Commercial/Procurement Adviser

Commercial/Procurement Adviser

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Salary: £31,621 (London allowance £2,000)

Location: London or East Kilbride

Join the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and you’ll deliver for the UK internationally. That could mean helping us promote Britain and our values, building strategic partnerships, protecting our interests, or supporting Britons abroad. It’s a diverse challenge that will put you at the centre of world events, working alongside around 17,300 people in our global network of offices, bringing a completely unique perspective of personal and professional pride.

Your role with us

The role will work within the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) Commercial team. The CSSF tackles threats to UK interests that arise from instability overseas, particularly in conflict regions. It finds creative solutions to meet the most complex national security challenges and promotes international peace and stability. It is guided by the priorities set out in the 2023 Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy. The CSSF delivers programmes in: cyber operations, counter disinformation, counter terrorism, Serious Organised Crime and state threats to name a few.

The CSSF operates in over 80 countries worldwide, including Eastern Europe/Ukraine, Indo Pacific, Western Balkans, Africa, Middle East, Latin America, Afghanistan, Pakistan and British Overseas Territories. The job can offer overseas travel opportunities, although overseas travel is not mandatory.

As one of our Commercial/Procurement Advisors, you’ll work in an exciting, fast-paced environment as you focus on programmes that make a real difference. From early market engagement and pre-procurement activities, and from procurement procedures to delivery, you’ll support every part of the commercial lifecycle as you provide recommendations and advice to our programme teams and contract managers. Building and maintaining stakeholder relationships, and working closely with colleagues as you drive value and increase efficiency, you’ll help to establish business needs and translate this into effective commercial strategies.

Your key responsibilities will include leading procurement projects, protecting the FCDO from challenge and reputational risk, preparing draft contracts and ensuring delivery follows the relevant processes. We’ll also expect you to assist with the resolution of complex and contentious issues, use Jaggaer (our eProcurement platform) to support the pipeline of projects and contracts, and help with project governance and the development of market awareness.

Who we’re looking for

Someone with well-developed experience of procurement and related lifecycles, and the ability to work at pace while managing competing workloads and multiple projects, you’ll possess excellent organisational, time management and problem-solving skills. You’ll be engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, so you’ll have a pro-active approach to everything you do, and have superb communication, presentation and influencing skills.

You should have a high degree of accuracy, with close attention to detail. Your analytical skills and ability to collate and analyse information from a variety of sources will allow you to draw out key messages, take decisions and make recommendations. Knowledge of framework agreements, call-down contracts and public procurement procedures would be desirable, as would an understanding and experience of developing sourcing strategies.

FCDO Commercial is committed to Diversity and Inclusion in their workforce and recruitment practices. We treat everyone fairly and with respect, regardless of their sex, marital status, age, race, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, socio-economic background, religion or belief, working pattern, gender identity or caring responsibilities.

Everyone gets the support to develop their skills and capabilities as well as benefits that help to make the most of life in and out of work; for example, flexible working, funded Learning & Development opportunities tailored to your role, and access to the Civil Service pension scheme.

Use your talent and experience to shape our nation’s future, and deliver tangible improvements to millions of lives, including your own.