Procurement Officer

The EIB, the European Union's bank, is seeking to recruit for its Corporate Services (CS) – Information and Procurement Management Department (IMP) – Procurement and Purchasing Division (PROCUR) at its headquarters in Luxembourg, a:

 

Procurement Officer with specialisation in Buildings and Logistics

Appointment will be made on the basis of a fixed term contract of 4 years    

The EIB offers fixed-term contracts of up to a maximum of 6 years, according to business needs, with a possibility to convert to a permanent contract subject to organisational requirements and individual performance

Purpose

Within the Corporate Services Directorate the Information Management and Procurement Department brings together the functions responsible for Information Management, Procurement and Corporate Information & Processes.

Under the general supervision of the Head of Procurement and Purchasing Division, the Procurement Officer ensures that the EIB Group obtains value for money when purchasing for its own account.

Operating Network

As the European Union’s financing institution, the Bank, in its dealings with external providers, is committed to respecting the fundamental EU principles regarding public procurement, such as equal treatment, non‑discrimination and transparency. Procurement Officers are responsible for ensuring compliance with the rules in the context of the procurement processes.

The Procurement Officer works closely with other members of the Procurement Division and with Buildings & Logistics (BLD) staff. The post holder reports to the Head of Division and, whenever required in the absence of the Head of Division and Deputy Head of Division, has direct access to the IMP Director.

Internally, the specialised Procurement Officer works in close collaboration with requesters from BLD, ensuring effective communication. S/he interfaces with the Legal Department for questions related to the legal framework and with OCCO for compliance issues. 

Externally, s/he establishes and maintains contacts with providers of works, supplies and services in the Building and Logistics Management sector throughout Europe and keeps abreast of latest market developments in Building and Logistics sourcing. S/he interfaces with the Publications Office of the EU in the publication of BLD’s calls for tenders. 

Accountabilities

The Procurement Officer will be responsible for:

  • Preparing, administering and managing all procurement processes requested by the Buildings and Logistics Department (BLD), covering works, material and equipment, and services for the Bank’s buildings 
  • Exercising a supervisory role and control function in relation to more junior Procurement Division staff involved in BLD procurement
  • Contributing to the development and management of the EIB’s procurement services so as to safeguard the reputation of the Bank in close cooperation with the Division Head and Deputy Head and in compliance with the Bank’s rules and procedures. This may include:
    • Responding to legislative and regulatory changes in the external procurement framework and propose adaptations to the EIB’s procurement principles and rules
    • Proposing changes or updates in existing procedures for procurement in the Building and Logistics domain in order to ensure best practice and latest market intelligence are applied
    • Contributing to streamlining procurement processes including by proposing, testing and validating developments and enhancements to the EIB’s procurement software (PeopleSoft Financials Procure to Pay) 
  • Supervising and delivering the Bank’s procurement processes in the Buildings and Logistics domain to ensure that purchasing for the Bank’s own account is performed in an effective way, in line with the Bank’s interests, and in compliance with relevant regulations (EU directives, EIB rules and procedures). This may include:
    • Dealing with and/or providing guidance to BLD requesters on issues arising in relation to BLD procurement; consulting JU, OCCO or IG, as appropriate, on particularly complex or exceptional cases
    • Working alongside BLD in the design and structuring of calls for tenders, and the drafting of the associated documents notably the Terms of Reference including the selection and award criteria 
  • Managing  evaluation panels in BLD procurement processes, this may include:
    • Contributing to establishing selection and award criteria in agreement with BLD and the panel members
    • Participating, when requested by BLD, in contract negotiations with the successful bidder(s) to ensure that terms remain within the limits set out in the tender documents
    • Playing a proactive role in Division meetings in order to ensure full information on ongoing or planned procurement activities for BLD is communicated to other Division staff

Qualifications

  • University degree in an appropriate field such as Construction Engineering, Business Administration, Law or Procurement
  • At least 3 years recent and relevant experience working in Building and Logistics related procurement    
  • Proven track record in negotiations with suppliers, and contract management
  • Experience in Building and Logistics management notably in the management of office buildings, including standard office rental agreements
  • In-depth knowledge of applicable EU regulations and directives
  • Very good understanding of trends and developments in the Building and Logistics sourcing market 
  • Knowledge of service contract practice in the Building and Logistics sector
  • Capacity to contribute to the identification of need for works, goods or services
  • Knowledge of the Bank’s objectives, policies, procedures and organisation
  • Excellent knowledge of the EIB administrative and operational procedures related to purchasing and procurement for its own account
  • Expertise in drafting procurement related documents, notably Terms of Reference and selection and evaluation documents
  • Experience in the use of a procurement software such as PeopleSoft Financials Procure to Pay
  • Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English or French and good knowledge of the other (*); knowledge of other EU languages would be an advantage

Competencies

  • Very good analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Good numerical skills
  • Organisational skills
  • Quality focus
  • Excellent communication skills both verbal and written
  • Contract management skills
  • Excellent negotiating skills at all levels
  • Excellent interpersonal skills at all levels 

(*) There may be certain flexibility on this requirement, but limited to particularly suitable candidates who may not yet be proficient in French. If selected, such candidates will be hired on the condition that they build up rapidly knowledge of French and accept that their future career in the EIB may be subject to the attainment of sufficient proficiency in both of the Bank's working languages

We believe that Diversity is good for our people and our business. We promote and value diversity and inclusion among our staff and candidates; irrespective of their gender, age, nationality, race, culture, education and experience, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or disability.

Deadline for applications: 26th May 2015

(NB. Applicants, please note that you will receive an email acknowledgement confirming reception of your application, once duly submitted)