The British Embassies in the UAE has a vacancy for a Procurement Manager, job grade Executive Officer (EO). This is for a fixed-term contract of two (2) years with the possibility of renewal. The role can be based at either the British Embassy Dubai or Abu Dhabi and will be responsible for delivery of effective procurement processes across the Embassies in the UAE.

The jobholder will support the Deputy Director and Director of Corporate Services (DCS) by leading a compliant, efficient and auditable procurement function. The jobholder will be responsible for ensuing compliance with UK Government procurement policy and processes and for meeting all internal reporting and financial standards/policies.

The Embassy purchases a range of services and products, with a large estates and maintenance portfolio, so the jobholder will need to work with subject matter experts to ensure appropriate health and safety, environmental and wider ethical standards are adhered to. The jobholder will need to drive improvements and transformation in end-to-end procurement delivery and prioritise the delivery of value for money for the Embassy.

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 under £25k

• Oversee and deliver key Embassy procurements between £3k to £25k, with a large procurement portfolio including facilities, maintenance, furniture, transport and building supplies.
• Provide advice and guidance to the Embassy on use of Government Procurement Cards (GPCs) and best practice in relation to achieving and evidencing value for money.
• Ensure a centralised list of procurement activity is kept up to date.
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders and customers, ensuring stakeholders have visibility of procurement stages and progress.
• Oversee all procurement related risks, ensuring risks are actively considered in all Post procurements with clear risk mitigation in place.
• Provide comprehensive updates on all procurement activity to the Embassy and Corporate Services Leadership.
• Ensure tender exercises are undertaken in a timely and professional manner in compliance with UK Government procurement policy and UAE Law.
• Responsible for writing procurement reports including tender reports, due diligence reports, and providing outcome of tenders to bidders. This should also include assurance of reports written within the procurement team, with checks undertaken to ensure procurement processes are being followed.
• Assist in moderation of tenders at the evaluation stage.

Relationship with Procurement Hub (for contracts above £25k)  

• Work with the Procurement Hub to ensure the Embassy has full and accurate visibility on all planned procurement above £25k and act as the point of contract to co-ordinate requirements for procurement above £25k.
• Support knowledge exchange with the Hub to ensure accurate specifications are developed and intelligence on supplier markets is shared.

Supplier relationship management and due diligence

• Manage supplier relationships throughout the procurement process, protecting the FCDO and Embassy interest.
• Undertake market research in key sectors and support with the identification and verification of external suppliers. Ensure appropriate due diligence checks are undertaken to ensure suppliers meet Embassy standards.

Contract Management 

• Support with the maintenance of an Embassy wide contract register, ensuring contracts are accessible, with end-dates monitored closely to ensure alignment of procurement activity without gaps in services.
• Assign contract managers to all contracts, ensuring they have completed training.
• Support where appropriate with the improvement in contract management practice at Post.

Leadership and Line Management 

• Provide day-to-day leadership of the procurement team and line manage two Procurement Officers, ensuring the best utilisation of resources to deliver procurement work.

Compliance and Awareness 

• Identify compliance issues that require action and drive improvements.
• Disseminate procurement best practice, including written policies and procedures related to procurement compliance.
• Provide basic training to staff to drive understanding and awareness of key processes and policies.

Resources Managed

• Direct line management of 2 procurement officers.
• Oversee all procurement up to £25,000.

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on any other duties as required by the Deputy Director and/or Director of Corporate Services. The jobholder may also take on other ad hoc tasks as and when required, including participating in the Embassy’s response to a crisis

Key behaviours required:

• Seeing the bigger 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.
• Changing and Improving: Seek out opportunities to create effective change and suggest innovative ideas for improvement. Review ways of working, including seeking and providing feedback.
• Making Effective Decisions: Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications and risks of decisions.
• Managing a Quality Service: Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise, and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.