Commercial/Procurement Advisers, Conflict, Stability and Security Fund Team

The role will be within the FCDO Commercial Directorate, providing commercial advice to the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF). The CSSF tackles threats to UK interests that arise from instability overseas, particularly in conflict regions and operates in over 80 countries worldwide. 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 refresh of the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy. Examples of programmes the CSSF delivers in are Cyber, Counter Disinformation, Counter Terrorism, Serious and Organised Crime, and State Threats, to name a few.

This is a fast-paced and exciting role, working on programmes that make a real difference. CSSF Programmes are high risk, reactive and agile and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on high profile projects alongside a range of expert stakeholders based across the world. No two projects are the same, ensuring a wide range of variety in day to day work and new and exciting problems to solve in a friendly and supportive environment.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to build and own relationships with dedicated CSSF Programme Teams, supported by the Commercial Lead. The role will lead on end-to-end commercial activity for the designated programmes, providing CSSF Programme Teams with support from procurement strategy to contract signature, as well as advising on complex contract and supplier management issues as they arise. The CSSF Framework is the most common route to market for delivering CSSF requirements, but we also use Crown Commercial Services agreements and run open and restricted tenders. Training will be provided on the procurement process within the FCDO Commercial Directorate.

Additionally, the role will focus on upskilling CSSF Programme Teams on procurement and contract management through dedicated workshops (usually held overseas) and providing ad hoc advice.

The successful candidate will apply the relevant expertise in the following areas:

• Leading procurements by working collaboratively to design the requirement and determine the route to market, drafting tender documents with CSSF Programme Teams, running the evaluation and moderation process, and awarding contracts based on UK procurement regulations.
• Leading on governance and assurance for your requirements, with the support of your Commercial Lead. This will include drafting governance documentation, as well as presenting cases to the governance board for consideration and approval dependent on risk and value.
• Drafting contracts and contract variations in compliance with UK procurement regulations. Contract variations will require evaluation of commercial pricing and negotiation with the supplier to achieve Value for Money.
• Building stakeholder relationships and advising CSSF Programme Teams on complex contract management and supplier issues to ensure successful delivery of requirements or suspending/terminating contracts where necessary.
• Using the FCDO eProcurement portal Jaggaer to run procurements, ensuring data and management information is up to date and responding to queries/ commissions as necessary using this information.
• Delivering training on procurement and contract management to CSSF Programme Teams in a clear and confident manner, through formal workshops or on a one to one basis.
• Supporting development of wider team continuous improvement activities, such as increasing supply market awareness, highlighting opportunities for innovation, improvements to stakeholder engagement, and new ways of working for procurement.
• Developing and maintaining technical expertise through personal, team development and formal learning and development requirements (e.g. CIPS).

Minimum Criteria: :

• Relevant commercial experience and understanding of the commercial/procurement lifecycle.
• Strong written and oral communication, presentation and influencing skills with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels and external suppliers.
• Close attention to detail and accuracy, as well as excellent time management and organisational skills.
• Ability to work effectively at pace, as the role will require the ability to successfully manage competing workloads and multiple projects and stakeholders at once. The successful candidate will need to manage deadlines and expectations.
• Commercial awareness and analytical skills for conducting commercial pricing analysis to draw out key messages in order to problem-solve, take decisions and/or make recommendations based on robust justification.
• Ability to work independently and proactively to engage with CSSF Programme Teams and suppliers.
• Proficiency in use of IT tools including Microsoft Office

It is essential in your application that you provide evidence in each of the following Minimum Criteria as far as you are able to do so.  These responses will be further developed and discussed with those candidates invited for interview.  

Desirable Criteria:

• Knowledge and/or awareness of public procurement procedures (e.g. Public Contract Regulations (PCR) 2015 and Defence and Security Public Contract Regulations (DSPCR) 2011 or a similar statutory framework and contract law).
• Knowledge and/or awareness of framework agreements and call-off contracts.
• Interest in foreign affairs, UK foreign policy, conflict, security, overseas development, and defence.
• Working towards or already holds a CIPS qualification.

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace
• Managing a Quality Service

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Delivering at Pace

• Funded support for Continued Professional Development, including CIPS study
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• Optional overseas travel opportunities
• Excellent promotional opportunities and supported career progression
• Opportunities to get involved in once-in-a-lifetime, high-profile state events
• Hybrid working
• Flexible working hours which allows you to fit your working hours around agreed core hours
• Access to a highly competitive Civil Service pension scheme
• Annual holiday allowance of 25 days p/a, rising by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 30 days after 5 years of service, plus public holidays
• Free and confidential access to the FCDO’s Employee Assistance Programme which provides 24/7 confidential professional help, support and information on resolving and managing everyday work and personal situations or concerns
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• Social group and networks; e.g. Book Clubs, Young People and Early Professionals Network, Parents Support Network, Menopause community, Over 50s community
• Access to the MyLifestyle portal offering a wide variety of discounts, both online and in store, including discounts on food, clothing, home, electrical and  technology from well-known retailers
• Cycle to work scheme – A Tax and NI-free salary sacrifice scheme to help purchase cycles and safety equipment
• Interest-free loans for season travel tickets, station car parking or bicycle purchase
• Free annual eye test up to the value of £25
• Pre-retirement help

Job contact :

• Name : Commercial Business Operations
• Email : Commercial.BusinessOperations@fcdo.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : resourcing@fcdo.gov.uk