Senior Advisor in Contract and Procurement Law

Senior Advisor in Contract and Procurement Law 260625-HKO-003

Location: Westraven (Utrecht)

About

The implementing organization of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, working daily towards a safe, liveable, and accessible Netherlands.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Advisor in Contract and Procurement Law to provide expert mandate advice and support on contractual and EU procurement matters within civil engineering execution projects. This is a temporary assignment with the option for extension up to 24 months (2 x 12 months maximum).

Key Responsibilities

• Provide contractual legal and EU procurement advice for civil engineering execution projects
• Deliver mandate advice to support project teams and leadership
• Follow up on improvement actions identified in the 2025 complaints and mandate report
• Simplify and streamline the preparation of contractual and procurement legal advice
• Clear existing backlogs in advisory work
• Support colleagues and alleviate workload pressures
• Prepare the organization for future advisory services with user-centered approaches

Management Structure

This position includes management and supervision responsibilities.

Essential Competencies

Analytical Thinking

• Analyze complex issues from multiple perspectives
• Establish relevant connections and identify potential risks
• Develop comprehensive solutions to contractual and procurement challenges

Written Communication Skills

• Communicate legal concepts clearly and accessibly in Dutch
• Translate complex legal information for non-legal stakeholders
• Produce well-structured, compelling written advice

Persuasiveness

• Substantiate viewpoints with clear, evidence-based arguments
• Respond thoughtfully to counterarguments
• Maintain professional conviction when necessary

Organizational Sensitivity

• Understand organizational dynamics, hierarchies, and power structures
• Empathize with diverse departmental interests
• Navigate complex stakeholder environments effectively

Requirements (Mandatory)

Candidates must meet the following criteria to be considered:

1. Minimum 5 years of proven experience providing contractual legal and EU procurement advice at a major public client in the civil engineering sector
2. University-level education in private law or related legal discipline

Preferred Qualifications

1. Deep knowledge of EU procurement law with hands-on experience with civil engineering contract types including:
• UAVGC (Unified Administrative and Contractual Conditions)
• DBFM (Design, Build, Finance, Maintain)
• D&C (Design & Construct)
2. Demonstrated competencies as outlined above, evidenced through:
• Curriculum vitae
• Cover letter
• Performance in potential interview discussions

Key Requirements & Important Information

Language Requirements

• Excellent command of Dutch language (spoken and written) is essential for effective performance

Employment Structure

• This assignment is NOT available for self-employed professionals or entrepreneurs with their own private limited company
• Fee-only construction arrangements are not accepted
• This is an employment-based assignment with Rijkswaterstaat

Duration & Flexibility

• Extension option: Maximum 2 x 12 months
• Minimum notice period for early termination: 1 month

Areas of Expertise

• Legal & HR Expertise
• Water Management
• Construction & Civil Engineering
• Infrastructure & Roads
• Installation Technology
• Mechanical/Electrical Engineering & Industrial Automation