Senior Water Supply and Sanitation Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank is a global financial institution that provides loans and grants to the governments of poorer countries for the purpose of pursuing capital projects. Established in 1944, the World Bank aims to reduce poverty and support development by providing financial and technical assistance to developing countries. It operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 10,000 employees. The organization focuses on various sectors, including water and sanitation, to ensure sustainable development and improve living conditions for people around the world. The Water Global Practice and the Sustainable Development Practice Group are integral parts of the World Bank's mission, addressing critical water challenges and promoting effective water resource management across different regions, particularly in Western and Central Africa.

Job Overview:
The Senior Water Supply and Sanitation Specialist position is a critical role within the World Bank's efforts to enhance water supply and sanitation services in Benin. The successful candidate will be responsible for formulating and implementing strategies, policies, and projects that address the pressing water and sanitation issues in the country. This role requires a deep understanding of the local context, including the socio-economic and environmental factors that influence water resource management. The specialist will work closely with government counterparts, stakeholders, and other development partners to ensure that water-related challenges are effectively addressed. The position involves participating in policy dialogues, preparing reports, and providing technical assistance to support the implementation of water and sanitation projects. The specialist will also engage in monitoring and evaluation activities to assess the impact of these initiatives and ensure alignment with the World Bank's broader goals.

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

• Assisting in the formulation of country sector strategies in the water and sanitation sector, including reviewing policies and regulatory frameworks.
• Identifying and preparing projects that align with the World Bank's objectives and addressing local needs.
• Collaborating with teams from other Global Practices to ensure a cohesive approach to water-related issues across various programs.
• Engaging in policy dialogue with key stakeholders and advising government counterparts on technical and institutional matters.
• Preparing comprehensive reports, summaries, and briefs on water-related projects and strategies.
• Participating in the design and implementation of water activities, incorporating cross-cutting issues such as gender and climate change.
• Supporting multidisciplinary supervision missions and identifying implementation challenges.
• Maintaining effective relationships with governmental, non-governmental, and donor stakeholders.
• Organizing workshops on Bank procedures and encouraging the use of innovative technologies to enhance project implementation. 1
• Conducting analytical work and supporting the design of sector strategies and studies. 1
• Monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the sector portfolio and preparing timely reports on project progress.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Senior Water Supply and Sanitation Specialist position must possess a master's degree in water resources, hydrology, hydraulics, sanitation, environment, civil engineering, or a related discipline with a focus on water supply and sanitation. Additionally, candidates should have recognized technical, operational, and policy-oriented expertise, with at least 8 years of relevant work experience. This experience may include roles in government, academia, private companies, consulting firms, or multilateral institutions. A strong understanding of water resources management and water supply and sanitation service delivery is essential, along with knowledge of utility reform, public-private partnerships, and sector coordination. Candidates should demonstrate effective communication skills in English, both verbal and written, and possess the ability to produce high-quality documents and analytical reports. Familiarity with cross-cutting issues related to the water sector, such as climate change and poverty reduction, is also important.

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 a related discipline. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of water supply and sanitation systems and for developing effective strategies to address the challenges faced in these sectors.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least 8 years of relevant work experience. This experience should encompass a range of roles that demonstrate expertise in water resources management, sanitation services, and policy development. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with government agencies, international organizations, and other stakeholders in the water sector. Hands-on experience in project implementation and a strong understanding of the local context in Benin will be highly valued.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are English and French. Proficiency in both languages is essential for effective communication with stakeholders, preparation of reports, and participation in policy dialogues. Knowledge of 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 role is full-time and involves working closely with various stakeholders in the water and sanitation sectors in Benin. The World Bank offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a retirement plan, medical and life insurance, and paid leave. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or disability.