- SHAPE
- Shape, Mons, Belgium (Remote)
- Full-time
Section Head (ACO Strategic Acquisition Management)
- SHAPE
Shape, Mons, Belgium
Full-time
Published:
Application Deadline: March 12, 2025
- SHAPE
Shape, Mons, Belgium
Full-time
Published:
Application Deadline: March 12, 2025
POST CONTEXT/POST SUMMARY:
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. The responsibility encompasses supervision and oversight of subordinate ACO commands and development of financial and acquisition policies. The Directorate represents SHAPE/ACO in the Budget Committee, participates in the development of international agreements and the annual Consolidated Resource Plan (CRP), and advises/assists the SHAPE Command Group with respect to Military Budget-funded requirements. The Directorate plans and executes the annual ACO military budget with the contracting, finance and accounting, and cash management it entails whilst ensuring coordination with external entities is observed.
The ACO Acquisition Management Branch performs delegated financial controller functions for the SHAPE HQ installation, ACO centralised budgets, ACO-wide programmes.
The ACO Strategic Acquisition Management Section is responsible for Strategic level acquisition advice, planning, planning, oversight, support and procurement from Nations/NATO Agencies focused primarily on Allied Operations and Missions.
The incumbent serves as the Deputy Head of Contracts and Section Head responsible for strategic planning, advice, oversight, direction and guidance for acquisition matters relating to Allied Operations and Missions as well as the procurement of goods and services from NATO Agencies and Nations. The incumbent also holds an unlimited warrant.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES:
The incumbent’s duties are:
Responsible to the ACO Head of Contracts for the following four main core strategic level activities of acquisition management in ACO in support of AOMs and Exercises, training, oversight, policy and plans. Is also responsible for the management of procurement of services from NATO agencies.
AOM Strategic Acquisition Management
Procurement of Services from NATO Agencies
Committee Participation
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 there being any change to the contract. The incumbent may be required to undertake deployments in support of military operations and exercises, and/or TDY assignments, both within and without NATO boundaries up to 30 days.
Is the Deputy Head of Contracts in direct support of the functional responsibilities of the ACO Head of Contracts as described in the NFRs/FRPs. Accordingly may be required to represent the ACO Head of Contracts in all aspects and at all levels.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Essential
Professional/Experience
Education/Training
University Degree in supply chain management, commercial and mercantile law, logistics, inventory management, procurement or related discipline and 6 years post related experience, or Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training in that discipline leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 8 years post related experience.
Language
Desirable
Professional Experience
Education/Training
Language
ATTRIBUTES/COMPETENCIES:
Personal Attributes
The incumbent will need to display a high degree of professionalism and technical expertise in performance of acquisition duties. As the incumbent’s decisions and actions are financially and legally binding to SHAPE, he/she must exercise excellent judgment, while acting with persuasion and diplomacy, in order to achieve results which safeguard NATO’s financial interests and image. He/she will need to be aware of the legal and economic aspects of every potential transaction. In his/her work, the incumbent must demonstrate a high energy level, personal integrity, and a sense of loyalty to the organisation. He/she must have strong ethics and sound business judgment for working in a P&C Office.
Managerial Responsibilities
Professional Contacts
In addition to overseeing the professional activities of Contracting Officers ranging in grade to OF-3/A3, the incumbent will be expected to routinely interact with a variety of individuals and organizations, including the following:
Contribution to Objectives
It is the incumbent’s responsibility to ensure that in peacetime and crisis situations, appropriate goods and services required for SACEUR’s missions are obtained in the most economical and timely manner. Failure to achieve this not only impacts on the capability of others to perform their tasks but also results in the lapse of critically needed funds. The incumbent ensures Allied Command Operations' credibility before the nations by ensuring that SACEUR and his subordinate commanders meet their operational mission in a most cost-effective manner. This includes contribution to mission objectives by proactive identification and correction of potential problems, and continuous improvement of working methods and results. The procurement organisation also provides direct support of operational mission objectives through support of deployed Headquarters, and operation of multinational logistics arrangements.
REMARKS:
HOW TO APPLY FOR A NATO CIVILIAN POST AT SHAPE:
Applications are to be submitted using NATO Talent Acquisition Platform (NTAP) (https://nato.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobsearch.ftl?lang-en). Applications submitted by other means (e.g. mail, e-mail, fax, etc) are not accepted.
More information to be found on these links:
Shortlisted candidates will be requested to provide original documentary evidence and a set of copies supporting statements in their applications. Appointment is subject to obtaining a NS security clearance and a medical certificate.
Remarks
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. The responsibility encompasses supervision and oversight of subordinate ACO commands and development of financial and acquisition policies. The Directorate represents SHAPE/ACO in the Budget Committee, participates in the development of international agreements and the annual Consolidated Resource Plan (CRP), and advises/assists the SHAPE Command Group with respect to Military Budget-funded requirements. The Directorate plans and executes the annual ACO military budget with the contracting, finance and accounting, and cash management it entails whilst ensuring coordination with external entities is observed.
The ACO Acquisition Management Branch performs delegated financial controller functions for the SHAPE HQ installation, ACO centralised budgets, ACO-wide programmes.
The ACO Strategic Acquisition Management Section is responsible for Strategic level acquisition advice, planning, planning, oversight, support and procurement from Nations/NATO Agencies focused primarily on Allied Operations and Missions.
The incumbent serves as the Deputy Head of Contracts and Section Head responsible for strategic planning, advice, oversight, direction and guidance for acquisition matters relating to Allied Operations and Missions as well as the procurement of goods and services from NATO Agencies and Nations. The incumbent also holds an unlimited warrant.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES:
The incumbent’s duties are:
Responsible to the ACO Head of Contracts for the following four main core strategic level activities of acquisition management in ACO in support of AOMs and Exercises, training, oversight, policy and plans. Is also responsible for the management of procurement of services from NATO agencies.
AOM Strategic Acquisition Management
- Acts as the main point of contact for all acquisition issues in support of AOMs. As such is responsible for acquisition representation in the Comprehensive Crisis Management Operations Centre (CCMOC), at the CMRB and any other operations support specific meetings such as JOPGs, adhoc VTCs etc;
- Responsible for maintaining situational awareness and coordinating acquisition input to the Periodic Mission Reviews (PMR) and the AARP;
- Responsible for drafting and maintaining contracting annexes to SACEUR’s operational and exercise OPLANs, and reviews SUPPLANs developed by subordinate operational headquarters;
- Responsible for providing operation specific acquisition advice and to develop, coordinate and publish mission specific contract policy and procedures;
- Directs strategic oversight, technical and functional supervision of the Theatre Head of Contracts established in all AOM theatres or tasks performed by reach-back by subordinate commands;
- Serves as the central point of contact for co-ordination of the NFS and non-NATO Troop Contributing Nations (TCN) procurement issues. Also supports the various levels of CFITs concerning procurement functional advice on behalf of the ACO Head of Contracts;
- Evaluates performance of the Theatre Head of Contracts (THOC) and the associated Offices (including Theatre Allied Contract Offices (TACOs), Regional Allied Contract Offices (RACOs), Mobile Allied Contract Offices (MACOs ). Normally, this involves simultaneous oversight of multiple theatres of operation;
- Participates in the drafting, negotiation, and implementation of agreements for logistic and procurement support for all NATO operations, exercises and NRF activities. Conducts periodic reviews of procurement practices at subordinate commands and if required deploys in support of ongoing or new operations.
Procurement of Services from NATO Agencies
- Determines acquisition sources and strategy for ACO requirements, assessing whether specific acquisitions should be executed via organic capabilities or through agency support;
- Oversees or executes all aspects of ACO contracting under SACEUR's donation programme;
- Provides contract support to all NRF activities, coordinating establishment of logistics support contracts supporting NATO HQs and forces generated for each NRF cycle;
- Ensures all taskers assigned to AQM are coordinated within ACO from an acquisition policy perspective;
- Acts as the SHAPE focal authority for approving and releasing funded tasks to NATO agencies, assisting with requirement definition, executing tasking order documents, and coordinating the receipt certification and invoice settlement processes;
- Responsible for the negotiation, drafting, seeking Committee approval and follow-on administration of contractual relationships with NATO agencies and other customer- funded agencies including participation in the development of deliverables by the agency and associated key performance indicators;
- Conducts contract oversight of agencies contracting process as representing the intelligent customer by reviewing of finalized statements of work, participation in agencies Contract Award Committees, participating in re-competition/extension decision meetings, reviews requests for contract modifications and any other aspect of the contracting process in order to exercise SACEUR’s and the ACO Financial Controller’s due diligence responsibilities as mandated by the Nations;
- Testifies as required to applicable NATO HQ boards in support of issues dealing with acquisition management in ACO, centralized contracts and agency contractual agreements;
- Performs all other duties as assigned or directed.
Committee Participation
- Military Committee Working Group (Logistics and Resources) – Contributor;
- Senior NATO Logisticians Conference – Observer;
- Military Budget Committee – Contributor;
- Resource Policy and Plans Board – Contributor.
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 there being any change to the contract. The incumbent may be required to undertake deployments in support of military operations and exercises, and/or TDY assignments, both within and without NATO boundaries up to 30 days.
Is the Deputy Head of Contracts in direct support of the functional responsibilities of the ACO Head of Contracts as described in the NFRs/FRPs. Accordingly may be required to represent the ACO Head of Contracts in all aspects and at all levels.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Essential
Professional/Experience
- A minimum of 6 years professional experience in supplier relationship management with extensive experience in the areas of finance and acquisition at the senior management level;
- 6 years professional acquisition experience in an acquisition position leading and improving the procurement activity, negotiating complex contracts.
Education/Training
University Degree in supply chain management, commercial and mercantile law, logistics, inventory management, procurement or related discipline and 6 years post related experience, or Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training in that discipline leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 8 years post related experience.
Language
- English - SLP 3333 (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing).
Desirable
Professional Experience
- A minimum of five years experience in the procurement/contracting field, with demonstrated ability to negotiate, execute competitive bidding procedures, award and administer contracts, and effectively prosecute contractor claims and related disputes;
- Experience in evaluating very complex, urgent and sensitive requisitions (requirements and costs) for a wide variety of goods, services and engineering works;
- Experience in translating very complex, urgent and sensitive technical or operational requirements into commercially adequate invitations for bids;
- Experience in executing the full cycle of procurement activities, i.e., from conducting market surveys, devising acquisition strategies, issuing solicitations, and evaluating proposals to awarding, administering and closing out contracts;
- Proven experience in the use of modern office automation applications (MS OFFICE), including the use of Internet, e-commerce and an Automated. Accounting/Purchasing Application System;
- Experience in contracting for military or international organisations, preferably as a warranted contracting officer;
- Knowledge of NATO procurement directives;
- Knowledge of Host Nation contract law;
- Knowledge of multinational logistics principles and procedures;
- Experience in contingency contracting.
Education/Training
- Resource Management Education Programme (RMEP) Course provided by NATO - School Oberammergau (NSO) or equivalent;
- NATO-ACO Contingency Contracting Course provided by NATO - School Oberammergau (NSO) or equivalent.
Language
- English SLP 4343 (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing).
ATTRIBUTES/COMPETENCIES:
Personal Attributes
The incumbent will need to display a high degree of professionalism and technical expertise in performance of acquisition duties. As the incumbent’s decisions and actions are financially and legally binding to SHAPE, he/she must exercise excellent judgment, while acting with persuasion and diplomacy, in order to achieve results which safeguard NATO’s financial interests and image. He/she will need to be aware of the legal and economic aspects of every potential transaction. In his/her work, the incumbent must demonstrate a high energy level, personal integrity, and a sense of loyalty to the organisation. He/she must have strong ethics and sound business judgment for working in a P&C Office.
Managerial Responsibilities
- Serves as Deputy Head of Contracts, therefore may be required to exercise functional authority in the absence of the ACO Head of Contracts.
Professional Contacts
In addition to overseeing the professional activities of Contracting Officers ranging in grade to OF-3/A3, the incumbent will be expected to routinely interact with a variety of individuals and organizations, including the following:
- With procurement, finance, and legal staff throughout NATO at all professional levels to provide advice, guidance, and informational/decision briefings. These include Legal Advisors at grades up to A-6, Financial Controllers at grades up to A-6, Operations Officers at the OF-5/4 level, Auditors ranging in grade to A-5, Budget and Fiscal Officers in grades up to A-4, etc;
- With senior staff in other Divisions within SHAPE, from the working level (OF-4) up to and including ACOSs (OF-7), DCOS (OF-8) and the Command Group (OF-9). The incumbent shall frequently and routinely be expected to contribute directly to flag-level decision making within the Headquarters;
- With senior national representatives from Ministries of Defence, Foreign Affairs, or Finance during negotiation of international agreements;
- With national representatives in the Budget Committee when contracting exceeds the delegated authority of the ACO Financial Controller; with the Resource Planning and Policy Board, the Logistics Committee and any other NATO HQ Committee / Working Group requiring information on ACO procurement activity and policy;
- With senior members of commercial firms conducting business with NATO and with senior members of NATO agencies acting as an intermediary to ACO contracted requirements.
Contribution to Objectives
It is the incumbent’s responsibility to ensure that in peacetime and crisis situations, appropriate goods and services required for SACEUR’s missions are obtained in the most economical and timely manner. Failure to achieve this not only impacts on the capability of others to perform their tasks but also results in the lapse of critically needed funds. The incumbent ensures Allied Command Operations' credibility before the nations by ensuring that SACEUR and his subordinate commanders meet their operational mission in a most cost-effective manner. This includes contribution to mission objectives by proactive identification and correction of potential problems, and continuous improvement of working methods and results. The procurement organisation also provides direct support of operational mission objectives through support of deployed Headquarters, and operation of multinational logistics arrangements.
REMARKS:
- Duration of contract: Serving staff members will be offered a contract according to the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations (NCPR). Newly recruited staff will be offered a definite duration contract of three years normally followed by an indefinite duration contract;
- The salary will be the basic entry-level monthly salary defined by the NATO Grade of the post, which may be augmented by allowances based on the selected staff member’s eligibility, and which is subject to the withholding of approximately 20% for pension and medical insurance contributions;
- 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. As an employer, NATO values commitment to the principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability in accordance with international norms and practices established for the defence and related security sector. Selected candidates are expected to be role models of integrity, and to promote good governance through ongoing efforts in their work;
- Applicants who prove to be competent for the post but who are not successful in this competition may be offered an appointment in another post of a similar nature, which might become vacant in the near future, albeit at the same or lower grade, provided they meet the necessary requirements;
- We believe that all people are capable of great things. Because of this, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the criteria listed within this job description.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A NATO CIVILIAN POST AT SHAPE:
Applications are to be submitted using NATO Talent Acquisition Platform (NTAP) (https://nato.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobsearch.ftl?lang-en). Applications submitted by other means (e.g. mail, e-mail, fax, etc) are not accepted.
More information to be found on these links:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoP9YmLG7k8;
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FIWZGpLHUM.
Shortlisted candidates will be requested to provide original documentary evidence and a set of copies supporting statements in their applications. Appointment is subject to obtaining a NS security clearance and a medical certificate.
Remarks
- Only nationals from the 32 NATO member states can apply for vacancies at SHAPE;
- Applications are automatically acknowledged within one working day after submission. In the absence of an acknowledgement please make sure the submission process is completed, or, re-submit the application;
- Qualified redundant staff of the same grade interested in this post should inform this office, via their HR/Personnel Office by not later than vacancy’s closing date;
- Candidates’ individual telephone, e-mail or telefax enquiries cannot be dealt with. All candidates will receive an answer indicating the outcome of their application;
- NATO 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. NATO 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 NATO’s sole discretion, and NATO reserves the right to take further steps in such cases as appropriate.
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