AG08- VBAE Project Manager, Paris (France)

1. Background

The VBAE (Véhicule Blindé d’Aide à l’Engagement) is a future light armoured vehicle designed in cooperation between France and Belgium. OCCAR-EA is managing the VBAE Programme on behalf of these nations.

The VBAE Programme is finishing the pre-design study for the preparation and definition phase (Stage 1) and initiates the preparation of a contract for Stage 2 (development, production and support).

The VBAE programme is currently embedded in the OCCAR Small Programmes Programme Division and is managed by the VBAE Project Manager, supported by shared resources of the Division. The ProjM will lead 2 dedicated staff positions to assist in the Stage 2 contract preparation: a technical project officer and a contracting officer. This structure is maintained until Dec 2027.

Starting in 2028, it is expected that the VBAE Programme will be managed in a new OCCAR Division dedicated to the French, Belgian and Luxemburg cooperation on ‘SCORPION’ land systems. The location for this Division is not yet determined, although it is anticipated to be Paris or Brussels.

The initial contract for this post covers a period of 13 months. Subject to the VBAE Stage 2 Contract Signature, the necessary agreements will be put in place to enable this post to migrate to the new Division and a contract extension may be offered to the post holder.

2. Duties and Responsibilities

1. Duties and Responsibilities

As a member of the Small Programmes Programme Division (SP PD), the VBAE Project Manager will be responsible to the Programme Manager for handling all managerial, technical and contractual issues regarding the VBAE Programme, supported by the shared resources of SP PD (for Finance, Risk, Reporting, ICT and other corporate matters). The full focus will be the preparation of the Stage 2 contract up until the signature.

Under the supervision of the SP PD PM, the post holder:

• is the VBAE Project Manager within the Small Programmes PD;

• is the focal point for Industries and Official Services for all questions related to VBAE;

• is responsible of the VBAE contract preparation activities such as requirements management, tender assessment and negotiation, and other contractual activities;

• monitors the fulfilment of the milestones in the road to contract signature;

• updates the necessary reporting and planning schedules with the major key events covering the performed activities;

• prepares the Programme Management Plan (PMP) as part of the overall Business Plan of the OCCAR Executive Administration;

• after contract award, in the optional period, will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the VBAE Programme;

• ensures the implementation and application of the OCCAR Risk Management methodology and tools into the VBAE Programme;

• is required to report to the Small Programmes Programme Division PM any threat to the execution of the Project with respect to timescales, costs and performance;

Within the framework of the delegation given to them by the SP PD PM, they have:

• the responsibility to achieve the Programme’s Milestones.

• the responsibility to prepare and submit both operational and administrative budgets to enable delivery of the Programme HLOs as defined in the newly to be prepared VBAE Stage 2 Programme Decision (ProgD);

• to provide the PSs, upon their request, with information needed for fulfilling their national obligations relative to the management of the VBAE Programme;

• to report to and communicate with the PB, PC and related working groups on all VBAE matters keeping the SP PD PM informed;

• to establish and manage Expert Working Groups (EWGs) on specific topics, as required, requesting the competent national experts through the National Programme Coordinators (NPCs);

• to coordinate all necessary activities for the finalisation and implementation of all international arrangements and related amendments required for the VBAE Programme;

In the optional period subject to Stage 2 contract award, in addition to the above:

• to oversee the execution of contracts, and ensure that the objectives regarding performance, time schedules and costs are met;

• to coordinate activities with the VBAE NPCs to ensure that appropriate specialist support or other Government Furnished Equipment/Information/Services (GFX) are available as required;

They will perform any related duties and temporary additional tasks related to the Programme.

3. Key competences and skills required for the grade

(You must provide evidence of meeting these key competences and skills in your Application, Section 12).

CS 1 Executive management skills and the ability to manage complex negotiations as well as dealing with difficult situations such as conflicts proven through results attained in performing jobs in this field for other national/international organisations;

CS 2 Excellent interpersonal, team working and leadership skills with the ability to interact sensitively, effectively and professionally with people from diverse cultural, educational and professional backgrounds;

CS 3 Conceptual thinking with the ability to analyse complex and wide-ranging questions, issues and information, with a structured approach to the problemsolving process, including providing recommended solutions and a proposed way forward;

CS 4 The ability to work in a changing, developing and demanding environment with the ability to orchestrate and implement clear, efficient and logical approaches to work, to manage time, assignments and objectives;

CS 5 The ability to use Computer and Information Technology (ICT) facilities, with a working knowledge of MS Office software.

4. Specialist knowledge and experience required for the post

(You must provide evidence of meeting these specialist requirements in your Application, Sections 10 and 11).

4.1 Essential:

ES 1

Experience in defence programme procurement (involving armoured vehicles);

ES 2

Experience in Programme Management: contract negotiation and award, relations with industrial and governmental stakeholders, managing contractors and commercial management activities;

ES 3

Sound technical competencies and proven experience in the field of armoured vehicles and wide experience in their testing, qualification, certification and acceptance processes;

ES 4

Awareness and knowledge of European defence structures and International Organisations involved in armaments acquisition and support;

ES 5

Awareness and knowledge of managing classified information.

4.2 Desirable:

DS 1

Experience in defence programme management involving integration of sensors, armament or C2 means into vehicles;

DS 2

Experience in international cooperation activities;

DS 3

Knowledge of Risk Management and reporting, Life Cycle Costing, Quality Management Systems and Configuration Control;

DS 4

Knowledge of planning and reporting;

DS 5 Knowledge and previous experience of working in an operational requirements development.

5. Language Requirements

1. Language Requirements

• ADVANCED level¹ of ENGLISH both oral and written.

• Working level French language skills.

6. Qualifications

1. Qualifications

A university degree or equivalent qualification in the activities directly related to the described tasks is required.

At least 5 years of experience of working in Armament Programmes in a governmental, industrial or international organisation.

7. Security Clearance

1. Security Clearance

Security clearance at OCCAR Secret level is required for this post, or must be obtained within 6 months of taking up duty.

8. Applications and Points of Contact

1. Applications and Points of Contact

For further information regarding this Post, please contact:

Email: application@occar.int

Applications for this Vacancy Notice should be submitted to application@occar.int

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¹The language levels can be found on the OCCAR website, www.occar.int Careers / Applying.