Project Manager, International Real Estate

Project Manager, International Real Estate

Job #: req37444 Organization: World Bank Group Sector: Facilities Management Grade: GF Term Duration: 3 years 0 months Recruitment Type: International Recruitment Location: Nairobi,Kenya Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 7/21/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. 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, increasing shared prosperity and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 175 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. Visit www.worldbank.org.

Global Corporate Solutions and Corporate Real Estate

The World Bank Group’s Real Estate Team (WBGRE) plays a crucial role in supporting the World Bank Group legal entities (IBRD, IFC, IDA, MIGA, and ICSID) by developing and operating their real estate assets worldwide. WBGRE’s primary purpose is to provide safe, cost effective, sustainable, and functional real estate solutions, enabling business units to perform their work program in line with the WBG’s mission to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet.

To achieve its purpose, WBGRE led by the Senior Manager is structured into 3 divisions: (i) HQ Real Estate Development & Management and (ii) Global Real Estate Development & Management and (iii) Global Strategy and Planning or Center of Excellent. WBGRE also acts as the Secretariat for the WBG’s Real Estate Governance Framework, including supporting the WBG Real Estate Governance process. WBGRE comprises 80+ staff, leverages over 500 contractors, and manages an annual capital investment plan of about $160 million globally. WBGRE works closely with the Bank’s regions managing more than 175 country offices.

Job Description

The Project Manager reports to the Manager, International Real Estate (GCSF1) and handles major components of facilities projects, comprising acquisition, design, and construction of Bank’s offices in the International Real Estate (Africa) region - GCSF1. He or She delivers the work program under the direction of the Senior Project Manager working closely with managers at all levels at Headquarters and Country Offices, internal business units and service providers, attorneys, real estate brokers, landlords, furniture, and equipment manufacturers, architectural, engineering and project management firms, and construction contractors. The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya

Duties and accountabilities include but are not limited to:

• Delivers the work program under the direction of the Senior Project Manager and as required, by the Manager.

• Responsible for providing technical support towards the design and construction of the World Bank Office Premises including but not limited to active new office development projects in Nairobi as well as monitoring other World Bank construction works as assigned. The technical support includes support to project and contract management, as well as monitoring of construction works on site. The incumbent collaborates closely with the different stakeholders and provides local knowledge and expertise to help meet the needs of the project.

• Develops project program with the client.

• Resolves scope of required resources and mobilize them from within/outside the Bank.

• Supports technical interaction with the internal real estate group lease or purchase formation and negotiations.

• Conducts review of terms and conditions of lease proposals and assists in formulating strategy for lease transactions.

• Sets the project budget and schedule, and leads the planning, design, and construction process, coordinating inputs from Bank units and outside firms on all aspects of the project from inception through final completion.

• Identifies, inspects, and evaluates alternative sites and buildings, and determines their suitability for the Bank’s requirements and needs.

• Coordinates and directs all implementation activities and resources. Analyzes needs, identifies potential issues, and develops optimal solutions considering user requirements, technical constraints, resource availability, Bank policies, standards, and guidelines.

• Supports the selection of design & supervision consultants, contractors, and specialty consultants for projects.

• Manages the preparation of construction plans, specifications, and contract documents.

• Manages the preparations of project presentations to staff, Senior Management, and governance oversight teams.

• Monitors the project budget and schedule and takes appropriate corrective action when needed to adhere to the pre-established budget and schedule.

• Assures the final completion and timely occupancy of projects in a cost-effective manner.

• Prepares for requisitions and approves invoices submitted by vendors/contacts and prepares the required documentation for payments.

• Prepares timely project reporting for clients and SR management.

• Manages 3rd party review and testing and commissioning

• Manages accurate projects documents filing.

• Oversees and monitors post-occupancy activities.

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree, preferably MA/MS or M.Eng. (Architecture, Civil,
Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering) with 5 years of experience or equivalent
combination of education and experience.

• Demonstrated Project Management experience. A PMP, PRINCE2 or similar certification would be an advantage.

• Detailed knowledge of building design and construction with a thorough understanding of architectural design concepts, building systems and equipment as applied to large comprehensive construction and renovation projects, sustainability principles, and multiple project delivery models. Basic knowledge of institutional interior design theory and practices and familiarity working with corporate Workplace standards, Security and Fire life Safety standards.

• Experience with the procurement of goods, works, and services.

• Relevant international experience in developing countries. Experience working on projects in Africa would be an advantage.

• Relevant experience working for an international organization would be an advantage.

• Proficiency in written and oral English is required. Proficiency of French will be an added advantage for Kinshasa/Abidjan.

• Robust negotiation skills, including working experience planning and preparing negotiations, setting clear objectives and strategy to achieve them.

Competencies:

• Client Orientation: Assumes responsibility and accountability for timely response to client queries, requests or needs, working to remove obstacles that may impede execution or overall success

• Drive for Results: Works to meet deadlines and achieve agreed-upon results with the personal organization skills to do so

• Teamwork and Inclusion: Collaborates with other team members and contributes to the team's work and output, demonstrating respect for different points of

view

• Knowledge, Learning and Communication: Actively seeks knowledge needed to complete assignments and shares knowledge with others

• Judgment and Decision Making: Analyzes facts and data to support sound, logical decisions regarding own and others' work

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.