Buyer - Temporary Staff, La Spezia

Are you a national of a NATO member state, with skills in Procurement and Contracting? Then this might be an opportunity for you! 

In view of the nature and of the urgency of the temporary positions we are looking to fill, it is important for candidates to be available for temporary employment on short notice. In practice, this implies either being in possession of valid NATO security clearance at the time of application, or having been in possession of such a clearance with the possibility to reactivate it swiftly.  We therefore only encourage applications for temporary positions if you are already, or have previously been, in possession of a valid NATO security clearance.

1. POST CONTEXT

This is a position within the Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE), an organization of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

CMRE is an established, world-class scientific research and experimentation facility that organizes and conducts scientific research and technology development - centred on the maritime domain – to deliver innovative, field-tested Science & Technology (S&T) solutions addressing defence and security needs of the Alliance.

This position is within the Operational Support Division of CMRE, in the Procurement and Contracting Branch.

2. PRINCIPAL DUTIES

The incumbent’s duties are:

Processing of assigned purchase requests in accordance with applicable rules and regulations (NFRs, etc.) and the acquisition strategy decided by the Contracting Officer and/or Senior Buyers, producing purchase orders/contracts for the approval and signature of the Contracting Officer, with the use of automated ERP systems such as NATO Financial Services System (FINS) or else.

Conducting market research and surveys. 

Assisting the Contracting Officer and/or the Senior Buyers in drafting solicitation documents such as RFQs/RFPs and IFIBs/IFIPs.

Assisting the Contracting Officer/Sr Buyers in the evaluation of bids, proposals and quotations. 

Providing status of procurement action to internal customers/Centre staff. 

Providing basic assistance to the Customs & Transportation Officer in the processing of the shipping documents. 

Serving as back-up for other P&C Branch staff, as needed.

3. ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
a. Education/ Training

Higher vocational training in a relevant discipline with 2 years post-related experience.
or 

Secondary educational qualification with 4 years post-related experience.

b.   Professional Experience
Procurement/Purchasing, Customs operations.

c. Language Requirements
A thorough knowledge of one of the two NATO languages (written and spoken) is essential; and some knowledge of the other is desirable.
English SLP 3333 (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing).
NOTE: Most of the work at CMRE is conducted in English.

4. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND ADDITIONAL DUTIES
a. Flexibility Clause
The incumbent may be required to perform other related duties as directed.
All other related duties should correspond with the required competencies for the job.

b. Deployment/Travel
The incumbent may be required to undertake TDY assignments within and outside NATO boundaries. The incumbent may be required to perform their duties on-board Centre or chartered vessels.

5. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline;

Basic vocational training in procurement; 

Working experience with NATO procurement regulations; 

Working experience in an international professional environment;  

Working experience using automated ERP systems such as FINS or similar;

Basic knowledge of Customs & Transportation procedures;

Italian SLP 3333 (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing).

6. COMPETENCIES
The successful Candidate possesses the following competencies and personal attributes:

Good communication skills, both oral and written. Good interpersonal skills. Positive approach to people and tasks. Pleasant to work with; 

Innovative and driven. Solicits inputs and feedback from senior team members; 

Good time management and organizational skills;

Clarity and Accuracy. Good level of attention to details; 

Customer Service Orientation;

Accountability. Recovers fast from and corrects mistakes considering them lessons learned. 

All CMRE personnel are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the current NATO Code of Conduct agreed by the North Atlantic Council (NAC), and thus display the core values of integrity, impartiality, loyalty, accountability, and professionalism.

7. REMARKS
The duties are mostly performed in an office environment, but staff may be required to work on-board Centre ships. Slightly undesirable working conditions may apply.

What we offer:

37.5 hours per week schedule. 2.5 paid days of leave per month.

A world class research facility located in the sea port of La Spezia, Italy supported by two specialised research vessels.

An exciting place in which to work situated at an ideal location, the port of La Spezia, Italy, enabling synergy with regional and global academic institutes and industry.

Contract: in accordance with NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations, temporary staff may not be employed more than 6 months for the same assignment. However, if later required, contracts may be extended for another period up to six months. 

Salary: the remuneration of temporary personnel will be specified in their contracts. It is not exempt from taxation. Temporary personnel are responsible for acquitting themselves of their responsibilities for the payment of taxes. 

Benefits package: temporary staff are covered by a benefit package which consists of pension contributions by the Organisation (12% of basic salary), medical and accident benefits (death and invalidity) provided under the NATO Group insurance contract, and paid leave of 2.5 days per month worked. 

Our recruitment process:

Please note that we can only accept applications from nationals of NATO member countries.