The British Embassy Baghdad has a vacancy for Procurement Manager, job grade Executive Officer (EO), on a fixed term contract for two (2) years.

The jobholder will work closely to consolidate and deliver an effective Procurement Process in line with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) policies and principles. They will lead on delivering all the procurement tasks for the British Embassy Baghdad (BEB). They will also deliver excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders in line with the FCDO’s financial policy and objectives and demonstrate the resilience in their work. 

Duties and responsibilities:

• Carry out procurement function the British Embassy Baghdad (BEB) i.e., using Government Procurement Card (GPC) for goods and services under £3,000. Ensure internal control procedures are followed for GPC use, support Budget Monitors for payments, and work with the Contract Managers and Regional Procurement Hub (based in Manila) on contracts.
• Lead on all the procurement requests at the Embassy for below £25K, which includes conducting market research to identify suppliers who can meet the quality standard and negotiate long-term call off agreements and to source potential suppliers. Manage the contract tender process of various procurements of goods, services, or work projects. This also includes sourcing of suppliers, creation of input and agreement of specification, preparation of tender documentation, liaison and coordination with suppliers to clarify requirements, coordination and evaluation of bids, seeking appropriate approval, direct negotiation, agreement of contracts, management, and closure.
• Ensure value for money is obtained when procuring items for the Embassy in line with FCDO policy.
• Active involvement on all high-value procurement, i.e., above £25K. Work with the Regional Procurement Hub and the Contract Manager to assist them on the tendering process and also to facilitate on the paperwork. A further coordination will be required with the requisitioner to get the requisition process completed.
• Assist Partners Across Government (PAGs) on their procurement-related queries along with ensuring that they follow the FCDO PAG Process.
• Create an awareness about the FCDO Procurement rule among stakeholders to ensure the procurement process undertaken is in line with FCDO policies and principles.
• Manage a record of all Annual Maintenance Contracts. Closely follow up with the Regional Procurement Hub and the department as the contract reaches its end date.
• Work closely with the Deputy Director of Corporate Services and the Technical Works Group (TWG) to manage supplier/ contractor relationships to enable effective and timely delivery of estates projects.
• Lead on procurement of capital expenditure, which includes generator, vehicles, and other assets, ensuring to have all the necessary budget approvals before reaching out to the market, arranging the correct budget codes, and a clear communication with the Contract Manager to understand their requirements.
• Maintenance of agreed supplier list in conjunction with the Regional Procurement Hub and maintain a record of suppliers and documentation.

The jobholder will also have oversight of the petty cash.

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible as specific responsibilities could change in the future, and this would be at the discretion of the line manager and Senior Management. The job description may be reviewed to meet changes in business needs. The jobholder may also take on other ad hoc tasks as and when required, including participating in the Embassy’s emergency planning and any response to a crisis.

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.
• Seeing the Big Picture – Understand how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives. Recognise the wider Civil Service priorities and ensure work is in the national interest.
• Communicating and Influencing – Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity, and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses, and opinions of others.
• Working Together – Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources, and support.

Eligibility:

If you are selected for this position, we will be able to employ you as long as:

• We can obtain the appropriate level of local and UK security clearance for you; and
• You have (or be willing to obtain) the right to live and work in Iraq. Candidate’s residence permit and work permit, and the expense to obtain them, will be their own responsibility – the Embassy does not provide residence or work permits. If you have any questions about residency and/ or visa requirements, you should contact the relevant Iraqi Government Ministry.

• Previous procurement/ contract management experience in a similar or a large organisation, ideally for at least three (3) years.
• Knowledge of Iraq-based suppliers and local ways of working
• Experience in putting together tenders and managing the evaluation process. Able to identify conflicts of interest and work with integrity.
• Demonstrates a collaborative approach to colleagues and stakeholder partnerships. Proven ability to engage at all levels internally across Embassy teams and with external stakeholders.
• Resourcefulness in solving problems and demonstrates good judgement. Proven ability to rapidly re-prioritise work depending upon the situation. Ability to understand competing priorities and make judgement calls on when to use own initiative to deal directly with issues and when to consult before taking decisions.
• Excellent organisational skills for document and record management and high attention to detail.
• A confident communicator with excellent communication skills in English and Arabic, both verbal and spoken. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely, both orally and in written communication.
• Holds at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, finance, or related field.
• IT literate and well versed in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).