Water Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank is a prominent global institution established to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries. Founded in 1944, it has grown to include 189 member countries and operates in over 120 offices worldwide. The organization's mission is to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity by providing funding and knowledge to help countries address their development challenges. The World Bank is particularly focused on sustainable development and has a significant portfolio dedicated to water resources, with investments totaling US$41 billion. The Water Department within the World Bank is committed to achieving a water-secure world for all, working closely with various partners to deliver essential services and build resilience against water-related challenges. The organization emphasizes collaboration with public and private sector partners to implement innovative solutions and leverage data and research for impactful outcomes. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

Job Overview:
The Water Specialist position at the World Bank in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is a critical role aimed at supporting the implementation of the Water Resources Group (WRG) country program. The specialist will work closely with various stakeholders, including the Program Manager of WRG, the Water Practice Manager, and local partners from government, business, and civil society. The primary focus of this role is to align the WRG Bangladesh country program with the strategic and operational plans of WRG, ensuring effective delivery of initiatives aimed at managing industrial and municipal pollution. The Water Specialist will also engage in high-level decision-making processes, contribute to analytical products, and assist in fundraising efforts to secure financial sustainability for the programs. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for scaling WRG efforts and ensuring alignment with World Bank priorities, while also enhancing the visibility and impact of WRG initiatives at various levels.

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

• Supporting the implementation of the WRG Bangladesh country program in alignment with strategic and operational plans, engaging with World Bank management and partners.
• Assisting in the Accelerator program focused on pollution management, facilitating public-private partnerships and mobilizing private capital.
• Identifying opportunities for scaling WRG efforts in the region and supporting existing country work.
• Participating in the World Bank’s Water operational team, contributing to lending operations and analytics related to water security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security.
• Producing high-quality analytical products and technical assessments in coordination with the water team.
• Fundraising and establishing partnerships to ensure financial sustainability of programs.
• Coordinating with various stakeholders and participating in meetings to align WRG activities with World Bank priorities.
• Collaborating with the WRG Communications team to enhance visibility and impact of WRG initiatives.
• Maintaining close ties with WRG partners, particularly in government and the private sector.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Water Specialist position must possess a Master’s degree in a water-related field such as Environment, Economics, Finance, Engineering, Business Strategy, or Business Administration. Additionally, candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant work experience in program management, financing, business development, or public-private partnerships, particularly in the water and environmental sectors. A strong understanding of the technical and policy drivers of the water sector, as well as experience in leading transformational programs and initiatives, is essential. Candidates should also have well-established networks within the water, climate, and environment sectors, and demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with senior leaders and diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Water Specialist position includes a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Water Resources, Environmental Science, Economics, Finance, Engineering, Business Strategy, or Business Administration. This advanced degree is crucial for understanding the complexities of water management and the associated economic and environmental challenges.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of experience at the regional and country levels, specifically in program management, financing, business development, or public-private partnerships related to water and environmental issues. Candidates should have a proven track record of supporting private sector-driven solutions and engaging with various stakeholders in the water sector.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the World Bank. Additionally, knowledge of local languages, particularly Bengali, is desirable and can enhance communication with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 2 years. The role is full-time and based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The World Bank offers a comprehensive benefits package, including retirement plans, medical and life insurance, paid leave, and parental leave. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or disability.