Senior Procurement Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a prominent global partnership consisting of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. Established with 189 member countries and over 120 offices worldwide, the organization is a leading source of funding and knowledge for developing nations. The World Bank Group collaborates with public and private sector partners to invest in innovative projects, utilizing data, research, and technology to address urgent global challenges. Their mission is to create sustainable solutions that foster economic growth and resilience in developing countries.

Job Overview:
The Senior Procurement Specialist position at the World Bank Group is a critical role within the East Asia and Pacific (EAP) Region, specifically focusing on the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei. This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about leveraging their expertise to tackle complex development challenges and drive meaningful reform. The successful candidate will be responsible for transitioning from compliance-focused processing to a results-oriented approach, emphasizing high-impact contracts and linking procurement performance to disbursement outcomes. The role requires a blend of senior advisory support, hands-on portfolio delivery, and procurement modernization, with a strong emphasis on enhancing project implementation and strengthening country systems. The candidate will be expected to demonstrate advanced expertise in complex works procurement, strong capabilities in process optimization, and a solid understanding of risk management and integrity oversight.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The selected candidate will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including serving as a senior procurement advisor and portfolio delivery lead for the PMB portfolio. They will provide expert advice on complex procurement issues across various sectors and project teams, promote procurement modernization and innovation, and support upstream engagement and procurement strategy development. Additionally, the candidate will offer hands-on support to task teams and implementing agencies to resolve bottlenecks and accelerate procurement and contract implementation. Maintaining fiduciary oversight and ensuring timely reviews and compliance follow-up will also be key responsibilities. The candidate will utilize data and digital tools to track performance, identify issues, and improve delivery while strengthening country procurement systems and building trusted relationships with government counterparts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field, preferably with an engineering background. They should have at least 8 years of relevant experience in procurement and contract management, ideally within middle-income country contexts. A strong knowledge of World Bank procurement policies and practices is essential, along with proven experience in applying innovative approaches and providing enhanced implementation support. The ability to translate principles into practical, fit-for-purpose solutions is crucial, as is experience in market engagement and supplier outreach. Knowledge of country systems, procurement reforms, and e-GP platforms is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position includes a Master’s degree in a relevant field. An engineering background is preferred, as it aligns with the technical aspects of procurement and contract management that the role entails. This advanced degree will equip candidates with the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to navigate the complexities of procurement in a development context.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in procurement and contract management. This experience should ideally be in middle-income country contexts, where candidates have had the opportunity to engage with diverse stakeholders and navigate the challenges associated with procurement in developing regions. Proven experience in applying innovative approaches to procurement and providing enhanced implementation support is also essential for this role.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English. Proficiency in English is crucial for effective communication and collaboration within the World Bank Group and with external stakeholders. While no additional languages are specified as preferred, knowledge of local languages in the Philippines, Malaysia, or Brunei could be beneficial for engaging with local partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under international recruitment and has a term duration of 5 years. It is important to note that this internal requisition is open only to World Bank Group and IMF staff, including short-term and extended-term consultants/temporaries. External candidates are not eligible to apply, and any applications from external candidates will not be considered. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to being an equal opportunity and inclusive employer, ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly and without discrimination based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.