Profile no. 1C Buyer (Procurement)

Role Summary

The position is within the Procurement and Contracting Branch. The Branch leads the Centre’s needs to procure goods and services to support its activities at its premises and in‑house laboratory in La Spezia as well as in different maritime missions away.

Location

La Spezia, Italy

Security Clearance

NATO Secret

Reference No

VS/CMRE-51 / La Spezia

Deadline For Application

25 .0 6 .2026 r.

Key Tasks/Duties

• Supporting the Procurement & Contracting Branch Head in ensuring the timely, cost‑effective, and quality acquisition of complex technical components, systems, IT infrastructure, engineering services, or high‑value, specialized items.
• Actively conducting sourcing, negotiation, and procurement of specialized goods, equipment, and technical services in support of the Centre's Program of Work.
• Creating and reviewing purchase orders and contracts for the Contracting Officer’s signature.
• Managing, under the direction and supervision of the Contracting Officer, end‑to‑end Requests for Proposal (RFP), Requests for Quotation (RFQ), Invitations for Bids (IFBs), and tender processes for complex technical requirements.
• Evaluating supplier offers based on technical proposals, quality, price, and delivery terms in accordance with solicitation requirements.
• Liaising closely with internal stakeholders (researchers, engineers, programme managers, and technical staff) to accurately understand and translate complex technical requirements into procurement specifications.
• Conducting market research and technical analysis to stay current on industry trends, new technologies, and potential supply chain disruptions in the global technical market.
• Assisting the Branch Head in negotiating contracts and framework agreements with suppliers, ensuring value for money and adherence to procurement rules and standards.
• Ensuring proper monitoring and evaluation of suppliers’ performance (quality, on‑time delivery, compliance) is conducted and recorded.
• Ensuring all procurement activities comply with NATO Financial Regulations, the STO’s Charter and Financial Procedures, and ethical procurement standards.
• Identifying and mitigating potential risks within the technical supply chain, including geopolitical, financial, and technical obsolescence risks.

Mandatory Requirements

• Recent and thorough hand‑on professional experience (minimum 5 years) in procurement methods and procedures involving contract solicitations, negotiations, award and closeout, preferably acquired procuring technical, scientific, engineering, IT hardware/software applying public (national or international organizations’) procurement rules.
• Demonstrable understanding of public procurement best practices and contract law, rules and regulations.
• Certification from a recognized procurement/contracting professional body (e.g. CIPS Level 2 or higher, DAWIA level II or higher).
• Ability to work with minimum supervision and under pressure.
• English SLP 3333

Desirable Requirements

• Experience working in a NATO Procurement/Contracting role.
• Experience in managing complex / high value (min 1M Euro) solicitations and contract from cradle to grave, including best value trade‑off source selections, RFPs, IFIBs, MATOCs, etc.
• Familiarity with e‑procurement tools.
• Knowledge of NATO financial and/or procurement rules and procedures.
• Language: English SLP 4444 and Italian SLP 3333.
• Certification from a recognized procurement/contracting professional body (e.g. CIPS Level 3 or higher, DAWIA level III).

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