Senior Procurement Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank is a global development cooperative established to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries. Founded in 1944, it is owned by 189 member countries and is the largest development bank in the world. The organization aims to reduce poverty and support development by providing loans, guarantees, risk management products, and advisory services. The World Bank operates in numerous countries, focusing on various sectors including agriculture, education, health, and infrastructure. It has a significant presence in Sub-Saharan Africa, where it is committed to addressing challenges such as education gaps, health issues, and climate change, with a portfolio of over 335 projects totaling more than $63.9 billion. The World Bank's mission is to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity, particularly in regions where the majority of the world's extreme poor are projected to live by 2030.

Job Overview:
The Senior Procurement Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting procurement reforms and fiduciary services for Bank-financed projects in Senegal. This position requires a highly organized and experienced professional who can work independently under general direction. The Specialist will be responsible for ensuring appropriate fiduciary and quality controls in procurement decisions, leading complex procurement tasks, and advising clients and colleagues. The role involves engaging in dialogue regarding the modernization of the public procurement system, including aspects such as green procurement and the professionalization of procurement staff. The Specialist will also be tasked with developing and promoting innovations in procurement policies to enhance service delivery and development outcomes, ensuring value for money in public procurement, and contributing to the professionalization of procurement functions in client countries. This position is integral to the World Bank's efforts to improve procurement systems and practices in the region, ultimately aiming to enhance the effectiveness of development projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Organize and deliver procurement services in Senegal, ensuring fiduciary and quality controls are in place.
• Lead and advise on complex procurement tasks and issues, facilitating dialogue on public procurement reforms.
• Develop and promote innovations in procurement policies to improve project outcomes.
• Support client countries in achieving value for money in public procurement.
• Conduct reviews of procurement aspects of Bank documents and prepare procurement-related reports.
• Handle procurement cases subject to reviews and provide guidance on complex procurement issues.
• Assist clients in developing Project Procurement Strategies for Development and conduct Fiduciary Assessments.
• Lead missions and develop innovative approaches to procurement.
• Utilize electronic tools to track procurement exchanges and performance metrics. 1
• Mentor and guide staff, contributing to knowledge dissemination and training initiatives. 1
• Design and deliver capacity-building workshops for Bank staff and stakeholders. 1
• Articulate and monitor the implementation of Bank Procurement Policy Change programs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as business administration, engineering, finance, commerce, law, or procurement. A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience as a Procurement Specialist in public procurement, particularly in Donor/MDB financed projects, is required. Candidates should have state-of-the-art knowledge of international procurement concepts and practices, with the ability to translate these into operational work. Strong integrity, sensitivity to multi-cultural environments, and the ability to build effective working relationships are essential. Knowledge of procurement reforms in developing countries and proficiency in data analytics are also important.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field is required for this position. Relevant fields include business administration, engineering, finance, commerce, law, or procurement. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to perform the duties of the Senior Procurement Specialist effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in public procurement, particularly in the context of Donor/MDB financed projects. Candidates should have a proven track record of handling complex procurement tasks and issues, as well as experience in leading procurement reforms and engaging with various stakeholders in a multi-cultural environment.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French is mandatory for this position, as these are the required languages for communication within the World Bank and with client countries. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment role based in Dakar, Senegal, with a term duration of 4 years. It does not include relocation or international assignment benefits. The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.