from ministries of Defence, Foreign Affairs or Finance.
• Representatives in the Military Budget Committee and senior members of commercial firms conducting business with NATO.

Contribution to Objectives

The incumbent ensures the timely and cost‑effective acquisition of goods and services required for SACEUR’s missions, supporting both peacetime and crisis operations and enhancing Allied Command Operations’ credibility. The role contributes through proactive identification and correction of potential problems and continuous improvement of working methods.

Contractual Details

Duration of contract: Project Linked NATO International Civilian (PLN) with a three‑year definite duration under the NATO 2030 Agenda; on expiry the contract will be deleted or absorbed into the ceiling pending approval or may be considered for extension. Salary: Basic entry‑level monthly salary defined by NATO grade, may be augmented by allowances and subject to approximately 20% withholding for pension and medical insurance contributions.

EEO 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. Selected candidates are expected to be role models of integrity and promote good governance through ongoing efforts in their work.