Procurement Assistant

Are you interested in the challenge of learning American business practices and Procurement law? Do you want to work in a truly international setting and help support the U.S.-UK special relationship? As a Procurement Assistant at the American Embassy, this job opportunity may well fulfill your interest!

As a member of the Procurement team, you will be working in an environment that is diverse and fast-paced, and you will be challenged with continually changing procurement needs. You will be responsible for managing and awarding low value procurements – less than $100,000. You will need to have a keen eye for detail and a

methodical approach to identify cost-efficient sources that meet the Embassy’s needs, and ensure that all goods/services acquired represent best value to the U.S. Government.

Other duties will include: assisting the Procurement Analysts and Supervisor with more complex procurements, including obtaining quotes, drafting letters, uploading and organizing electronic document files, preparing information for Technical Evaluation Panels and witnessing the opening of bids. Preparing call-off orders from several large contracts, monitoring the contract spend and providing monthly usage reports to the stakeholders. You will also be in charge of monitoring renewable orders and contracts and providing timely reminders regarding renewals to the requesting offices.

The ability to nurture effective business relationships -- both in the public and private sector -- is an essential part of this role, as you’ll be dealing with suppliers to expedite orders and resolve issues. As such, we are looking for someone who possesses good communication and interpersonal skills. You’ll also need to be a team player with strong analytical abilities and customer service skills, to assist over 40 U.S. Government agencies located at the American Embassy.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Applicants must address each required qualification listed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not qualified.

EDUCATION:

2 A levels/equivalent or U.S. High School Diploma plus one year of college, or an equivalent academic qualification

EXPERIENCE:

2 years prior work experience in procurement, contracting or a related field is required.

JOB KNOWLEDGE:

Along with a thorough understanding of conventional acquisition practices, the incumbent would possess a rudimentary understanding of both UK and EU contracting laws, principles and rules of contractual engagement.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Excellent analytic and writing skills.
• Ability to complete market product research.
• Good communication skills for presenting findings to colleagues and internal customers.
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with key external contracts and provide quality customer service, advice and assistance to internal clients.
• Ability to work independently.

LANGUAGE:

Fluency in both written and spoken English is required (this may be tested)

Benefits:

• Merit Based Compensation (Performance Related Pay)
• Pension Scheme
• BUPA Membership
• Employee Assistance Program
• Season Ticket Loan
• Generous Annual Leave & Sick Leave
• Paid Public Holidays (U.K. & U.S.)

ALL INTERESTED APPLICANTS FOR THIS VACANCY MUST SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATION VIA THE ELECTRONIC RECRUITMENT APPLICATION (ERA) – THIS CAN BE DONE BY SELECTING THE APPLY BUTTON SHOWN.