The British Embassy in the Dubai has a vacancy for a Procurement Officer, job grade Administrative Officer (AO). This is for a fixed-term contract of one (1) year. The role will be based in the British Embassy Dubai and will be responsible for the delivery of effective procurement processes in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The jobholder will be part of the Embassy’s Corporate Services team and will report into the Procurement Manager. The jobholder will work with the other Procurement Officers to deliver effective end-to-end procurement for the purchasing of goods and services below the value of £25,000 as well as supporting higher value procurements that progress through the Manila Procurement Hub. The jobholders will also support the development of tracking, monitoring and information tools for the Embassy’s procurement service to create an efficient and modern service for customers.

The jobholder will need to deliver effective and policy-compliant procurement in-line with FCDO procurement and financial policies.  They will also be a source of advice to Embassy staff, supporting the up skilling of other Embassy staff.  

The FCDO is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We do not discriminate on any basis, including categories protected by law. In keeping with the FCDO’s commitment to disability inclusion in the workplace, hiring managers must incorporate the principles set out in the FCDO Disability Confident scheme job applications in the CBS recruitment process.  Our CBS are recruited by Missions in-country in line with local employment laws.

Duties and responsibilities: 

Procurement:

• Lead on a portfolio of procurement exercises up to a value of £25,000 per procurement, with an opportunity to specialise in a particular sector.
• Support with high value procurements (above £25,000) with the Regional Procurement Hub in Manila.
• Working with the end user of the goods or services and other technical experts to develop comprehensive procurement specifications.
• Ensure management of conflicts of interest, preparation of tender documentation, liaison and negotiation with suppliers, co-ordination of bids/quotes, setting of appropriate evaluation criteria, securing budget and other approvals, liaison with finance, carrying out due diligence checks and the drafting and handover of contracts to contract managers.
• Provide support to Budget Holders with payments, creating requisitions for goods and services.
• Develop a network of suppliers and support market research exercises to identify new suppliers who can meet quality standards and terms and conditions.
• Create an awareness about FCDO procurement rules amongst key stakeholders to ensure that all the procurement is undertaken in-line with FCDO policies and principles.

Information Management:

• Update trackers and databases as appropriate for all procurement activities, ensuring all documentation is saved for future audits.
• Support the procurement team with improvements to processes, creating tools and trackers to support an effective, streamlined and modern procurement service.

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required. 

Resources Managed:

• The jobholder will be responsible for all procurement up to a value of £25,000.

Key behaviours required: 

• Making Effective Decisions: Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications and risks of decisions.
• Working Together: Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources, and support.
• Delivering at Pace: Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
• Communicating and Influencing: Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity, and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses, and opinions of others.

Eligibility:

• Applications will only be considered from those who are currently residing in the UAE and with a current and valid UAE resident visa.

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field OR CIPS Level 4 OR equivalent experience in a procurement role for a minimum of three (3) years.
• Knowledge of UAE-based supplier markets (facilities, maintenance, building, transport and events) and local ways of working.
• Fluent in English, both written and oral.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to develop effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders and suppliers.
• Ability to problem solve and make good judgement calls, using one’s own initiative to deal with issues whilst ensuring the appropriate approvals are sought when making key decisions.
• Excellent organisational skills, records management and high attention to detail.
• IT literate and well versed in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)