Chief Procurement Officer

Chief Procurement Officer

Job #:req25245Organization:World BankSector:ProcurementGrade:GITerm Duration: 4 years 0 monthsRecruitment Type:International RecruitmentLocation:Washington, DC,United StatesRequired Language(s):Preferred Language(s):Closing Date:1/19/2024 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

 

 Description

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 and promoting shared prosperity. 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.

OPCS Vice Presidency Context

Operations Policy and Country Services (OPCS) plays a pivotal rolein achieving the WBG's mission, to end extreme poverty and boost prosperity ona livable planet. OPCS is at the center of operations and delivery and servesas the back office for operations for the WB's Managing Director, Operations(MDOPS). The VPU helps foster links between the Global Practices and theRegions, while assisting frontline staff in delivering results to clientsthrough sound operations policy and strong country support. OPCS develops andoversees the WB's operational policies for country strategies, lendingoperations, advisory services and analytical support, financial management,procurement, and environmental and social safeguards. This includes advisingand providing hands-on assistance on the WB's policies, processes, and riskmanagement related to operations (e.g. use of financing instruments; onprocurement, financial management, and safeguards matters; and on resultsmanagement). OPCS is also responsible for modernizing operational instruments(lending and non-lending) to help the WB become more responsive to countryneeds. Several corporate functions carried out by OPCS include coordinatingexchanges with the Board (in particular, the Committee on DevelopmentEffectiveness), managing interactions with the WB's oversight units, and representingthe WB in several global partnerships. 

OPCS is organized into theFront Office and four departments: 

The Front Office (OPSFO) focuses on supporting the OPCS Vice President (VP) in the management of the operations complex and the delivery of key corporate policy commitments and reforms. 
Operations Standards, Procurement, Financial Management (OPSPF) is responsible for safeguards, procurement, financial management and anti-corruption policies and support to operations;
Operations Policy (OPSPO) consolidates the corporate support and oversight of country strategies and all financing and advisory instruments as well as managing the Operations Committee and the Operations Help Desk;
Operations Strategy, Risk, Results and Learning (OPSRL) focuses on WB strategy; risk management in operations, strengthening results and effectiveness throughout the institution, including the Corporate Scorecard; support to the country directors' and management communities; and operational learning; and
Operations Standards, Environment and Social (OPSES) is responsible for the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and Safeguard Policies, including support to operations, learning and training, knowledge management, reporting, interface with the Inspection Panel, and management of the Grievance Redress Service (GRS).  

Department Context

The Operations Standards,Procurement, and Financial Management (OPSPF) department anchors twowell-established fiduciary assurance functions for operations, financial management and procurement, which also play a key role in supporting governance and PFMreforms in Borrower countries and the MDBs' harmonization agenda. Thesenetworks comprise approximately 400 staff working mostly in the Regions andreporting to regional PMs. OPSPF Chief Financial Management Officer and ChiefProcurement Officer meet regularly with the PMs as well as with the EFIRegional Directors to whom they report to ensure consistent interpretation ofrelevant policies and discuss emerging issues. The Chief Procurement Officeralso chairs the Operational Procurement Review Committee which clears thelargest and/or riskiest Bank-financed contracts, and the procurement ProfessionalAccreditation and Standards Panel. In addition, OPSPF houses the UN inOperations team and serves as the focal point and liaison with INT on theoperational fraud and corruption agenda.
Procurement Context
The World Bank's Procurement Framework, approved in July 2015 isin operation since July 2016. It promotes tailored procurement approaches thatemphasize choice, quality, and value for public spending, while enablingadaptation to country contexts. Procurement in IPF operations supportsBorrowers to achieve value for money with integrity in delivering sustainabledevelopment. The Procurement Framework reflects the extensive feedback receivedfrom task teams and other stakeholders involved in IPF procurements financed bythe World Bank. It is designed to support a modern, fit for purpose procurementapproach. Over the past several years, the Procurement Policy & Services(PR) anchor has been responsible for a) the modernization process of theprocurement function in support ofinternal and external clients; b) mainstreaming the fiduciary mandate ofassuring that the procurement of works, goods and non-consulting services andthe selection of consultants are carried out in accordance with Bank procurement policies and proceduresand the Procurement and Consultant Guidelines; c) ensuring that Bank policiesand practices are harmonized with those of other development partners; and d)contributing to capacity building efforts and procurement reform initiatives. TheChief Procurement Officer (CPO) reports to the Director, Standards, Procurement & Financial Management and is a member of the OPCS and OPSPF Management Teams.
The CPO is expected to: ensure that the procurement strategy isappropriately aligned with the Bank's overall corporate strategy and lead onfurther implementation of the procurement framework and a better use ofdifferent options provided by the framework.
Although this is not a formal managerial position, it is a seniorposition with considerable responsibilities in providing leadership; assuringtechnical quality of procurement decisions, products and initiatives; and inrepresenting the Bank externally.
Duties and Accountabilities:
Procurement Program and Business

Provides technical, professional and intellectual leadership to staff and guides clients in procurement policy and services.
Chairs the Operational Procurement Review Committee (OPRC) responsible for clearing the procurement processes of large contracts.
Takes lead role in spearheading reform and change management agenda on procurement which includes proposing and defining new and innovative policies and procedures, with particular regard
to simplification, modernization, agility and new approaches, including inclusion of relevant elements of the Environment and Social Framework in operational procurement.
Oversees implementation of the Bank's procurement policies, procedures, practices and services, in line with the fit-for-purpose of the procurement framework.
Guides and leads the procurement network in the development and implementation of its strategy and work program.
Proposes and updates procedures to strengthen operational effectiveness and quality.
Is responsible for the quality of procurement outputs and services emerging from the Standards, Procurement, and Financial Management (OPSPF) Department in a way that is service-oriented and committed to provide guidance and support to the Regions.
Maintains close collaboration with INT and Regions on procurement-related corruption and fraud issues and cases; provides inputs to the work of  GIA and IEG.
Links procurement to the broader Bank fiduciary function and to efforts to build client capacity in public financial accountability.
Provides strategic leadership in developing and implementing a human resources strategy and learning plans for the network, as well as providing mentoring and guidance to staff; supports professional development for procurement accredited staff including new skills 
Leads innovations, use of technology and procurement data; promotes  implementation of digital procurement to reduce transaction costs and further simplification, modernization and improvement of Bank procurement systems and processes
Engage with internal Clients on monitoring performance of fiduciary function and systems
work closely with Governance Global Unit to conduct research to inform Bank Procurement Policies

Maintaining Internal and External Relationships

Works closely with other members of the Department Leadership Team to ensure seamless teamwork and effective delivery across the Department and with other units of the Bank.
Strengthens and promotes internal partnerships. Responsible for maintaining close contacts with Senior Management, Executive Directors, Regional and Network staff.
Represents OPCS Management at meetings within the Bank.
Promotes partnership and collaboration with external stakeholders and clients on procurement issues; liaises with private sector industry representative associations; 
plays an active leadership role in the Heads of Procurement of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) Group in the implementation of the procurement simplification and harmonization agenda. 
Supports Global Practice and Regions on policy dialogue with governments on procurement reforms;
Maintains dialogue with Private Sector actors and promotes better bidders' participation; 
Leads the integration of social and environmental sustainability into Bank procurement

Knowledge Management/Intellectual Thought Leadership

Provides proactive technical, professional and intellectual leadership in the design, development and dissemination of Knowledge Management (KM) and staff learning for the PR stream.
Leads development of new tools, information systems and management reporting mechanisms as part of the modernization and change management processes.
Ensures that the Bank's procurement work is effectively communicated internally and externally.

Selection Criteria

Current cooperation with Clients requires out-of-the-box thinking and adjustments in Bank's procurement policy and procedures and beyond. CPO should lead this effort in collaboration with procurement managers and OPCS teams.

Advanced degree in a technical, managerial, or legal discipline relevant to the job.
External perspective combined with a good understanding of Bank Group strategic directions and policies. Typically, the successful candidate will have exposure to the full range of country operational situations relevant to Bank procurement work (gained inside or outside the Bank 
A thorough understanding of the Bank procurement framework including the flexibilities built into it;
Well established and recognized track record and thorough knowledge of Bank procurement policies, procedures, processes and practices. Management is prepared to consider candidates without this background where they bring exceptional skills and/or experience to the procurement function)and  a track-records of leading/ participating in country procurement reforms.
Demonstrated collaborative and partnership skills, capacity to work seamlessly in diverse environments, and proven track record in influencing and resolving differences across organizational boundaries, reaching consensus on corporate policy issues, and being results oriented.
Corporate perspective with ability to understand and balance operational issues with management priorities and risk concerns.
Good judgment combined with good vision, in order to provide Senior Management and operational staff with reliable information and quality advice.
Demonstrated competencies in mentoring, coaching and advising diverse staff, and capacity to develop and nurture partnerships, collaboration and teamwork.
Good listening and communications skills to understand operational concerns and communicate issues clearly to Bank staff, Senior Management, Executive Directors, and external audiences.
Recognized by peers institutional commitment, breadth of operational experience, integrity and fairness.
Open for innovations and modernization of Bank procurement and timely problem solver.

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.

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