- Company Name
- NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency)
- Job Title
- Principal Contracting Officer
- Job Description
-
Job title: Principal Contracting Officer
Role Summary: Lead and manage a portfolio of high‑value acquisition, procurement, and contracting activities within NATO Communications and Information Agency, advising senior leaders and ensuring compliance with acquisition regulations and best practices.
Expectations: Deliver strategic oversight for complex IT and systems acquisitions, drive efficient procurement processes, provide expert guidance on procurement law and policy, and lead a team of Contracting Officers and Assistants.
Key Responsibilities:
- Own and administer a defined acquisition portfolio across one or more business areas or strategic categories.
- Advise senior executives, committees, and cross‑functional teams on acquisition methods, source selection, and contracting strategy.
- Lead end-to-end procurement cycles, including market research, competitive and sole‑source contracting, negotiation, and award.
- Manage contract administration, performance monitoring, and post‑award compliance for high‑value contracts.
- Lead, mentor, and evaluate the performance of a contracting team.
- Prepare and present status reports to senior leadership and governing bodies.
- Ensure adherence to relevant international procurement regulations and NATO policies.
Required Skills:
- Advanced knowledge of acquisition law, competitive and sole‑source contracting procedures, source selection, negotiation, cost‑price analysis, and contract administration.
- Proven leadership and organizational skills with the ability to handle complex, high‑visibility projects.
- Excellent written and verbal communication in English.
- Strategic thinking, problem‑solving, and stakeholder management.
Required Education & Certifications:
- Master’s degree in Business, Law, Public Administration, or related field (5+ years post‑degree experience) OR Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years related experience.
- Demonstrated experience leading procurement and contracting functions in large international or governmental institutions (e.g., NATO, EU, UN, national ministries of defense).
- Experience in AI, cloud, cybersecurity or other IT technologies and services preferred.