Senior Procurement Specialist

Description

The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

OPCS Vice Presidency Context

The Operations Policy and Country Services (OPCS) of the World Bank plays a pivotal role in achieving the World Bank Group’s (WBG) mission. OPCS is at the center of the ‘operations complex’ and plays a critical role in supporting the Bank’s leadership on all issues related to Bank operations. OPCS develops and oversees operational policies and procedures for country engagement products, lending operations, advisory services and analytical support, financial management, procurement, environmental and social safeguards, as well as development outcome risk and results reporting. It also serves as a link between the operational units and the Board of Directors. OPCS provides advice and support to Bank management and staff as well as hands-on assistance to help teams apply the Bank’s policies, processes, and risk management tools for our country clients. Working in OPCS helps World Bank professionals gain broad exposure to strategic operations issues and develop a deeper understanding of the business of the Bank.

Procurement Department

The World Bank’s Procurement Framework—approved in July 2015 and operational since July 2016—provides a modern, fit‑for‑purpose approach that promotes choice, quality, and value for public spending. It enables countries to tailor procurement arrangements to their development contexts while ensuring integrity and value for money in operations financed through Investment Project Financing (IPF).

The Framework reflects extensive feedback from task teams and stakeholders and supports the Bank’s goal of strengthening procurement systems and practices globally. Over recent years, the Procurement Policy & Services (PR) anchor has led key modernization efforts, including:

•     Enhancing the procurement function to better serve internal and external clients;
•     Upholding the Bank’s fiduciary mandate to ensure that procurement of works, goods, non‑consulting services, and consultants is conducted in accordance with Bank policies and procedures;
•     Harmonizing procurement practices with development partners; and
•     Supporting procurement reform and capacity‑building initiatives across countries.

Duties and Accountabilities

Works independently under general direction of the Director and Chief Procurement Officer. Organizes and delivers the operations procurement functions assigned, ensuring appropriate fiduciary and quality controls, consistently and accurately applies and interprets operations procurement policy in handling complex procurement tasks and issues across Regions and Verticals.

• Develops and promotes innovation in Bank procurement policies to improve Bank project and sector work. Serves as a recognized authority on operational procurement, advising management and procurement staff on procurement issues across sectors.
• Conducts corporate review of project packages (PCN or PAD) at OC and ROC level for various lending instruments (IPF, PforR, and DPL).   
• Conducts consultations and drafts amendments to Procurement Framework, , Guidance Notes, and other procurement-related documents for internal review and the CPO approval.
• Engages GPs (Sector Units) in addressing sector-wide procurement issues and provides focal-point support to other departments within OPCS or programs of Regions or Verticals.
• Participates in groundbreaking or precedent-setting missions, as required, and plays a crucial role in developing innovative approaches to procurement, while simultaneously dealing with complex policy and operational issues at the global, regional, country, and sector levels.
• Plays a significant role in guiding and mentoring junior staff within OPSPR and delivers operational training interventions or the knowledge products in operational procurement.
• Designs/delivers capacity-building workshops for Bank staff and Borrowers.

Selection Criteria

• Requires an advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., Engineering, Law, Procurement, Finance, Business, or Commerce) and a minimum of 8 years of experience in procurement, including at least five years at senior specialist level.
• Deep knowledge in procurement tracking system  and proven experience in handling complex IT procurement or deploying digital technology in public procurement system or other public infrastructure, including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
• Ability to create standardized procurement document templates (RFPs, SOWs, contracts) and establish clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the procurement process. This includes streamlining procurement documentation to ensure efficiency and consistency across projects.
• Excellent communication skills for defending positions to various stakeholders and a proven track record of delivering high-quality results in operations procurement.
• Deep knowledge of Bank procurement policies across various sectors and project phases, with the ability to handle sensitive, country- and region-specific, and multicultural environments effectively.
• Deep knowledge and track record in procurement work in complete project cycle, including conceptualizing and designing procurement with innovations, implementation support, evaluation and monitoring at project and portfolio levels.
• Demonstrates high integrity, strong organizational skills.
• Multi Region experience is desirable. 
• Language requirements: Oral and written mastery of English is essential, and French is preferred.

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.