Senior 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 partnerships with public and private sectors, investment in groundbreaking projects, and leveraging data, research, and technology to bring about transformative change globally.

Job Overview:
The Senior Water Specialist position is a critical role within the Water Global Practice (WTR GP) of the World Bank, which aims to deliver a Water Secure World. This position involves leading water security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security engagements in Cameroon, focusing on ongoing operations and the development of future projects. The specialist will be responsible for building analytical work that addresses evolving business needs related to water supply and sanitation services, water resource management, and flood and drought management. The role requires innovative and strategic thinking to tackle technical and policy issues while maintaining a strong client focus. The specialist will also be expected to communicate effectively with both internal and external clients, manage risks, and produce high-quality documents and analytical reports that contribute to the regional and global knowledge agenda.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Water Specialist include leading the water security engagement in Cameroon, focusing on ongoing operations and the development of the project pipeline. The specialist will build up analytical work on business needs, including water supply and sanitation services, water in agriculture, and management of floods and droughts. They will lead or co-lead analytical and advisory activities to support overall business development, contributing to cross-sectoral engagements with agriculture, social, energy, and environment sectors. The role requires effective communication with clients and the management of corporate and reputational risks. Additionally, the specialist will produce high-quality documents and analytical reports that support the objectives of the Water GP.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least a Master's degree in economics or a Master's in civil/environmental engineering with a specialization in water resources management, water supply/hydraulics, irrigation, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and work experience will also be considered. Furthermore, candidates should have a minimum of 8 years of work experience in water resources management, irrigation, and water supply and sanitation, along with at least 8 years of project management experience in the water sector. A deep understanding of World Bank operations and processes is essential, as well as excellent teamwork skills and the ability to coordinate cross-sectoral activities. Experience leading large teams and managing client dialogues in complex projects is also required, along with demonstrated capacity working in the West Africa region.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in a relevant field such as economics, civil or environmental engineering, or a related discipline with a focus on water resources management. Candidates with equivalent combinations of education and work experience may also be considered. The emphasis is on advanced knowledge and skills related to water supply, hydraulics, irrigation, and project management in the water sector.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically at least 8 years in the field of water resources management, irrigation, and water supply and sanitation. Candidates should have extensive project management experience, particularly in managing complex multi-sector operations within the World Bank framework. A proven track record of leading large teams and managing client relationships in challenging projects is essential, along with experience in fragile and conflict-affected situations (FCV) being preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French is mandatory for this position, with the ability to speak, read, and write in both languages. This bilingual requirement is crucial for effective communication and collaboration within the diverse teams and stakeholders involved in the projects.

Additional Notes:
This position is an international recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 4 years. The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to being an equal opportunity and inclusive employer, ensuring that there is no discrimination based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The role is full-time and involves working in a dynamic and diverse environment.