British High Commission Commercial Specialist Jobs in South Africa
Main Purpose of Role:
This role is part of the Programme Delivery Commercial team and works to eradicate extreme poverty by providing commercial support to the region.
Based in Pretoria and reporting to the Commercial Business Partner for Africa, the jobholder will provide procurement/commercial expertise to the South Africa development portfolio. The jobholder will have responsibility for the procurement life cycle across the ODA Development portfolio, ensuring compliance to FCDO global policy and UK procurement regulations.
To provide procurement/commercial support to stakeholders through management of the Programme Areas most complex contract variations and most complex and strategic procurements, increasing commercials influence of procurement and commercial improvement across FCDO’s spend in the region to improve value for money (VfM) and resulting impact for FCDO
To develop commercial capability of stakeholders to address contractual issues in relation to the programme life-cycle
Support and maintain the development of category strategies and contractual routes across all relevant funding modalities (Contract, Grants, MOU etc); and key suppliers / delivery partners to deliver improved results and impact
Build strong relationships with key stakeholders from across FCDO and other UK government departments, working in the region as appropriate
The jobholder will work closely with internal colleagues to drive additional value and increase efficiency. Delivery in this role will rely on establishing the needs of the business and translating this into effective category and / or geographic based commercial strategies that enable the achievement of value for money, whilst achieving outcomes relating to relevant policy and strategic requirements for the FCDO and HMG.
The jobholder will play a critical role in shaping and managing expenditure, as well as building and maintaining a high level of category expertise and procurement capability across the Programme teams.
This is a hands on role, with strong strategic procurement, programme/project management and supplier engagement being critical skills, along with the requisite interpersonal skills necessary to lead, support and work with our stakeholders in line with the FCDO Commercial Strategy and the FCDO Values.
Roles and responsibilities:
Providing inputs and expertise to develop effective commercial approaches that support our increasing role in effective Diplomacy and Influencing work;
Supporting in-country colleagues in the design and development of new Business cases, with specific responsibility for early support in drafting Appraisal and Commercial sections of all Business Cases;
Develop or contribute to robust sourcing strategies which demonstrate sound commercial acumen to cover key categories and deliver improved results and VfM
Lead or contribute to procurement projects drafting specifications, tender documents, evaluation process, recommendation to award report and providing written feedback to suppliers, based on solid EU procurement process that protects the FCDO from challenge and reputational risk
Lead in providing commercial scrutiny for all Indirect (non-contract) partners e.g. UN, World Bank, Civil Society partners etc. and facilitate the delivery of efficiency savings from programmes that contribute towards the wider FCDO Commercial savings targets;
Provide scrutiny and support in the drafting and finalisation of non-contract (MoU and AG) agreements with Multilateral & CSO partners
Work alongside programme and business unit colleagues to support improved contract management and VfM performance from all partners, including support on submitting contract amendments for approval. Where required, leading on the drafting and approval of contract amendments;
Prepare draft contracts and contract variations, ensuring procurement delivery abides to the relevant processes (e.g., Open procedure, Framework call-downs/competitions, etc.) and the outputs offer a Value for Money (VfM) solution for the FCDO Manage, develop and maintain the in-country Commercial Delivery Plan as a basis from which to measure in-country/business area commercial development and maturity;
Develop, maintain and leverage effective relationships with key internal and external stakeholders. Actively work with them to review the range of commercial opportunities available to them and raise awareness and understanding of Commercial policy
Ensure continuity and consistency of approach across the portfolio from project to project, using required tools, systems and processes such as e-sourcing tools to guide commercial activity and produce high quality commercial management information
Support the pipeline of projects and contracts using the FCDO eProcurement platform to enable accurate and timely reporting.
Provide input to category plans where necessary and lead on development of regional / country strategy. To develop and maintain an understanding of the regional context; regional programme priorities; and local key suppliers/delivery partners in that region
Resolve complex issues, including those that are perceived to be novel and contentious
Provide support and advice to other members of the commercial team to develop business requirements and viable solutions and provide oversight and assurance of tender documentation and procurement compliance for other team members
Provide mentoring support where required for Delegated Procurement Officers (DPOs) ensuring they are kept engaged in FCDO Commercial activities; Support preparing briefs and guidance as required for a variety of internal and external audiences
Manage internal governance controls and support Business Units in progressing through the respective assurance, governance and approvals processes
Essential qualifications, skills and experience
Commercial Technical Skills – Previous experience in leading on strategic / complex commercial situations and leading teams to deliver great commercial outcomes
Management and coordination skills
Working Internationally – Previous experience in working in a procurement capacity which is regional/international and beyond domestic market
Managing Change and Improvements – Evidence of the ability to identify potential improvements and successfully manage changes that deliver beneficial commercial outcomes
Developing Self and Others – Experience in coaching and mentoring to build capability at all levels of good commercial awareness and principles
Communicating and Influencing – Proven experience in influencing internal and external stakeholders
Desirable qualifications, skills and experience
Bachelor’s Degree in Business or related field; MCIPS or CPSM (or studying towards) or relevant certification or MBA
How to Apply
For more information and job application details, see; British High Commission Commercial Specialist Jobs in South Africa
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