Header

Contracts Officer - World Bank - Washington, D.C

BPSCP is responsible for the acquisition of goods and services to support World Bank Group’s offices worldwide. 
The Contracts Officer, Information Systems and Technology works with clients to develop annual procurement plans, develop and execute contracts, conduct needs assessment, review specifications, conduct RFPs/IFBs, perform contract administration, negotiations and dispute/conflict resolution.  This position requires an in depth knowledge of the information technology industry to assure that the Bank Group gets the best value in all of its procurements.  This requires knowledge of the technology supply market to include knowledge of the supply base, method of procurement, logistics, disposal, preventive maintenance, and support for IT services including:  software and hardware systems, treasury systems, software licensing, data subscriptions, telecommunications, staff augmentation, managed services, cloud computing, software as a service, outsourced and offshore software development and infrastructure models and support services/maintenance/consulting/training, and web development and hosting health services.  The position requires high level skills and relevant work experience in the field of procurement and contracting across a variety of industry sectors, contract management, dispute resolution, advising Project Managers, managing interpersonal relationships and communication. Due to the requirements of the job, this position may involve travel and frequent adjustments to the work schedule created by the time zone difference with many of the clients it supports.

Duties and Accountabilities:

• Conducts procurement relevant to software and hardware systems, treasury systems, software licensing, subscriptions,  telecommunications, staff augmentation, managed services, cloud computing, software as a service, outsourced and offshore software development; web development and hosting; and health services required by the World Bank Group in the US as well as internationally.
• Understands client’s needs, generates solicitations and manages bidding process for assigned areas; collaborates with clients in developing procurement plans; carries out research to identify sources of supply; reviews technical specifications for completeness, errors, omissions and competitive qualities; develops vendor pre-qualifying and evaluation criteria; and prepares contracts and conducts pre-bid or proposal conferences.
• Negotiates contract terms and conditions for the range of IT categories.
• Analyzes financial reports (cash flow statements, income statements, balance sheets) of major corporations considered for contract awards.
• Plans and manages negotiation process, resolves purchase and contract issues.
• Analyses bids and proposals, prepares support documentation and procurement award recommendations.
• Conducts dispute and protest debriefings/meetings.
• Monitors vendor performance and ensures timely delivery and quality of services, expedites delivery as appropriate.
• Conducts research, trend analysis and benchmarking in international markets including category management.
• Leads/guides headquarters and remotely located teams performing complex procurements.
• Liaises with and makes presentations to procurement review committees.
• Undertakes contract administration to ensure compliance with Bank policy and contract terms. May provide guidance and direction to Project Managers on contract management issues.
• Has signature authority up to $250,000.
• Designs innovative solutions for complex solicitations for large dollar and/or high visibility contracts.
• May provide guidance to more junior staff.
Work implies frequent interaction with the following:
• Bank staff at all levels, typically Business Unit Managers, Country Directors and Managers, Chief Administrative Officers, Legal Department Representatives, Resource Managers, Administrative Procurement Review Committee Members, Officers, and Project Task Leaders.
• Consultants and vendor personnel, typically sales representatives, heads of companies and VPs, account managers and commodity specialists, and technical representatives.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Law, or other relevant discipline and nationally/internationally recognized Professional Certification (CPSM, CIPS or equivalent) coupled with courses/certificates in procurement; or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Some direct IT experience desirable.
• Minimum of 5 years relevant experience.
• Extensive experience conducting international procurements.
• Extensive experience conducting procurements for software and hardware systems, treasury systems, software licensing, subscription, telecommunications, staff augmentation, managed services, cloud computing, software as a service, outsourced and offshore software development; web development and hosting; and health services in various sectors.
• Proven experience assessing local market conditions and providing guidance to internal clients.
• Experience in capacity building techniques in the procurement field.
• Extensive experience in contracting for a diverse range of goods and services, including software and hardware systems, treasury systems, software licensing, subscriptions, telecommunications, staff augmentation, managed services, cloud computing, software as a service, outsourced and offshore software development;  web development and hosting; and health services.
• Proven expertise in complex contract terms and conditions (e.g. international regulations, technology issues, indemnification, intellectual property, cultural issues, assignment, contract termination, etc.), and negotiation of provisions.
• Working knowledge of operations research and quantitative methods approaches to measure supplier capacity and systems to produce and deliver goods and services as proposed.
• Extensive knowledge of and experience in applying public/private sector procurement procedures and practices and good understanding of  sources of supply, market trends, pricing, etc.
• Excellent negotiating skills to shape agreements with vendors.
• Proven project management skills.
• Proven dispute resolution skills.

The World Bank Group is committed to achieving diversity in race, gender, nationality, culture, and educational background. Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.

For further details and to apply, please go to www.worldbank.org/careers and under “current job openings” seek vacancy number 150980.