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A2 Commercial Advisers

Reference: DFIDJOB-0260

Closing date: 26 September 2012

Interview date: Not Specified

Number of vacancies: 3

Salary: - Starting salary will be £49,168

Location: Overseas

Appointment Terms: Permanent

Working Arrangements: Full-time

Specific requirements:

Brief description: The Advisor will be a highly experienced commercial professional with an in-depth understanding of strategic procurement and supplier management.

In financial year 2011-12, DFID was responsible for £7.9 billion of UK public expenditure and by financial year 2014-15, planned expenditure is expected to be 35% higher, at £10.6 billion. To meet this programme scale up challenge DFID is significantly strengthening its front line commercial capacity and capability.

A key element to achieving this will be the Commercial Advisor role. The Advisor will be a highly experienced commercial professional with an in-depth understanding of strategic procurement and supplier management. This individual will be member of the Country Office team or Department providing commercial advice and support to colleges. Working in collaboration with DFID’s Procurement Group organisation, the Advisor will be responsible for devising, developing and implementing tailored commercial strategies to improve value for money and for providing senior level guidance within the Department, Country Office and where appropriate across the Region.

As well as working directly with fellow Advisors and project officers within the office, the role will also involve relationship management and influencing commercial decision making activities by Partner Governments, Civil Society Organisations, suppliers, consultants and other Donors (including multilaterals) to ensure maximum delivery benefit and value for money is achieved through DFID funding.

Currently DFID have four Commercial Advisors in post, and have immediate vacancies for a further three positions. It is envisaged that up to six additional roles will be required in the short to medium term, and therefore this recruitment exercise will also be used to create a pool of candidates who meet the criteria to fill these future posts.

Given this backdrop, if you are a graduate calibre and/or qualified by experience, ideally with relevant post-graduate or professional qualifications (e.g. holds or studying towards MCIPS) and have:

  • Significant relevant procurement and sourcing experience.
  • Proven track record in project management and delivery, and of working to deadlines and meeting targets.
  • Significant experience of influencing internally and externally at all levels.
  • Evidence of line management and leadership skills

These could be the positions for you if you feel you have the right skills and qualities for this post.

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