Contract manager

POST CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The NATO Science & Technology Organization (STO) is a NATO subsidiary body of the North Atlantic Council (NAC), governed by the NATO Science and Technology Board (STB). The STB reports to the NAC through the Military Committee (MC) and the Conference of National Armaments Directors (CNAD). The mission of the STO is to help position the Nations and NATO Bodies’ S&T investments as a strategic enabler of the knowledge and technical advantage supporting the defence and security posture of Allies and partner Nations. The STO Collaboration Support Office (CSO) provides executive and administrative support to the Scientific and Technical Committees (STCs) and facilitates the world’s largest and most vibrant scientific network for defence and security. The CSO supports the Finance Team and the Senior Assistant, CPoW Contracting will manage and administer contracts for scientific experts and organisations funded and contracted by the CSO to support the STO Collaborative Programme of Work (CPoW).

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the primary point-of-contact for administrative‑contractual interaction between the CSO and scientists contracted for specific NATO research tasks.
• Provide contracting expertise, ensuring administrative interaction and processes for scientists to continue engaging in the S&T CPoW.
• Work and decide largely independently within the authorities assigned to the position, and proactively assist and advise the Head of the Operations Coordination Office, the Staff Officer (Fiscal, Accounting / P&C Officer), NATO scientists and other team members.
• Use sound experience in contracting, accounting, budget management, monitoring and reporting to support the CSO’s financial and contractual aspects of the CPoW.
• Adapt to changing conditions, embrace data‑driven technology, digital innovation and AI‑powered financial tools for predictive analytics and process automation to enhance efficiency and financial insights.

REPORTING LINES

The Senior Assistant, CPoW Contracting reports to the Staff Officer (Fiscal, Accounting / P&C Officer) and deputises for the Buyer and the Senior Assistant (Accounting and Travel) in case of absence.

QUALIFICATIONS

• About 7 years of relevant professional experience, at least 3 years in contracting and finance work.
• Sound knowledge of accounting and contracting practices, including computerized accounting.
• Experience with the preparation of travel itineraries, ticketing and use of internet suppliers.
• University degree (bachelor) majoring in accounting and contracting.
• Training in accounting and contracting practices and procedures, and in the use of Oracle/SAP Financial software or equivalent.
• Good knowledge of one of the two official NATO languages (English or French) and fair knowledge of the other.

• Previous experience in a NATO or international organisation.
• Experienced user of financial software applications, in particular NATO FinS.
• Sound knowledge of NATO Financial Regulations.
• Previous experience in an assistant position in an international environment, preferably in Finance & Contracting.
• Education and training in contracts’ management.
• Very good knowledge of both NATO official languages.
• Knowledge of other European languages.

COMPETENCIES

• Good moral character, trustworthy, loyal and with a high sense of responsibility.
• Strong judgment and ability to initiate and maintain business relationships.
• Accuracy in report preparation and good adaptability to new tasks.
• Capacity to work and judge independently.

SECURITY CLEARANCE LEVEL

The applicant must be eligible for a NATO Secret security clearance.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The CSO operates in an international, dynamic, multi‑cultural environment and requires regular business travel. The CSO is a non‑smoking workplace.

EMPLOYMENT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Position grade G‑14. Starting basic monthly salary Euro 6,910 (subject to future adjustments). The incumbent is entitled to 30 days annual leave, life and medical insurance, a retirement pension plan, education allowance for dependent children and biennial home leave if eligible. The contract is for a definite duration of three years with a six‑month probationary period; upon satisfactory performance, a follow‑up definite or indefinite contract may be offered.

EEO STATEMENT

NATO as employer values diverse backgrounds and perspectives and is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and talented workforce. NATO welcomes applications of nationals from all NATO Nations and strongly encourages women to apply.