Senior Procurement Specialist (Technology and Data Management Head)

Senior Procurement Specialist (Technology and Data Management Head)

Description

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? The World Bank Group is a unique global partnership of five institutions driven by a bold vision to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. As one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, we help solve the world’s greatest development challenges. When you join the World Bank Group, you become part of a dynamic, diverse organization with 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide. We work with public and private sector partners, invest in groundbreaking projects, and use data, research, and technology to bring tangible and transformative change around the globe. 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:

Corporate Procurement supports the WBG’s mission by delivering procurement services guided by the principles of best value, sound business judgment, competitiveness, transparency, and fairness. The function oversees sourcing strategies, supplier selection, and contract execution for more than 130 offices worldwide, serving clients through teams based in Washington, D.C., Chennai, and Sofia.

Mission:

• Commerciality: Deliver value-for-money supply solutions balancing cost, quality, and speed.

• Risk Management: Anticipate, mitigate, and manage supplier-related risks.

• Sustainability: Advance environmentally and socially responsible supply chains.

The Center of Excellence (COE) serves as the engine for procurement modernization across the World Bank Group. Operating at the intersection of procurement, technology, analytics, artificial intelligence, innovation, and change management, the COE identifies and implements capabilities that improve effectiveness, enhance stakeholder experience, strengthen decision-making, and accelerate transformational outcomes.

Senior Procurement Specialist (Technology and Data Management) leads Corporate Procurement’s technology, data, and innovation agenda by defining digital transformation strategy, advancing AI, automation, analytics, and procurement technologies, and overseeing the development of data-driven capabilities. Serves as the business owner for strategic technology solutions, drives adoption and change across the organization, builds partnerships with external and industry stakeholders, and ensures that innovation, intelligence, and modern data capabilities support CP2029 objectives and deliver measurable business value.

Duties and accountabilities: 

1. Strategy and Innovation

Develops and maintains Corporate Procurement’s innovation strategy and digital transformation roadmap. Identifies emerging technologies and market trends, advises senior leadership on innovation opportunities and future operating models, and manages a prioritized innovation portfolio aligned with CP2029 objectives.

2. AI, Automation, and Digital Procurement

Leads the adoption of AI, automation, advanced analytics, and digital procurement solutions. Oversees pilots and proof-of-concept initiatives, identifies opportunities to streamline procurement processes, and partners with technology, vendors, and business stakeholders to deliver innovative solutions.

3. Product Ownership and Business Solution Development

Serves as the business owner for strategic procurement technologies and innovation initiatives. Defines business requirements, customer journeys, value propositions, and success measures, prioritizes digital investments based on business value, and supports the implementation and scaling of technology-enabled capabilities.

4. Procurement Intelligence and Analytics

Partners with other teams to strengthen procurement intelligence through dashboards, predictive analytics, market intelligence, risk intelligence, and vendor intelligence. Promotes data-driven decision-making and supports performance measurement for innovation and digital transformation initiatives.

5. Stakeholder Engagement and Change Enablement

Leads stakeholder engagement to support innovation and digital transformation. Drives awareness, adoption, and continuous improvement across procurement and business clients while strengthening digital capabilities throughout the organization.

6. Partnerships and Ecosystem Development

Builds strategic relationships with technology providers, industry organizations, academic institutions, startups, and peer organizations. Identifies collaboration and benchmarking opportunities, represents Corporate Procurement in relevant forums, and monitors industry developments for potential value and application.

7. Data and Intelligence

Leads Corporate Procurement’s data and analytics strategy by establishing data governance, strengthening analytical and data science capabilities, and enabling trusted self-service insights. Oversees procurement data products, predictive analytics, AI-enabled insights, and modern data architecture to support strategic decision-making, supplier intelligence, risk management, sustainability, and transformation outcomes.

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree in business administration, Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Information Systems, Technology Management, Engineering, Data Analytics, Data Science, Public Administration, or related discipline; or Equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum eight (8) years of relevant professional experience in innovation, digital transformation, technology strategy, consulting, procurement modernization, product management, analytics, or related fields.

• Demonstrated experience leading enterprise innovation or digital transformation initiatives.

• Experience developing business cases, innovation roadmaps, and strategic technology initiatives.

• Experience working across business, technology, and operational functions within complex organizations.

• Experience designing and implementing AI, automation, digital, or analytics-enabled business solutions.

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.