Contract Specialist

The Office of Procurement, Contracts and Grants (OPCG) is the DHHS central organization for managing the Departments procurement, contract, and grant policies and processes. In that capacity, OPCG manages the development of contract and grant documents in compliance with statutory guidelines, performs significant customer outreach and education of DHHS Divisions and stakeholders, ensures the integrity of the procurement and grant system & processes and supports the overall DHHS Mission.

The Office of Procurement, Contracts, and Grants (OPCG) Contracts Specialist II collaborates, coordinates and assists the Divisions within DHHS with the development of solicitation documents in compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements.

Job responsibilities include the following:

• Independently develop and prepare specifications.

• Prepare Requests for Proposals, Invitations for Bids, Request for Quotes and Memorandum of Agreements.

• Draft and manage complex IT and non-IT contracts.

• Conduct negotiations for complex formal solicitations and agreements, which may include, professional, highly technical services, or materials and equipment.

About the DHHS Office if Procurement, Contracts, and Grants:

The Office of Procurement, Contracts and Grants (OPCG) located within the Department of Health and Human Services handles approximately $900 million dollars annually in procurements of good and services for our internal customers (other divisions within DHHS). The unit manages the Department's contracting activities to support a wide range of health and social services provided to the people of North Carolina.

About the NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS):

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

Compensation and Benefits:

The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees. Visit website for benefits.

Listed below are the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) associated with the position. These KSAs, along with the minimum education and experience listed, are required in order to be deemed "eligible" for the position therefore you must provide supporting information, within the body of your application, to demonstrate your possession of each KSA listed.

Qualified applicants must possess, and application must clearly reflect work experience that demonstrates the following:

• Documented knowledge and experience of the State's E-procurement system (Ariba) including the sourcing tool and contract workspace modules.

• Demonstrated experience with analyzing and resolving problems.

• Documented experience to adapt to various computer software programs.

• Proven working knowledge of purchasing practices and procedures.

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint. Periodic travel is required in performing the duties of this position.

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an "equivalent combination of education and experience." If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See https://oshr.nc.gov/experience-guide for details.

Bachelors degree in business or related area from an appropriately accredited institution and four years of progressive procurement or contract administration experience;

OR

equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Requirements Completion of the North Carolina Contract Management Certification Program within one (1) year of hire into the position.The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer who embraces an Employment First philosophy which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws and Executive Orders.  We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job.

For more information about DHHS: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/.

DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals.  Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.

It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive information.  Information should be provided in the appropriate areas to include the beginning and ending dates of jobs worked, education with the date graduated, all work experience, and certificates / licenses.  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.  Answers to Supplemental Questions must refer to education or work experience listed on this application to receive credit.   Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

• Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications.

• Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach a NGB 23A (RPAS) if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.  If a former member of the NC National Guard, who served for at least 6 years and was discharged under honorable conditions, they must attach either a DD256 or NGB 22.

• If applicants earned college credit hours but did not complete a degree program, they must attach an unofficial transcript to each application to receive credit for this education.

• Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. All candidates selected for positions considered "Positions of Trust" will be subject to a criminal background check.

Applications for positions requiring specific coursework must be accompanied by a copy of the applicant's transcript. Applicants with degrees not conferred at a United States college or university must attach verification that their degree is equivalent to a similar degree from a U.S. institution. The Office of State Human Resources uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent. For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at https://www.naces.org/members.  Transcripts, degree evaluations and cover letters may be uploaded with your application.

NOTE:  Applicants will be communicated with via email only for updates on the status of their application or any questions on their application.  If there are any questions about this posting other than your application status, please contact HR at 919-855-4930.

To check the status of an application, please log in to your NC Government Job Opportunities account and click "Application Status".

For technical issues with your application, please call the NeoGov Help Line at 877-204-4442.   If you have a technical issue with your Government Jobs account, please call their Help Line at 1-855-524-5627.