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. It is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, helping to solve the world’s greatest development challenges. The organization has 189 member countries and operates more than 120 offices worldwide, working with public and private sector partners to invest in groundbreaking projects and utilize data, research, and technology to bring about tangible and transformative change globally. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

Job Overview:
The Senior Water Specialist position is integral to the World Bank Group's efforts in financing water development through various projects, policy lending, and technical assistance. The role focuses on implementing the World Bank Group Strategy and the Water Strategy Implementation Plan, which emphasizes three main pillars: Water for People, Water for Food, and Water for the Planet. The Water Global Practice (GP) operates within the Planet Vertical, which integrates water with agriculture, environment, social inclusion, and urban disaster risk management. The specialist will be responsible for sustaining water resources, delivering services in water supply and sanitation, and building resilience against climate change and disaster risks. This position requires collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of water-related projects and policies across the West and Central Africa Region, specifically in Chad and Mali, where the unit supports the achievement of practical results through analytical, policy, and investment activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Water Specialist will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Strategies, Planning, and Policies: Assisting in the formulation of country sector strategies across the water sector, participating in reviews of sector policies, and liaising with teams from other Global Practices to ensure consistent addressing of water-related issues.
• Project Implementation: Monitoring project implementation closely, participating in the design and execution of water activities, identifying implementation issues, and maintaining effective relationships with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders.
• Institutional and Analytical Work: Supporting the design and implementation of sector strategies and analytical work, leading task teams for analytical studies, and identifying relevant expertise within and outside the World Bank.
• Monitoring & Evaluation: Monitoring sector portfolio implementation, ensuring quality control, and preparing timely reports on project progress.

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. They should have recognized technical, operational, or policy-oriented expertise, with at least 8 years of relevant work experience. A strong understanding of water supply and sanitation service delivery, infrastructure development, and public/private partnerships is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate knowledge of cross-cutting issues such as climate change, environmental and social issues, and poverty reduction, along with the ability to engage in policy dialogue with governments and external partners.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as water resources, hydrology, hydraulics, sanitation, environment, civil engineering, or irrigation is required. The focus should be on water supply and sanitation and water resources management, ensuring that candidates have a solid theoretical foundation to support their practical work in the field.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 8 years of work experience in areas related to water supply and sanitation service delivery, water resources management, and infrastructure development. Experience in utility/institutional reform, sector coordination, and policy dialogue is also crucial, as is a demonstrated ability to think strategically and innovatively in addressing technical and policy issues.

Languages:
Fluency in both French and English is mandatory, with excellent written and oral communication skills. Candidates should have experience in publishing technical and policy work and making effective presentations to diverse audiences. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 2 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 diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.