Procurement Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a prominent global institution founded to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries. Established in 1944, it comprises five institutions and has grown to include 189 member countries and over 120 offices worldwide. The organization's mission is to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity by investing in projects that address the most pressing global challenges. The World Bank Group operates in various sectors, including education, health, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability, and is committed to using data, research, and technology to develop innovative solutions for its client countries.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Specialist position is a critical role within the World Bank Group, specifically in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region. The specialist will be responsible for supporting client countries in achieving value for money in public procurement, which is essential for enhancing service delivery and development outcomes. The role involves understanding relevant procurement markets and utilizing analytical tools to define more effective procurement strategies. The specialist will provide technical fiduciary advice on procurement activities and engage in policy dialogue with client countries to transform procurement systems. This position requires frequent interaction with various stakeholders, including government officials, Bank staff, and external expert groups, to advance procurement policy dialogue and develop concrete proposals that strengthen national procurement systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Specialist will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting client countries in achieving value for money in public procurement to enhance service delivery and development outcomes with integrity.
• Utilizing analytical tools to understand relevant procurement markets and define more effective procurement strategies.
• Providing technical fiduciary advice on procurement activities and engaging in policy dialogue with client countries.
• Reviewing procurement documents such as procurement strategies, plans, bidding documents, and evaluation reports.
• Conducting procurement risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential issues.
• Developing relationships with senior government officials to advance policy dialogue in procurement.
• Transforming policy dialogue into concrete proposals that enhance national procurement systems.
• Guiding and mentoring other stakeholders within the procurement function.
• Developing and executing training modules on complex sector-related procurement topics. 1
• Interacting frequently with management, Bank staff, government officials, and external constituencies to ensure effective procurement practices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline such as business administration, engineering, commerce, law, procurement, public policy, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of five years of direct relevant experience in procurement is required, with international experience being highly desirable. Candidates should have solid knowledge of international procurement concepts, principles, and practices, and the ability to translate these into operational results. High levels of integrity and adherence to the World Bank Group's ethical standards are essential, along with strong communication skills and a client-oriented mindset.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master’s degree in a relevant field, which may include business administration, engineering, commerce, law, procurement, public policy, or a related discipline. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of procurement processes and the regulatory environment in which the World Bank operates.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least five years of direct experience in procurement, which can be gained either within the World Bank or in other relevant organizations. This experience should include technical duties related to procurement, demonstrating a solid understanding of international procurement practices and the ability to deliver results in diverse environments. International experience is particularly valued, as it provides insight into global procurement standards and practices.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the World Bank. Knowledge of Ukrainian is preferred, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the procurement specialist in the ECA region.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity with a term duration of three years. The role is full-time and involves significant interaction with various stakeholders, including government officials and Bank staff. 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 diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all employees regardless of gender, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.