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 lead 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 

• Oversee and deliver procurement for the UK in UAE Network (British Embassy’s in Abu Dhabi and Dubai). Working with others within the wider FCDO network to delivery higher value procurement activities.
• Ensure the database of procurement activities is kept up to date, with clear visibility of procurement stages, and providing comprehensive updates to the Networks Leadership Team.
•  Oversee all procurement related risks, feeding into wider Network risk registers, and ensuring risks are actively considered in all the Networks procurement with clear risk mitigation in place.
• Ensure tender exercises are undertaken in a timely and professional manner in compliance with UK Government procurement policy and UAE Law, and that they present good Value for Money (VfM) for the FCDO.
• Responsible for writing/reviewing procurement reports including tender reports, due diligence reports, and providing outcome of tenders to bidders. Confirming checks have been undertaken to ensure procurement processes are being followed.
• Assist in moderation of tenders at the evaluation stage.

Stakeholder management and due diligence

• Review, report, and manage supplier relationships with the help of Post contract managers, including resolution of contractual disputes, taking appropriate action to protect 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.
• Manage Conflict of Interest process.
• Managing relationship with FCDO procurement teams in Manila and London

Contract Management 

• Support with the maintenance of the UAE contract register, ensuring contracts are accessible and visible, with end-dates monitored closely to ensure alignment of procurement activity without gaps in services or delivery.
• Assign contract managers to all contracts, ensuring they have completed up to date training

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 

• Proactively identify compliance issues that require action, taking a risk-based approach.
• Proactively drive improvements in compliance and value for money at Post.
• Disseminate procurement best practice, including written policies and procedures related to procurement compliance.
• Provide training to staff to drive understanding and awareness of key processes and policies.
• Support the improvement in contract management practice across all teams in the UAE Network.

Resources Managed

• Direct line management of 2 procurement officers.
• Oversee and take responsibility for 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:

• 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.
• Managing a Quality Service: Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise, and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.

• Bachelor”s degree in relevant field and/or CIPS Level 4 or equivalent procurement qualification.
• Fluent in English, both written and oral
• Experience working in a procurement role in a structured organisation.
• Experience of running complex tenders across a range of sectors, ensuring compliance with procurement policy and delivering value for money.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build a network of relationships with internal and external stakeholders and suppliers.
• Excellent organisational skills, records management and high attention to detail.
• IT literate and well versed in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)