Job Description

Senior Procurement Specialist

Job #: req38117 Organization: World Bank Sector: Procurement Grade: GG Term Duration: 3 years 0 months Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment Location: Tokyo,Japan Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 9/11/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

This position is a part of the Japanese recruitment mission.

Build a career with impact. Working at the World Bank Group (WBG) provides a unique opportunity to help countries solve their greatest development challenges. As one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, the WBG is a unique partnership of five global institutions dedicated to ending poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, the WBG works 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.

Operations Policy and Country Services (OPCS) plays a pivotal role in achieving the World Bank Group's mission by assisting frontline staff in delivering results to clients. OPCS develops and oversees the Bank's operational policies for country strategies, lending operations, advisory services and analytical support, procurement, and environmental and social standards. OPCS teams also provide advice and support to World Bank senior management and staff as well as hands-on assistance to help teams apply the Bank's policies, processes, and risk management tools. Several corporate functions carried out by OPCS include coordinating exchanges with the Board (in particular, the Committee on Development Effectiveness), managing interactions with the WB’s oversight units, and representing the WB in several global partnerships.

The Operations Procurement department in OPCS is responsible for setting procurement policy, providing oversight, and supporting good practice in Bank-financed operations. The OPCS Procurement Team manages the World Bank’s Procurement Framework, develops and maintains Standard Procurement Documents (SPDs), leads operational procurement policy development, provides oversight for major projects, and delivers training and outreach to stakeholders. The department also coordinates with other multilateral development banks to harmonize procurement standards and practices.

The department is currently leading a number of Bank-wide reforms and initiatives that have a considerable impact on the Bank’s operations and contribute significantly to several of the Bank’s priorities and policy commitments. 

Duties and Accountabilities:

The selected candidate will work closely with the Director and Chief Procurement Officer and the Manager of the Procurement Department. Specific duties and accountabilities include, but are not limited to:

• Work directly with sector teams (infrastructure, energy, transport, water, health, education, digital) to shape procurement approaches early in project design, ensuring procurement strategy is driven by development outcomes rather than process compliance.
• Lead and quality-assure the preparation of Project Procurement Strategies for Development (PPSDs), advising Task Teams on market approach, contracting strategy, packaging, risk allocation, and selection methods best suited to project objectives. Develop and implement strategic global outreach and a stakeholder engagement strategy based on procurement work program and key priorities.
• Lead industry engagements in East Asia and support global business outreach activities and implementation of procurement priorities that demonstrates the Bank’s impact and results.
• Ensure that all communication and global engagement materials related to the Bank’s work in Procurement are aligned with the Bank’s strategy and position the Bank as a thought leader in this space. This includes preparing talking points, briefing notes, issue briefs, FAQs, Op-eds/blogs, etc. that are strategic and on message.
• Contribute and provide input to communication materials that help tell the story of key procurement reforms.
• Compose drafts on queries relating to World Bank procurement, this includes requests for talking points, web content, etc. for both internal and external audiences.
• Support planning and coordinating of major external outreach events and key global moments, as needed.
• Provide support to internal outreach efforts and change management efforts across the Procurement profession in the Bank.
• Other ad hoc tasks and priorities, as needed.

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree in business administration, Engineering, Law, International Policy, Public Procurement, or another relevant discipline, with at least eight years of relevant experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Proven ability to plan and implement effective strategic stakeholder engagement strategies and plans, and strong track record of producing high-quality communication materials. 
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork orientation; self-starter with initiative, and ability to prioritize and deliver according to deadlines.
• An understanding of Bank operations and key corporate issues and priorities; solid understanding of development topics and ability to identify related risks and opportunities in an international environment. 
• Experience supporting stakeholder engagement and ability to think strategically and rapidly analyze diverse information from varied sources.
• High level of initiative, judgement, and decisiveness in accomplishing tasks; proven ability to work autonomously, effectively, and calmly under pressure and to juggle multiple tasks within tight deadlines.

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.