Senior Water Specialist, Washington DC

Senior Water Specialist Job #: req36936 Organization: World Bank Sector: Water/Sanitation Grade: GG Term Duration: 4 years 0 months Recruitment Type: International Recruitment Location: Washington, DC,United States Required Language(s): English/French Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 6/22/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile?  The World Bank Group is a unique global partnership of five institutions driven by a bold vision to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. As one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, we help solve the world’s greatest development challenges. When you join the World Bank Group, you become part of a dynamic, diverse organization with 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide. We work with public and private sector partners, invest in groundbreaking projects, and use data, research, and technology to bring tangible and transformative change around the globe. For more information, visit

VPU Context: 

Globally, the World Bank Group finances water development through projects, policy lending and technical assistance building on the new World Bank Group Strategy and the related Water Strategy Implementation Plan which focuses on three pillars: Water for People, Water for Food, and Water for the Planet.   The Water GP is housed within the Planet Vertical, which brings together the cross-cutting sectors of Water with Agriculture, Environment, Social Inclusion, and Urban and Disaster Risk Management. The Water Global Practice therefore operates in the fields of sustaining water resources, delivering services (both in water in agriculture as in water supply and sanitation) and building resilience, the Water Global Practice (GP) also seeks to ensure that water issues are effectively addressed across all related sub-sectors, such as agriculture (ensuring sustainable water availability for irrigation), climate change and disaster risk management, and energy (hydropower). Unit Context:

The West and Central Africa Region, the hiring unit (SAWW1) is responsible for ensuring the translation of the World Bank’s Africa Regional Strategy and the Water Global Practice’s Water Security Strategy into practical results relevant to 13 countries. Specifically, the unit supports the definition and achievement of these results through analytical, policy, and investment activities. The unit has a staffing complement of 21 water professionals, with an active portfolio of over $2.6 Billion,11 investment projects, 2 Programs for Results, Advisory Services and Analytics and contribution to Development Policy Financing. Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Provide implementation support to selected projects including the DREVE Program. • Provide technical solutions on flagship and problem projects and lead Bank-related adaptative implementation functions such as project restructurings, budget planning, preparation of TORs, provision of no objections, management briefs, etc.

• Provide technical advice on the implementation of water and sanitation, water resources management and irrigation activities • Lead client dialogue on flagship and problem projects as needed.  Lead or contribute to ad hoc requests and be prepared to step in as “acting” PM as required.

• As a technical specialist, contribute significantly to corporate priorities and key Global Solutions Group of the Water GP. • Work across Planet teams and coordinate the work of a multidisciplinary Bank team as appropriate.

• Support coordination of Bank-funded and donor-funded technical assistance activities and Bank-funded independent Panel of Experts when needed.

Selection Criteria

• At least an MA degree in economics, or MS in civil/environmental engineering, with specialization in water resources management, water supply/hydraulics, irrigation or similar field or an equivalent combination of education and work experience. 

• At least 8 years of work experience in the field of water resources management, irrigation and water supply and sanitation.

• At least 8 years of experience in project management in the water sector, with proven ability to manage complex multi-sector World Bank operations, including those that require significant resettlement. - Deep understanding and demonstrated expertise of World Bank operations and processes.

• Excellent teamwork skills and ability to work and coordinate activities for cross-sectoral work, outside the Water GP and with external partners. - Experience leading large teams and managing client dialogue in complex projects.

• Demonstrated capacity working in the West Africa region. 

• Experience in FCV would be preferred.

• Ability to speak, read and write in both English and French fluently.

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC including our values and inspiring stories.