  We consider within QCD collinear factorization the process $p+p\to {\rm jet}
+{\rm jet} +X$, where two forward high-$p_T$ jets are produced with a large
separation in rapidity $\Delta y$ (Mueller-Navelet jets). In this case the
(calculable) hard part of the reaction receives large higher-order corrections
$\sim \alpha^n_s (\Delta y)^n$, which can be accounted for in the BFKL approach
with next-to-leading logarithmic accuracy, including contributions $\sim
\alpha^n_s (\Delta y)^{n-1}$. We calculate several observables related with
this process, using the next-to-leading order jet vertices, recently calculated
in the approximation of small aperture of the jet cone in the
pseudorapidity-azimuthal angle plane.
