COMMERICAL AND CONTRACT SECTION LEADER - Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (Munich)
About this position
The summary below is published by Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation on the official vacancy notice. Our own analysis — salary realism, comparable openings, career trajectory, language profile — follows further down the page.
OCCAR UNCLASSIFIED – STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
> Form IP 45-2Issue 4. 6 > 2026 VN AF09 COMMERCIAL AND CONTRACT SECTION LEADER –Page 1of 6
# VACANCY NOTICE
Post AF09 - COMMERCIAL AND CONTRACT SECTION LEADER
Nationality Vacancy is only open to nationals of a MALE RPAS
Programme participating State (Germany, France, Italy
and Spain).
Grade
A5, Step 1
We offer an excellent compensation package.
Find out more on our remuneration webpage .
Division MALE RPAS Programme Division
Section Commercial and Contract Section
Management of Staff 4
Location Munich/Hallbergmoos , DE
Initial Contract Duration 3 years
Closing Date for Applications 14 September 2026
Start Date 01 January 202 7
Interview Date Week commencing on 12 October 2026 2026 VN AF09 COMMERCIAL AND CONTRACT SECTION LEADER – Page 2 of 6
1. Background
The European Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Air System
(RPAS) Programme is a multinational cooperative programme with the participation of
the Federal Republic of Germany, the French Republic, the Italian Republic and the
Kingdom of Spain, recently joined by Japan a nd India as observers.
The MALE RPAS Programme Division (MRPD) is responsible for the execution of the
Contracts for the Definition, Development, Production and In Service Support for the
MALE RPAS, and of any potential additional Contracts in specific are as.
The MALE RPAS Programme Division is based in Hallbergmoos (Munich area), Germany.
To date, the MALE RPAS Programme has successfully passed towards gradual key
milestones. A Definition Study was launched in 2016 to define common requirements
among the P rogramme Participating States (PPSs) and was successfully concluded in
2018. The Invitation for Tendering for a Stage 2 Contract (Development and Production
including 5 years of Initial In -service Support) was launched in October 2018. The
subsequent two y ears were fully devoted to negotiating and refining the industry offer to
ensure that the contract would meet PPS’ expectations in terms of performance,
affordability and value for money. The Stage 2 Contract was signed on 24 February 2022.
The MALE RPAS Programme has successfully passed the Preliminary Design Review in
2024 and the Critical Design Review in 2025 that concludes the design phase enabling the
start of prototype production and paving the way to the first flight.
In this context, the Contract a nd Commercial Section is responsible for all contractual,
commercial and financial activities, but also manages this European armament
Programme with respect to the European Defence Fund (EDF) and other future funds
established by the European Commission ( EU -Com) strengthening European sovereignty
and continuously aiming at improving the effectiveness of European industrial defence
cooperation.
2. Duties and Responsibilities
The Commercial and Contract Section Leader supports and advises on all lega l and
commercial topics for the MR PD and will oversee PPSs MOU/IA negotiations. They will be
central to drafting or amending all Programme Decisions (ProgD) between PPSs and
OCCAR -EA. The post holder reports to the MALE RPAS Programme Manager.
The responsi bilities will include:
> ▪
The set up of the contract management strategy;
> ▪
Preparation, negotiation, conclusion and closure of contracts and contract
amendments;
> ▪
Provide advice and support of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
negotiations;
> ▪
Provide legal advice relating to all Programme Division activities; 2026 VN AF09 COMMERCIAL AND CONTRACT SECTION LEADER – Page 3 of 6
> ▪
Manage the operational and administrative budget and all resulting EDF (or other EU
funding) implications;
> ▪
Manage the section staff;
> ▪
Lead and supervise the commercial part of the process for integ rated programme
planning focused on high level objectives.
In particular, they will:
> ▪
Lead the Contract negotiation with selected Contractor/Industry;
> ▪
Lead the price negotiation of the Stage 2 Global Contract and potential other
Contracts under Stage 2 incl uding the involvement of PPSs’ National Pricing
Authorities;
> ▪
Strategic input to the Programme Manager with particular emphasis on the Stage 2
Global Contract towards the Contractor or the MALE RPAS industrial consortium in
case of EDF or other EU contribut ions ;
> ▪
Manag e all contract, finance and legal issues for EDF or other EU contributions for the
MALE RPAS programme ;
> ▪
Establishment of Procurement Strategies/Contract Routes for future
Phases/requirements;
> ▪
Oversight and Management of all Programme Division finances and budgets;
> ▪
Preparation and scrutiny of budgets, forecasts and presentation of budget
submissions to PPSs;
> ▪
Liaison and advice to PPSs on specific Programme commercial, contract and legal
issues;
> ▪
Programme Division advice and support to M emorandum of Understanding (MOU)
and ProgD negotiations;
> ▪
Legal and contract advice on all Programme and Programme Division matters and
associated issues;
> ▪
Oversight and mentor for MALE RPAS Site Support Assistant relating to Contract and
Finance matters;
> ▪
Ma nage and co -ordinate the activities of invoicing ensuring timely payment of due
invoices;
> ▪
Briefing to PPSs at senior level on all Commercial and Contract Issues;
> ▪
Liaison, presentation and interface with Board of Auditors, Internal Audit Office and
PPSs’ auditors etc;
> ▪
Management of all Commercial and Contract staff. 2026 VN AF09 COMMERCIAL AND CONTRACT SECTION LEADER – Page 4 of 6
The Commercial and Contract Section Leader will also:
> ▪
Ensure application of OCCAR procurement methodology, contractual rules and
regulations, framework documents including OCCAR MALE RPAS ProgD’s and MRPD
Divisional Instructions ;
> ▪
Ensure effective coordination and co -operation with OCCAR/Programme
Management Support Division (PMSD) and Finance Division (FD);
> ▪
Apply the financial principles and rules of OCCAR OMP10 and follow guidance and
sup ervision provided by Head of Finance Division (FD);
> ▪
Ensure effective coordination and co -operation with other international organisation,
such as e.g. the EU -Commission on funding rules and regulations;
> ▪
Build good professional working relationships with In dustry, PPSs and OCCAR -EA.
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 ability proven through results attained in performing
jobs in this field for other national/international organisations;
CS 2 Excellent leadership, interpersonal and team working 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 problem -
solving 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 Com puter and Information Technology (ICT) facilities, with a
working knowledge of MS Office software. 2026 VN AF09 COMMERCIAL AND CONTRACT SECTION LEADER – Page 5 of 6
4. Specialist knowledge and experience required for the post
(You must provide evidence of meeting these s pecialist requirements in your Application,
Sectio ns 10 and 11).
4.1 Essential:
ES 1 Thorough and proven experience in complex defence programmes in a
multi -national environment incl. defence structures, organisation and
industries;
ES 2 Thorough and proven senior experience of leading contract
negotiations , incl. pricing of major programmes nationally and
internationally;
ES 3 Experience in leading the management and monitoring of complex
defence contracts;
ES 4 Experience in budget planning and finance management of complex
defence procurement programmes ;
ES 5 Experience in nego tiating MOUs and/or other international
agreements.
4.2 Desirable:
DS 1 Proven hands -on experience and knowledge of MALE RPAS Participating
State contract law, particularly German contract law, and ITAR/EAR
regulations ;
DS 2 Awareness of financial procedures of other defence related structures
and organisations , incl. audit preparations and execution ;
DS 3 Knowledge of national pricing procedures and processes from at least
one MALE RPAS Participating State ;
DS 4 Hands -on e xperience in the use of co mplex ERP systems (such as
ORACLE; SAP etc.) ;
DS 5 Knowledge of Through Life Management and Risk Management
concept s.2026 VN AF09 COMMERCIAL AND CONTRACT SECTION LEADER – Page 6 of 6
5. Language Requirements
> ▪
ADVANCED level 1 of ENGLISH both oral and written.
> ▪
Additional knowledge of another OCCAR Member or Participating State's language
will be considered as an asset.
6. Qualifications
A university degree or equivalent qualification in the activities directly related to the
described tasks is required .
7. Security Clearance
Security clearance at OCCAR Secret level is required for this post , or must be acquired
within 6 months of taking up duty.
8. Applications and Points of Contact
For further information regarding this Post, please contact:
OCCAR Privacy Statement:
When applying for an OCCAR vacancy, it is necessary for OCCAR to collect and process
personal data about you in order to assess and evaluate your suitability for the vacancy, and
(if successful) to c
Position details
- Reference
- AF09
- Last Verified
- 6 August 2026
Position overview
This is the official EU Careers listing for COMMERICAL AND CONTRACT SECTION LEADER at OCCAR based in Munich. The vacancy reference is AF09.
OCCAR UNCLASSIFIED – STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
> Form IP 45-2Issue 4. 6 > 2026 VN AF09 COMMERCIAL AND CONTRACT SECTION LEADER –Page 1of 6
# VACANCY NOTICE
Post AF09 - COMMERCIAL AND CONTRACT SECTION LEADER
Nationality Vacancy is only open to nationals of a MALE RPAS
Programme participating State (Germany, France, Italy
and Spain).
Grade
A5, Step 1
We offer an excellent compensation package.
Find out more on our remuneration webpage .
Division MALE RPAS Programme Division
Section Commercial and Contract Section
Management of Staff 4
Location Munich/Hallbergmoos , DE
Initial Contract Duration 3 years
Closing Date for Applications 14 September 2026
Start Date 01 January 202 7
Interview Date Week commencing on 12 October 2026 2026 VN AF09 COMMERCIAL AND CONTRACT SECTION LEADER – Page 2 of 6
1. Background
The European Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Air System
(RPAS) Programme is a multinational cooperative programme with the participation of
the Federal Republic of Germany, the French Republic, the Italian Republic and the
Kingdom of Spain, recently joined by Japan a nd India as observers.
The MALE RPAS Programme Division (MRPD) is responsible for the execution of the
Contracts for the Definition, Development, Production and In Service Support for the
MALE RPAS, and of any potential additional Contracts in specific are as.
The MALE RPAS Programme Division is based in Hallbergmoos (Munich area), Germany.
To date, the MALE RPAS Programme has successfully passed towards gradual key
milestones. A Definition Study was launched in 2016 to define common requirements
among the P rogramme Participating States (PPSs) and was successfully concluded in
2018. The Invitation for Tendering for a Stage 2 Contract (Development and Production
including 5 years of Initial In -service Support) was launched in October 2018. The
subsequent two y ears were fully devoted to negotiating and refining the industry offer to
ensure that the contract would meet PPS’ expectations in terms of performance,
affordability and value for money. The Stage 2 Contract was signed on 24 February 2022.
The MALE RPAS Programme has successfully passed the Preliminary Design Review in
2024 and the Critical Design Review in 2025 that concludes the design phase enabling the
start of prototype production and paving the way to the first flight.
In this context, the Contract a nd Commercial Section is responsible for all contractual,
commercial and financial activities, but also manages this European armament
Programme with respect to the European Defence Fund (EDF) and other future funds
established by the European Commission ( EU -Com) strengthening European sovereignty
and continuously aiming at improving the effectiveness of European industrial defence
cooperation.
2. Duties and Responsibilities
The Commercial and Contract Section Leader supports and advises on all lega l and
commercial topics for the MR PD and will oversee PPSs MOU/IA negotiations. They will be
central to drafting or amending all Programme Decisions (ProgD) between PPSs and
OCCAR -EA. The post holder reports to the MALE RPAS Programme Manager.
The responsi bilities will include:
> ▪
The set up of the contract management strategy;
> ▪
Preparation, negotiation, conclusion and closure of contracts and contract
amendments;
> ▪
Provide advice and support of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
negotiations;
> ▪
Provide legal advice relating to all Programme Division activities; 2026 VN AF09 COMMERCIAL AND CONTRACT SECTION LEADER – Page 3 of 6
> ▪
Manage the operational and administrative budget and all resulting EDF (or other EU
funding) implications;
> ▪
Manage the section staff;
> ▪
Lead and supervise the commercial part of the process for integ rated programme
planning focused on high level objectives.
In particular, they will:
> ▪
Lead the Contract negotiation with selected Contractor/Industry;
> ▪
Lead the price negotiation of the Stage 2 Global Contract and potential other
Contracts under Stage 2 incl uding the involvement of PPSs’ National Pricing
Authorities;
> ▪
Strategic input to the Programme Manager with particular emphasis on the Stage 2
Global Contract towards the Contractor or the MALE RPAS industrial consortium in
case of EDF or other EU contribut ions ;
> ▪
Manag e all contract, finance and legal issues for EDF or other EU contributions for the
MALE RPAS programme ;
> ▪
Establishment of Procurement Strategies/Contract Routes for future
Phases/requirements;
> ▪
Oversight and Management of all Programme Division finances and budgets;
> ▪
Preparation and scrutiny of budgets, forecasts and presentation of budget
submissions to PPSs;
> ▪
Liaison and advice to PPSs on specific Programme commercial, contract and legal
issues;
> ▪
Programme Division advice and support to M emorandum of Understanding (MOU)
and ProgD negotiations;
> ▪
Legal and contract advice on all Programme and Programme Division matters and
associated issues;
> ▪
Oversight and mentor for MALE RPAS Site Support Assistant relating to Contract and
Finance matters;
> ▪
Ma nage and co -ordinate the activities of invoicing ensuring timely payment of due
invoices;
> ▪
Briefing to PPSs at senior level on all Commercial and Contract Issues;
> ▪
Liaison, presentation and interface with Board of Auditors, Internal Audit Office and
PPSs’ auditors etc;
> ▪
Management of all Commercial and Contract staff. 2026 VN AF09 COMMERCIAL AND CONTRACT SECTION LEADER – Page 4 of 6
The Commercial and Contract Section Leader will also:
> ▪
Ensure application of OCCAR procurement methodology, contractual rules and
regulations, framework documents including OCCAR MALE RPAS ProgD’s and MRPD
Divisional Instructions ;
> ▪
Ensure effective coordination and co -operation with OCCAR/Programme
Management Support Division (PMSD) and Finance Division (FD);
> ▪
Apply the financial principles and rules of OCCAR OMP10 and follow guidance and
sup ervision provided by Head of Finance Division (FD);
> ▪
Ensure effective coordination and co -operation with other international organisation,
such as e.g. the EU -Commission on funding rules and regulations;
> ▪
Build good professional working relationships with In dustry, PPSs and OCCAR -EA.
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 ability proven through results attained in performing
jobs in this field for other national/international organisations;
CS 2 Excellent leadership, interpersonal and team working 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 problem -
solving 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 Com puter and Information Technology (ICT) facilities, with a
working knowledge of MS Office software. 2026 VN AF09 COMMERCIAL AND CONTRACT SECTION LEADER – Page 5 of 6
4. Specialist knowledge and experience required for the post
(You must provide evidence of meeting these s pecialist requirements in your Application,
Sectio ns 10 and 11).
4.1 Essential:
ES 1 Thorough and proven experience in complex defence programmes in a
multi -national environment incl. defence structures, organisation and
industries;
ES 2 Thorough and proven senior experience of leading contract
negotiations , incl. pricing of major programmes nationally and
internationally;
ES 3 Experience in leading the management and monitoring of complex
defence contracts;
ES 4 Experience in budget planning and finance management of complex
defence procurement programmes ;
ES 5 Experience in nego tiating MOUs and/or other international
agreements.
4.2 Desirable:
DS 1 Proven hands -on experience and knowledge of MALE RPAS Participating
State contract law, particularly German contract law, and ITAR/EAR
regulations ;
DS 2 Awareness of financial procedures of other defence related structures
and organisations , incl. audit preparations and execution ;
DS 3 Knowledge of national pricing procedures and processes from at least
one MALE RPAS Participating State ;
DS 4 Hands -on e xperience in the use of co mplex ERP systems (such as
ORACLE; SAP etc.) ;
DS 5 Knowledge of Through Life Management and Risk Management
concept s.2026 VN AF09 COMMERCIAL AND CONTRACT SECTION LEADER – Page 6 of 6
5. Language Requirements
> ▪
ADVANCED level 1 of ENGLISH both oral and written.
> ▪
Additional knowledge of another OCCAR Member or Participating State's language
will be considered as an asset.
6. Qualifications
A university degree or equivalent qualification in the activities directly related to the
described tasks is required .
7. Security Clearance
Security clearance at OCCAR Secret level is required for this post , or must be acquired
within 6 months of taking up duty.
8. Applications and Points of Contact
For further information regarding this Post, please contact:
OCCAR Privacy Statement:
When applying for an OCCAR vacancy, it is necessary for OCCAR to collect and process
personal data about you in order to assess and evaluate your suitability for the vacancy, and
(if successful) to c
Application timeline
This vacancy was first listed on 28 July 2026, 9 days ago.
No closing date is published in the source feed for this position. EU vacancies typically remain open for four to eight weeks; check the official vacancy notice for the cut-off date and time.
Last verified against the EU Careers feed on 6 August 2026.
Where to learn more
For headcount, mission, and other open vacancies at OCCAR see the OCCAR institution page; for the cost of living, correction coefficient, and other postings in Munich see our Munich location page.
New to EU careers? Our beginner's guide walks through entry routes, EPSO competitions, and what to prepare. For application logistics see application tips and EPSO competitions.
Career trajectory
Language profile
Application cadence
Visit the official Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation website
Source: This job listing was sourced from the officialEU Careers portal (EPSO). First published: .