SSO CN Senior Contract Manager

The organisation

Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland (RCN) is the link between the executive services of the ministries present on the islands of Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba. Each ministry is responsible for the introduction and implementation of its own policies. The Shared Service Organisation Caribbean Netherlands (SSO CN) forms part of RCN, falls under the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, and provides operational management and support in the area of Human Resources Management (HRM), facilities management, ICT, finances, communications and procurement for all active Central Government departments based on the islands of the Caribbean Netherlands.

The department

The Procurement Department of SSO CN (established on Bonaire) is responsible for the acquisition of goods and services required for the proper functioning of the various government departments within the RCN. The Procurement Department operates in accordance with the rules and guidelines of the Central Government Procurement System. The main objectives of the Procurement Department are to boost the local economy, commission work professionally and reliably, procure efficiently, and make a positive impact through procurement.

Job description:

As a Senior Contract Manager, you play a crucial role in the contract management policy of our organisation. You translate this policy into practical tools and policy frameworks for the implementation. You act as a connecting link between various stakeholders and are able to get colleagues on board with the changes that will further professionalise our department. In this position, you take on a coordinating role and monitor the progress of the contract management process.

Job responsibilities

• Quality and Timeliness: You ensure the quality and timeliness of the process of concluding contracts with suppliers. In doing so, you ensure that clear performance targets are established.

• Services: You coordinate, monitor and evaluate the quality of the services within current (strategic) contracts and act as the point of contact in the event of escalations.

• Sparring Partner and Knowledge Transfer: To colleagues and clients, you are a pleasant and capable sparring partner. With your specialist knowledge, you are an expert in your field and are able to communicate this clearly.

• Contract Advice and Calls for Tenders: You advise on tendering processes and ensure that new contracts are properly embedded in the organisation.

• Interdepartmental Cooperation: You work across departments and play an active role on the Tender Board. In addition, you maintain contacts across the Central Government.

• Contract Evaluations and Improvement Actions: You are responsible for reviewing contracts with suppliers, documenting any necessary improvement measures and following these up to ensure the best possible service and collaboration.

• Proactive Role: You have a proactive role in establishing contractual obligations and monitor whether the contracts are being utilised to their full potential.

Job requirements

• Your professional and intellectual ability is at the level of Higher Professional Education (HBO) or University Education (WO) and you preferably have a background in (business) economics, law or public administration.

• You have at least 3 to 5 years of relevant work experience.

• Work experience with a contracting authority is preferred in combination with experience in the private sector.

• Completion of the NEVI 1 and 2 courses, or the National Academy for Procurement & Tendering, or an equivalent course, is preferred.

• You have up-to-date knowledge of European laws and regulations relating to procurement and contract management.

• Knowledge of the category management system within the Central Government is preferred.

• An extensive network within Procurement and Operations of the Central Government is preferred.

• You preferably have experience and affinity with working in a Caribbean context.

• You have command of the Dutch and English languages in the spoken and the written word, Papiamento is preferred.

Competencies

• Customer focus
• Analytical skills
• Persuasiveness
• Networking and cooperation
• Situational awareness / organisational sensitivity
• Planning and organisation
• Accuracy
• Critical thinking

What do we offer?

• An appointment in conformity with the Rechstpositiebesluit Ambtenaren BES (BES Legal Status of Civil Servants Decree);

• A salary in line with the market, in initial salary scale 11/ job salary scale 12 from a minimum of $4.338,- and a maximum of $6.340,- based on a work week of 36 hours. A pay grade based on knowledge and experience;

• A holiday pay (8.33% of the gross monthly income);

• A13^th month (8.33% of the annual income);

• Vitality allowance;

• A pension plan administered by Pensioenfonds Caribisch Nederland (PCN);

• 182 holiday hours based on a work week of 36 hours;

• A temporary appointment of one year with the prospect of a permanent appointment in case of good performance and a positive appraisal;

• A relocation scheme for applicants not living in the island.

Procedure

An assessment, case and/or reference check may be part of the procedure.
The following order of priority is applied during the selection process:

• Official RCN staff on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba (internal);
• Residents of the Caribbean part of the Netherlands (external);
• Other candidates (external);

Terms of appointment

• A Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG);
•  Medical examination in connection with mandatory registration with the pension fund (with a personal contribution);
• Dutch citizenship.

Important information for interested applicants living outside the Caribbean Netherlands

• The salary is paid in American dollars, the official currency in the Caribbean Netherlands;

• The Caribbean Netherlands has its own tax regulations. Income above the tax-free allowance $21,956 in 2026 is taxed at 29.4% in the first bracket (up to an income of $53,198). A tax rate of 38.4% applies to the second bracket;

• You are or will become a resident of the Caribbean Netherlands.

More information?

For more information about the vacancy you can contact Berry Poort, Procurement Manager, telephone +599 795 4968 and/or email: berry.poort@rijksdienstCN.com

Digital applications:

You may send your curriculum vitae with cover letter to vacature@rijksdienstCN.com