SSO CN Senior Procurement Advisor

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 itself substantively responsible for the introduction and implementation of policies of its own ministry. 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), facility management, ICT, finance, communications and procurement for all active departments of the Central Government 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 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 Procurement Advisor, you are responsible for the procurement policy and translate that policy into policy frameworks and practical tools for the implementation. You enjoy working as part of a team, connecting and coaching others, and helping colleagues embrace the changes that will further professionalise the organisation and the department. In this position, you coordinate and monitor the progress of the strategic and tactical procurement, whilst fulfilling a coordinating role.

Responsibilities

• As a Senior Procurement Advisor, you work on more complex tendering processes. You carry out the projects independently and are responsible for the realisation of the agreement;
• Working in collaboration with internal clients and as a partner to category management, you prepare procurement processes and draw up the tender plan;
• You write clear, concise recommendations and procurement documents, and you resolve disputes;
• To colleagues and clients, you are a pleasant and capable sparring partner. This is because your specialist procurement knowledge makes you an expert in your field, and because you are able to communicate this knowledge effectively and clearly;
• You draw up multi-year plans relating to tenders for (framework) agreements;
• You advise the clients within RCN on the options and aspects in the area of procurement and the applicable relevant guidelines and regulations;
• You lead, supervise and coordinate more complex procurement and tendering processes;
• Together with the Contract Manager, you oversee the process from the conclusion of procurement (framework) agreements through to delivery and maintenance agreements;
• You liaise with category management in the European Netherlands and carry out market research;
• You are responsible for ensuring that procurement files are accurate and complete.

Job requirements

• Your intellectual and professional 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 between three and five 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 State Academy for Procurement & Tendering or comparable is preferred;
• You have up-to-date knowledge of European laws and regulations relating to procurement;
• Knowledge of the Category Management System within the Central Government is preferred;
• An extensive network within the Procurement Department of the Central Government and the business operations of the Central Government is preferred;
• You have written and spoken proficiency in the Dutch and English language; Papiamento is preferred;
• You preferably have experience and affinity with working in a Caribbean context.

Competencies

• Customer focus
• Analytical skills
• Persuasiveness
• Networking / cooperation
• Situational awareness / organisational awareness
• 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.