Procurement Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a prominent global institution established to provide funding and knowledge to developing countries. It is a unique partnership of five institutions dedicated to eradicating extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. With a membership of 189 countries and over 120 offices worldwide, the World Bank engages with both public and private sector partners to invest in innovative projects and leverage data, research, and technology to address pressing global challenges. The organization is committed to fostering sustainable development and improving living standards across the globe, particularly in regions like Europe and Central Asia, where it has a significant operational presence.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Specialist position at the World Bank involves providing essential operational procurement support to the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region, which consists of 30 diverse countries and a population of nearly 500 million. The specialist will work closely with client countries to ensure value for money in public procurement, thereby enhancing service delivery and development outcomes. This role requires a deep understanding of procurement markets and the ability to utilize analytical tools to improve procurement effectiveness. The specialist will also engage in policy dialogue, review procurement documents, conduct risk assessments, and develop relationships with government officials to advance procurement policies. The position is crucial for transforming policy discussions into actionable proposals that strengthen national procurement systems, and it involves mentoring other stakeholders and developing training modules on complex procurement topics.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Specialist will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: supporting client countries in achieving value for money in public procurement; utilizing analytical tools to understand procurement markets; providing technical fiduciary advice on procurement activities; engaging in policy dialogue with client countries; reviewing various procurement documents such as strategies, plans, and evaluation reports; conducting procurement risk assessments; building relationships with senior government officials to facilitate policy dialogue; transforming policy discussions into concrete proposals; mentoring stakeholders; and developing and executing training modules on complex procurement topics. The role requires frequent interaction with management, Bank staff, government officials, and external constituencies, necessitating strong communication and negotiation skills.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess high levels of integrity and an excellent command of English. An advanced degree in a relevant discipline such as business administration, engineering, commerce, law, procurement, or public policy is required, with a preference for a Master’s degree. Knowledge of international procurement principles and practices is essential, along with the ability to translate these concepts into operational work. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in procurement, preferably with international exposure. The ability to navigate a multi-cultural environment and build effective relationships with clients and colleagues is crucial.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced degree in a relevant field, such as business administration, engineering, commerce, law, procurement, or public policy. A Master’s degree is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex procurement issues.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of direct relevant experience in procurement, which can be gained either within the World Bank or in other organizations. International experience is considered desirable, as it provides a broader perspective on procurement practices and challenges across different contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the World Bank. Proficiency in Russian is preferred, as it may facilitate better communication and collaboration within the ECA region, where Russian is commonly spoken.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 3 years. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a retirement plan, medical, life, and disability insurance, as well as 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. The role is full-time and involves significant interaction with various stakeholders, requiring a results-oriented approach and strong problem-solving skills.