Senior Urban Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a prominent global institution established to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries. With a mission to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity, the World Bank Group operates in 189 member countries and has over 120 offices worldwide. It is recognized as one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for development, focusing on various sectors including urban development, health, education, and infrastructure. The organization aims to address the most pressing global challenges through innovative solutions, partnerships, and investments in sustainable projects.

Job Overview:
The Senior Urban Specialist position at the World Bank involves leading and managing urban development initiatives in Niger, particularly focusing on resilient infrastructure, urban planning, and municipal governance. The role requires a deep understanding of urban services management and administration" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">land administration, with an emphasis on addressing the unique challenges faced by cities in Sub-Saharan Africa. The selected candidate will be responsible for engaging with local and national government authorities, development partners, and internal stakeholders to drive the urban resilience agenda. This includes preparing and supervising lending operations, conducting analytical and advisory activities, and developing new business opportunities in the urban sector. The position also entails contributing to policy dialogues and ensuring the integration of urban, resilience, land, and territorial development agendas in project planning and execution.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Urban Specialist will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: leading the World Bank's urban resilience agenda in Niger and potentially other Sahel countries; managing relationships with stakeholders at various levels; preparing and supervising lending operations; conducting analytical work to inform new operations; engaging in policy dialogues related to urban development; supervising consultants and technical specialists; managing Trust Fund activities; and providing mentorship to junior team members. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying challenges and advising on solutions, ensuring that projects align with the World Bank's standards and objectives. Additionally, the specialist will participate in knowledge-sharing activities and contribute to the professional development of the team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Masters level or higher) in fields such as engineering, urban development, economics, or finance, relevant to urban development. A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in infrastructure sectors, particularly urban development, transport, or water and sanitation, is required. The ideal candidate should demonstrate expertise in urban policy development, institutional financing, flood risk management, and decentralization reforms. Strong leadership skills and the ability to manage complex operations and multi-stakeholder coordination are essential. Familiarity with World Bank operational policies and practices is advantageous, as is a proven track record of delivering high-quality outputs under pressure.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced degree, preferably at the Masters level or higher, in a relevant discipline such as engineering, urban development, economics, or finance. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of urban development and infrastructure management, as well as for engaging effectively with various stakeholders in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of specific professional experience in infrastructure sectors, with a focus on urban development, transport, or water and sanitation. Candidates should have operational experience in preparing and implementing investment projects, as well as experience working on complex urban risk programs that involve coordination among multiple stakeholders. Demonstrated leadership skills in managing complex operations and sector policy engagement strategies are also essential, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is mandatory for this position, as effective communication with diverse stakeholders is crucial. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but the primary requirement is strong command of both English and French to facilitate collaboration and dialogue in the context of urban development initiatives.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 3 years. The role is full-time and based in Niamey, Niger. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all employees regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or disability.