Water Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a unique global partnership of five institutions established with the mission to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. Founded in 1944, the organization has grown to include 189 member countries and operates more than 120 offices worldwide. The World Bank is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, focusing on solving the world’s greatest development challenges through collaboration with public and private sector partners, investment in groundbreaking projects, and leveraging data, research, and technology to drive transformative change globally. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

Job Overview:
The Water Specialist position at the World Bank involves working within the Water Global Practice (GP) to finance water development projects, provide policy lending, and offer technical assistance in sustaining water resources and delivering essential services. The role is critical in ensuring that water issues are effectively addressed across various sub-sectors, including agriculture, climate change, disaster risk management, and energy. The Water GP is part of the Sustainable Development Practice Group, which integrates water with agriculture, environment, social inclusion, and urban disaster risk management. The position is based in the West and Central Africa Region, where the hiring unit is responsible for translating the World Bank’s Africa Regional Strategy and the Water GP’s Water security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Strategy into practical results across 13 countries. The Water Specialist will engage in analytical, policy, and investment activities to achieve these results, contributing to an active portfolio of over $2.6 billion across multiple investment projects and programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The specific duties of the Water Specialist include, but are not limited to: (i) Developing strategies, planning, and policies related to water resources and sanitation; (ii) Implementing and preparing projects that address water supply and sanitation needs; (iii) Conducting institutional and analytical work to support water resource management; (iv) Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of water-related projects and initiatives. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government entities and external partners, to ensure successful project outcomes and adherence to the World Bank’s strategic objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in water resources, hydrology, hydraulics, sanitation, environment, civil engineering, irrigation, or a related discipline with a focus on water supply and sanitation and water resources management. Additionally, candidates should have recognized technical, operational, and/or policy-oriented expertise, with at least 5 years of relevant work experience. A demonstrated knowledge of water supply and sanitation service delivery, infrastructure development, utility/institutional reform, public/private partnerships, sector coordination, and policy dialogue is essential. Candidates should also have the ability to incorporate climate change implications into World Bank operations and effectively engage with diverse viewpoints in their work.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as water resources, hydrology, hydraulics, sanitation, environment, civil engineering, or irrigation. This advanced degree should focus on aspects related to water supply, sanitation, and water resources management, equipping the candidate with the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to address the challenges in the water sector.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in areas related to water supply and sanitation service delivery, water resources management, and infrastructure development. Candidates should have a proven track record of working on projects that involve utility/institutional reform, public/private partnerships, and policy dialogue, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex operational environments and deliver results.

Languages:
Fluency in both French and English is mandatory for this position, as the role involves communication with diverse stakeholders and the preparation of technical and policy documents. Candidates should possess excellent written and oral communication skills in both languages. While proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial, the primary requirement is strong command over French and English.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 2 years. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a retirement plan, medical, life, and disability insurance, as well as paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and promotes an inclusive work environment, ensuring equal opportunities regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.