Senior Procurement Specialist (Category Head – HR and Professional Services)

Senior Procurement Specialist (Category Head – HR and Professional Services)

Description

Working at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org
VPU Context:  
The WBG Budget and Procurement (WBP) is organized into five Departments: WBP Centers of Excellence (WBPCE) with teams supporting the corporate strategic business and budget planning process, providing WBP systems, knowledge, and shared services; WBP IBRD/IDA Regional Units (WBPRU) with teams supporting IBRD/IDA clients in the regions; WBP IFC/MIGA Budget Partners (CSRDR) with teams supporting IFC/MIGA clients in the HQ and the regions; WBP Corporate Units (WBPCU) with teams supporting the Knowledge Bank and corporate units and providing capital budget support; and WBP Corporate Procurement (WBPCP) with teams providing group-wide procurement services.
Unit Context:  
The Corporate Procurement Department supports the mission of the WBG by performing the procurement function following the principles of transparency, fairness, competition, and best value in an efficient, effective, and customer-focused manner. These principles are employed globally and represent the strategic elements that guide the Bank Group’s activities in procurement and contracting practices. Corporate Procurement is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the sourcing strategy, selection, and contract execution for more than 130 Bank Group offices around the globe, serving our clients from offices located in Washington, D.C. Global Business Centers located in Chennai, India and Sofia, Bulgaria. Within the BPSSM delivery model, the Corporate Procurement Department focuses on three core principles:  
• Commerciality: Deliver best “value for money” supply solutions measured by cost, quality, and speed. 

• Risk Management: Predict, mitigate, and manage vendor related risks to protect WBG’s interests 

• Identify opportunities for cost optimization, value creation, demand management, and process improvement.

• Lead periodic category reviews and strategic planning exercises.

• Establish clear objectives, priorities, and performance expectations for team members.

• Support staff development through coaching, training, and succession planning.

• Review and approve sourcing strategies, procurement approaches, solicitation documents, and evaluation methodologies.

• Support negotiations for major contracts and strategic supplier agreements.

• Act as a trusted advisor on procurement, sourcing, and category management matters.

• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to support procurement planning and execution.

• Supplier representatives typically head of companies and VPs, account managers, sales representatives, and commodity specialists, and technical representatives etc.

Note: This internal requisition is open to WB and IMF staff only (including short-term and extended term consultants/ temporaries). External candidates are requested not to apply. In case an external candidate applies, their application will not be considered.

Selection Criteria

• Master's degree in Supply Management, Finance Management, Marketing, Human Resources, Operations, Applied Economics, or a related field, with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in category management and sourcing complex procurements, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. • Proven experience in category management in HR / professional services sourcing. The category includes but is not limited to HR hire to retire services, staff or labor augmentation, third party administration of benefits program, financial services, insurance, Marketing& Communications and training.

• Demonstrated experience in leading a high-performing team along with proven ability to have motivated category managers and procurement professionals. 

• Project Management skills with extensive experience in managing multiple related projects to ensure the overall program is aligned and directly supports the achievement of strategic objectives.

• Ability to function effectively in multi-disciplinary teams within a matrix management environment, as well as an individual contributor.

• Embracement of various digital tools and advocate for the use of emerging technologies in work program delivery.

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, 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 inspiring stories.