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Working at ESO
Are you interested in working in areas of frontline technology and in a stimulating international environment? Do you feel your profile matches our requirements? Learn more about our current vacancies and apply online. Read more..
The European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (ESO) is the foremost intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe and the world's most productive ground-based astronomical observatory. ESO carries out an ambitious programme focused on the design, construction and operation of powerful ground-based observing facilities enabling astronomers to make important scientific discoveries.
ESO operates three unique world-class observing sites in northern Chile: La Silla, Paranal and Chajnantor (home to ALMA), and the ESO Headquarters are located in Garching, near Munich, Germany.
At Paranal, ESO operates the Very Large Telescope, the world's most advanced visible-light astronomical observatory, and will host and operate the southern array of the Cherenkov Telescope Array, the world's largest and most sensitive high energy gamma-ray observatory. ESO is a major partner in ALMA, and on Cerro Armazones, ESO is building the 39-metre Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), which will become "the world's biggest eye on the sky" and whose operations will be fully integrated into the
Paranal Observatory.
For its Contracts and Procurement Department, within the Directorate of Administration, at its Vitacura office in Santiago, Chile, ESO is advertising a local staff position of
Procurement Officer
Santiago
Deadline 09/07/2023
Within the Directorate of Administration the Contracts and Procurement Department is responsible for and executes the procurement process. This is done within the framework of the Organisation's policy for awarding contracts for supplies and services, specified in the Financial Rules and Regulations and in the Procurement Rules and Regulations.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will become part of the Contract and Procurement Group in Santiago (Chile) and will be responsible for the management of the entire procurement cycle for a very broad range of goods and services, from items and services of common use for ESO sites in Chile to technical and scientific equipment and services for construction, operation and maintenance of ESO's Observatories. He/she will work in close collaboration with the users in the Departments and Project teams of ESO in Chile to identify and implement the most efficient procurement solutions in compliance with the procurement rules and regulations of the Organisation. The main focus will be on the lower value/less complex procurements. In particular he/she will:
- Review and discuss with users requests for purchases (including the requirements contained therein) to determine their adequacy and completeness and the appropriate procurement strategy;
- Identify the suppliers capable to supply the requested goods and services;
- Prepare the procurement documentation (Price inquiry etc.) and coordinate and document the procurement process through evaluation of the tenders, negotiation of the terms and conditions with the bidders, and award of the orders/contracts;
- Participate in the follow-up of orders/contracts; and
- Participate, as required, in the development of procedures and practices for procurements within the Organisation.
Reports to:
Supervisor Procurement Officers
Key Competences and Experience:
Essential Competences
- Positive and flexible attitude to look into solutions for the presented problems taking into account the boundaries;
- Service and customer-oriented attitude;
- Good communication skills, being able to clarify purchase requests and requirements with the user in a constructive way;
- Ability to work in a very organised and accurate manner;
- Good judgment to know when the next higher level needs to be informed; and
- Good knowledge of Ms Word and Ms Excel.
Minimum experience of 3 years in a procurement role or commercial function (or similar function), e.g. buyer, sales desk officer, procurement role (issuing orders).
Desirable Competences
- Negotiation skills, being able to persuade the counterpart to agree on ESO favourable conditions at an operational level; and
- Ability to understand technical and operational issues at a general level - why is a product or service needed and what are the consequences if it is not on time - in the right quality or else.
Experience preferably in an international setting and/or in public procurement.
Qualifications:
Essential educational level: University diploma in a Business or Commercial field.
Language skills:
Full command of English and Spanish (written as well as spoken).
Remuneration and Contract:
We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary and medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial help in relocating your family. For any further information, please visit https://www.eso.org/public/archives/static/jobs/conditions/brochure-lsm-updated-jan2020.pdf
ESO aims to support members of personnel in maintaining a good work-life balance The initial contract is for a period of two years with the possibility of an indefinite extension, subject to evaluation. The title or grade may be subject to change according to qualification and the number of years of experience.
Duty Station:
The duty station is Santiago. The applicants should be resident in Chile, in or around Santiago.
Career Path: IV
Application:
If you are interested in working in areas of frontline science and technology and in a stimulating international environment, please visit http://www.eso.org for further details.
Applicants are invited to apply online at http://jobs.eso.org/. Applications must be completed in English and should include a motivation letter and CV.
Deadline for applications is 9 July 2023.
Interviews are expected to start soon after this date.
ESO Values
An important element in any successful employment relationship is harmony in values between an organisation and its people.
The ESO values are:
ESO strives for excellence through innovation.
ESO provides outstanding services to its communities.
ESO fosters diversity & inclusion.
ESO believes in the key role of sustainability for its future.
Achieving the above are recognized as only possible on the basis of personal values and attitudes that we expect from our employees: respect, integrity, accountability, commitment, collaboration, and clear & open communication.
Applicants to any ESO role are asked to reflect on their affinity with these values and advised they may be asked about them if called for interview.
Diversity
ESO has established diversity as an important value of the Organisation, is committed to providing an equal opportunities environment and is actively seeking to promote a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce. Please visit https://www.eso.org/public/about-eso/sustainability/dei-at-eso/ for further details.
Nationality
No nationality is excluded, however non-Chilean applicants must have the pertinent working permit, according to Chilean regulations, at the time of the application. The post is equally open to suitably qualified candidates irrespective of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity or religion.