Lead Procurement Specialist

Job #: req34340

Organization: World Bank

Sector: Procurement

Grade: GH

Term Duration: 4 years 0 months

Recruitment Type: International Recruitment

Location: Sydney, Australia

Required Language(s): 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 is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Lead Procurement Specialist to join its East Asia and Pacific (EAP) Region, focusing on the Pacific Island Countries and Papua New Guinea (PNG). The World Bank Group works with governments, the private sector, and civil society to promote sustainable development, shared prosperity, and the end of extreme poverty.

1. Provide leadership across the EAP portfolio under the direction of the Accredited Practice Manager, ensuring fiduciary standards, quality control, and consistent policy application in complex, cross-sector procurement operations.
2. Advance regional procurement integration by increasing adoption of uniform approaches (e.g., MPAs) and facilitating cross-CMU resource and knowledge sharing—resulting in greater efficiency, harmonized practices, and improved support to country programs.
3. Develop and promote innovations in Bank procurement policy, and advise on systemic and operational issues.
4. Contribute to corporate initiatives (e.g., Better Bank, Procurement Change Program) and regional strategies by applying Procurement Framework flexibilities and leveraging AI-enabled tools—resulting in faster delivery and improved procurement outcomes.
5. Support client countries in achieving value for money, strengthening procurement systems, and advancing reform agendas to improve service delivery, integrity, and institutional capacity.
6. Contribute to the Prosperity agenda by integrating procurement reforms into broader governance and development efforts, collaborating with sector colleagues.
7. Lead procurement reviews of key Bank documents (e.g., PADs, DPFs, legal agreements, Board papers), ensuring consistency across the region.
8. Handle high-level procurement cases subject to APM and OPRC review, and participate in precedent-setting missions requiring innovative, practical solutions.
9. Promote the use of electronic systems (e.g., STEP) for tracking, monitoring fiduciary metrics, and managing portfolio performance.
10. Mentor colleagues, guide knowledge dissemination, and design training programs and capacity-building workshops for Bank staff and borrowers.
11. Promote a positive and inclusive team culture that reflects the World Bank's corporate values, strengthening collaboration and recognizing contributions.

Carrying out the responsibilities of the Lead Procurement Specialist involves interaction with TTLs, Program Leaders, Practice Managers, government officials, counterparts in other international organizations, and Governance-Public Sector and -Financial Management specialists. Building and maintaining relations with internal and external parties, including sectors, CMU, and governments, is essential to engage governments in advancing policy dialogue on public procurement reform.

1. Master's degree with a major in a relevant field (e.g., Engineering, Law, Procurement, Finance, Business, or Commerce).
2. Minimum of 12 years of experience as a procurement specialist or responsibilities with substantial content in the World Bank's Operational procurement, including leadership in applying and promoting features of the 2016 World Bank Procurement Framework and incorporating ESF into Procurement.
3. Proven experience applying and understanding new trends in procurement (e.g., supply chain resilience, automation, data-driven strategies) and the importance of a stable, agile procurement process.
4. Pioneering knowledge of public procurement principles, systems, processes, planning, and international procurement approaches; ability to independently provide well-researched analyses of complex issues.
5. Experience working in at least two regions or a combination of regional and corporate assignments.
6. Excellent communication skills to defend complex issues and positions to Bank management, government officials, etc.
7. High integrity and responsibility for achieving quality and timeliness in delivering the work program of the APM office.
8. Strong managerial and organizational skills, with a proven track record of building and managing teams.
9. Ability to mentor staff and clients and design training initiatives to ensure knowledge transfer.
10. Ability to function effectively in multicultural environments and build relationships with clients and colleagues.
11. Familiarity with Bank Office suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
12. Oral and written mastery of English.
13. Advanced technical qualifications and broad expertise in procurement, including large-scale and complex operations; experience in FCV countries and small states is preferred.
14. In-depth knowledge of Bank operations and ability to integrate procurement knowledge with broader policy objectives.
15. Public Procurement Systems & Reform knowledge, including sustainable procurement (green, gender-responsive), data analytics, and supply chain expertise.
16. Proven track record of designing, managing, and delivering complex procurement operations and policy work.

1. Sense of Urgency – Anticipating and quickly reacting to stakeholder needs.
2. Thoughtful Risk Taking – Taking informed risks to push for greater impact.
3. Empowerment and Accountability – Engaging others responsibly for outcomes.

Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including retirement plans, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave. 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.