Lead Procurement Specialist

Lead Procurement Specialist - req34340 at The World Bank. Location: Sydney, Australia. Term: 4 years. Recruitment Type: International Recruitment. Required language: English. Closing Date: 9/30/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC.

Build a career with Purpose at the World Bank Group. The World Bank Group (WBG) seeks a highly motivated Lead Procurement Specialist to join its East Asia and Pacific (EAP) Region, focusing on the Pacific Island Countries and Papua New Guinea (PNG). The WBG works with governments, the private sector, and civil society to promote sustainable development, shared prosperity, and the end of extreme poverty.

• Provide leadership across the EAP portfolio under the direction of the Procurement Practice Manager, ensuring fiduciary standards, quality control, and consistent policy application in complex, cross-sector procurement operations.
• Advance regional procurement integration by promoting uniform approaches and facilitating cross-CMU resource and knowledge sharing to improve efficiency and country support.
• Develop and promote innovations in Bank procurement policy and advise on systemic and operational issues.
• Contribute to corporate initiatives and regional strategies by applying Procurement Framework flexibilities and leveraging AI-enabled tools to accelerate delivery and improve procurement outcomes.
• Support client countries in achieving value for money, strengthening procurement systems, and advancing reform agendas to improve service delivery and institutional capacity.
• Contribute to the Prosperity agenda by integrating procurement reforms into broader governance and development efforts.
• Lead procurement reviews of key Bank documents (e.g., PADs, DPFs, legal agreements, Board papers) ensuring consistency across the region.
• Handle high-level procurement cases subject to reviews and participate in missions requiring innovative, practical solutions.
• Promote the use of electronic systems (e.g., STEP) for tracking fiduciary metrics and portfolio performance.
• Mentor colleagues, design training programs, and build capacity for Bank staff and borrowers.
• Promote a positive and inclusive team culture aligned with World Bank values, enhancing staff engagement and knowledge sharing.

Note: Carrying out these responsibilities involves interaction with TTLs, Program Leaders, Practice Managers, government officials, counterparts in other international organizations, and specialists in governance, public sector, and financial management.

• Master's degree with a major in a relevant field (e.g., Engineering, Law, Procurement, Finance, Business, or Commerce).
• Minimum 12 years of experience as a procurement specialist with substantial World Bank operational procurement expertise, including experience with the 2016 World Bank Procurement Framework and ESF integration.
• Strong understanding of new procurement trends (supply chain resilience, automation, data-driven strategies) and the ability to maintain a stable, agile procurement process.
• Proven ability to design, manage, and deliver large-scale and complex procurement operations; experience in FCV countries and small states is preferred.
• Experience working in at least two regions or with regional/corporate assignments.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, capable of presenting complex issues to Bank management and government officials.
• High integrity and responsibility for timely delivery of work programs.
• Strong managerial and organizational skills with a track record of building and leading teams and creating an enabling work environment.
• Ability to mentor staff and clients, and to design training and skills development initiatives.
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural environments and build strong relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Proficiency with Bank Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Fluent English, both oral and written.
• Advanced technical qualifications and broad expertise in procurement, including experience in designing and delivering large-scale procurement operations; experience in FCV and small states is preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of Bank operations and the ability to integrate procurement knowledge with broader policies and objectives.
• Knowledge in Public Procurement Systems & Reform and sustainable procurement (green, gender-responsive procurement, data analytics, supply chain).

• WBG Culture Attributes: Sense of Urgency; Thoughtful Risk Taking; Empowerment and Accountability.
• World Bank Group Core Competencies: include a commitment to equal opportunity and inclusive employment, and a focus on delivering with integrity and equality.

We are an equal opportunity and inclusive employer 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 stories.