Senior Program Manager, Construction Project Management Job #: req32853 Organization: World Bank Sector: General Services Grade: GG Term Duration:ย 5 years 0 months Recruitment Type: International Recruitment Location: Washington, DC,United States Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 5/5/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
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ย Description
Do you want to build a truly worthwhile career? 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.ย For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.
Global Corporate Solutions and Corporate Real Estateย
Reporting directly to the Managing Director and Chief Administration Officer (MDCAO), Global Corporate Solutions (GCS) brings together the functions of Corporate Security, Corporate Real Estate, and Corporate Services (such as food services, printing, travel, conferences, and translation and interpretation).
GCSโs Corporate Real Estate (GCSCR) division plays a crucial role in supporting WBG legal entities (IBRD, IDA, MIGA, and ICSID) by developing and operating their real estate demands worldwide. GCSCRโs primary purpose is to create safe, cost effective, sustainable, and functional real estate solutions, enabling business units to perform their work program in line with the WBGโs mission to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet.
To achieve its purpose, GCSCR led by the Senior Manager, is structured into three divisions: (i) HQ Real Estate Development and Management (GCSHQ), which covers facilities based in Washington, DC, (ii) International Real Estate (GCSIR), responsible for facilities located overseas, and (iii) Corporate Real Estateย Center of Excellence (CoE) which serves as a central hub of expertise driving operational excellence, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring the successful execution of initiatives.ย
GCSCR is comprised of approximately 100 staff, leverages over 500 contractors, and manages an annual facilities capital investment plan of about $155 million globally. GCSCR works closely with the Regions on the Bankโs more than 190 locations.ย
Job Descriptionย
The Senior Program Manager, Construction Project Management will be a key member of the CoE team, serving as a Subject Matter Expert (SME). This role provides strategic oversight to support project managers in delivering office construction and interior fit-out projects, while also driving enterprise-wide workplace strategies and change management initiatives. By researching emerging trends, formalizing standards, and ensuring compliance with institutional guidelines and industry best practices, this position contributes to optimize space utilization, enhance staff experience, reinforce organizational branding, and promote sustainability practices. The role combines strategic leadership with operational expertise, ensuring workplace projects align with organizational goals and foster a culture of innovation and adaptability. The position is based in Washington DC and will report to the Manager, CoE.
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Workplace Strategy and Change Management
โข Develop and implement organization-wide workplace strategies that align with organizational goals, focusing on flexibility, employee experience, and well-being.
โข Lead change management initiatives to support workplace transformations, including hybrid work models, cultural shifts, and large-scale organizational changes.
โข Provide strategic guidance and frameworks to workplace strategists and project managers, ensuring alignment with institutional guidelines and industry best practices.
โข Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, offering insights and recommendations on workplace strategy and change management.
Standards and Processes
โข Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop workplace strategies that enhance space utilization, flexibility, staff experience, and well-being.
โข Lead research and analysis of workplace design trends, construction technologies, and sustainable practices to inform strategic planning and decision-making.
โข Develop, implement, and continuously refine corporate workplace design standards and guidelines.
โข Develop and implement tools to forecast space demand and functional requirements, considering workforce projections and assumptions for seat sharing.
โข Develop and maintain processes, procedures, and guidance to support the delivery of workplace projects.
Project Management Support and Advisory Services
โข Collaborate closely with project management teams โ involving both HQ and Country Offices Projects - in developing tools and best practices that optimize the planning and delivery of workplace projects.
โข Engage proactively with project managers, architects and designers at the outset of projects to develop design briefs, incorporating key assumptions on space requirements, design objectives, and functional needs.ย
โข Coordinate closely with facilities and operations teams to ensure workplace strategies are practical, implementable, and aligned with long-term asset management objectives.
โข Monitor project progress across all phasesโdesign, procurement, construction, and close-outโto ensure adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality benchmarks.
โข Provide succinct project updates at short notice, tailored to different audiences, including leadership, clients, and technical counterparts.
โข Proactively identify and flag potential risks, issues, or delays; support teams in developing mitigation plans and alternative strategies.
โข Encourage and coordinate the adoption of sustainability initiatives by supporting project teams in integrating green building and wellness certifications into workplace projects.
โข Provide strategic input on incorporating art and brand elements, ensuring alignment with the organizationโs vision and cultural context.
โข Facilitate knowledge exchange by documenting lessons learned and supporting the dissemination of project outcomes.
Quality Assurance and Compliance
โข Develop initiatives to promote compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.
โข Provide technical expertise in reviewing schematic designs for building construction and office fit outs.
โข Monitor project execution through regular review of reports, pictures, and site visits for key projects to ensure alignment with design standards and objectives, providing timely feedback to be incorporated into ongoing and future project phases
Vendor Engagement
โข Collaborate with procurement teams to establish framework agreements with key vendors, supporting design and interior fit outs, including designers, quantity surveyors, specialty consultants, furniture and signage providers, and other critical suppliers.
โข Serve as contract manager for key vendors, monitoring vendor performance through established KPIs and feedback mechanisms to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and quality expectations.
Training and Knowledge Sharing
โข Design and deliver training programs to equip project teams with knowledge on workplace design standards, efficient space utilization, and sustainability practices, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives, industry benchmarks, and regulatory compliance.
โข Support the onboarding of new project managers on design and construction processes and standards.
โข Conduct post-completion evaluations and share lessons learned to improve future workplace projects and processes.
Selection Criteria
โข Masterโs degree or equivalent degree in Architecture or Engineering with 10 years of experience.
โข Strong knowledge of office building construction, fit-outs, and technical systems.
โข Experience in developing workplace design standards and reviewing project designs.
โข Ability to analyze occupancy data, forecast space needs, and optimize space allocation.
โข Familiarity with building codes, sustainability standards, and industry benchmarks.
โข Knowledge and experience in change management methodologies.
โข Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, or similar tools.
โข Project management experience and ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously. Project Management Professional (PMP) is desirable.ย
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 theย World Bankย andย IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.