Buying Manager

THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORATE (EXD)
The Executive Directorate ( EXD ) is the steward of OECD resources, on behalf of the Secretary-General. Our focus is on people and their wellbeing; the effective and efficient management of the budget; the safety and security of staff, Delegations, visitors, and of the OECD’s data; maintaining and sustaining physical and digital infrastructure; and enabling the convening power of the OECD through conferences, meetings and events, whether virtual, physical or hybrid. As well as providing corporate services, functions and management support to our staff and Members, we provide integrated, strategic and expert advice on corporate policies and management issues to the Secretary-General, to Council and to Standing Committees, to which we regularly report on corporate matters. We also provide risk management functions (for management areas under our purview). Ours is a fast-paced environment focused on delivering management excellence across all our functions.

THE CONFERENCE, SECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICE (EXD/CSI)

Within the OECD's Executive Directorate (EXD), the Conference, Security and Infrastructure Service (EXD/CSI) is responsible for facilitating conferences that bring together delegates from our 38 Member countries, key partners and other stakeholders, for language services (interpretation and translation), for safety and fire security of OECD staff, delegates and visitors, and for the management and operation of OECD buildings in Paris and OECD Centres abroad.

THE POSITION

Within EXD, the Shared Services Unit harmonises corporate processes common to both the Conference, Security and Infrastructure Service (EXD/CSI) and the Digital Knowledge and Information Service (EXD/DKI). With a team of approximately 15 dynamic and expert staff, the Unit manages the Organisation’s largest procurement contracts and operational budgets, which are fundamental to enable the Organisation to deliver. This core team at the heart of the Organisation’s corporate services is central in ensuring essential services, business continuity, and the overall smooth operational running of the Organisation. The Shared Services Unit is located in EXD/CSI and has dual reporting lines to the Deputy Head of Service and the Head of EXD/DKI.
The Procurement Manager manages the development and implementation of the multiyear procurement plan for CSI and DKI, works to find and implement efficiencies in processes, tools and value for money, in close collaboration with the OECD’s Corporate Procurement Group (EXD/PBF/CPG). S/he will manage an operational team of 5-7 people and will report to the Head of Shared Services Unit.

Job Description

Main Responsibilities

Management and co-ordination of CSI/DKI Purchasing

In close collaboration with managers, coordinate the CSI/DKI multi-annual Purchasing Programme. Participate in and oversee the execution of the Programme and ensure it is updated throughout the year.
Co-ordinate and oversee all aspects related to the call for tender and market consultation processes, in liaison with the Legal Service (SGE/LEG) and Corporate Procurement Group (EXD/PBF/CPG).
Collaborate with managers on market research initiatives aimed at identifying new suppliers and solutions for cost effective and efficient procurement.
Ensure that CSI/DKI purchasing procedures are fully compliant with the OECD Financial Regulations and Procedures for Procurement.
Keep abreast of and provide input on reforms in procurement procedures, participating as necessary in working groups and ensuring that the Service’s needs are taken into acount.
Carry-out regular reporting on all aspects of CSI/DKI purchasing activity. Define indicators and provide regular reporting to senior managers.
Provide input on CSI/DKI procurement for corporate reports.
Manage and supervise the Shared Services Unit procurement team composed of staff and external consultants, promoting excellence through effective performance management and professional development of staff.
Work in close cooperation with the Shared Services Budget team, by ensuring an optimum flow of information between the two teams, and that budgetary considerations are considered at every step of the procurement cycle.

Project Management and Strategic Advice

Actively support the Head of Service in the development and implementation of the strategic objectives of the Service.
Support engagement and facilitate alignment on projects in collaboration with EXD as relevant, including the preparation of briefing notes and other background documents as needed.
Contribute to and coordinate new projects and initiatives in the areas of procurement, contracts management and operational processes across CSI/DKI, identifying opportunities to pursue innovative solutions and using data to support strategic objectives.
Review and assess the quality of existing operational processes and, in collaboration with relevant managers, identify actionable improvements to enhance efficiency and value for money.
Ensure appropriate planning and use of any budgetary resources available to the procurement team within the Shared Services Unit.

Qualifications

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background

~ An advanced university degree in business administration, procurement, project management or related field.


Professional Background

Ideally at least seven years’ relevant professional experience, preferably in an international organisation/national public administration or an international environment.
Solid experience leading a purchasing/procurement operational team of five or more staff members.
Very good knowledge of the Organisation’s structure, processes, regulations and administrative systems or experience in a similar international structure, in particular for procurement.
Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with multiple stakeholders, as well as be involved in different projects simultaneously.
Experience in procurement preparation and implementation.
Experience in project management and engagement with stakeholders at all levels
Experience drafting technical, analytical and administrative documents and ability to communicate information clearly and concisely in written form for official purposes.
Experience in the management and support of a team.
Experience working in a multicultural environment would be an advantage.

Tools

Proficiency in the use of standard software applications (MS Office).
Knowledge of project management tools.
Ability to adapt to new systems.

Languages

Given the nature of the role, fluency in both OECD official languages (English and French) is preferred.
Knowledge of other languages would be an asset.

Core Competencies

OECD staff are expected to demonstrate behaviours aligned to six core competencies which will be assessed as part of this hiring processes: Vision and Strategy (Level 1); Enable People (Level 2); Ethics and Integrity (Level 2); Collaboration and Horizontality (Level 2); Achieve Results (Level 1); Innovate and Embrace Change (Level 1).
There are three possible levels for each competency. The level for each competency is determined according to the specific needs of each job role and its associated grade.
To learn more about the definitions for each competency for levels 1-3, please refer to OECD Core Competencies .

Additional Information

Contract Duration

~ Two-year fixed term appointment, with the possibility of renewal.


What the OECD offers (External Only)

Depending on level of experience, monthly salary starts at 7 146 EUR, plus allowances based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.
Click here to learn more about what we offer and why the OECD is a great place to work.
Click here to browse our People Management Guidebook and learn more about all aspects relating to people at the OECD, our workplace environment and many other policies supporting staff in their daily life.
Please note that the appointment may be made at one grade lower in the specified job family, based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant.

Closing Date

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than midnight 5 January 2025 (CEST).