Senior Water Specialist Job #: req35279 Organization: World Bank Sector: Water/Sanitation Grade: GG Term Duration:ย 4 years 0 months Recruitment Type: International Recruitment Location: Yaounde,Cameroon Required Language(s): English/French Preferred Language(s): English/French Closing Date: 1/20/2026 (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 worldโs 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, visitย www.worldbank.org.
VPU Context: The Water Global Practice (WTR GP) is poised to deliver on a Water Secure World through an approach that focuses on Sustaining Water Resources, Delivering Services and Building Resilience. The WTR GP also seeks to ensure that water issues are effectively addressed across all related sub-sectors, such as agriculture, climate change and disaster risk management, and energy (hydropower).
The Water GP is housed within the Sustainable Development Practice Group, which brings together the cross-cutting sectors of Water with Agriculture, Environment, Social Inclusion, and Urban and Disaster Risk Management.
Unit Context: The AFW Water team (SAWW4), is responsible for ensuring the translation of the World Bankโs Africa Regional Strategy and the Water Global Practiceโs Water Security Strategy into practical results relevant to 9 countries, from Sierra Leone to the Republic of Congo. Specifically, the unit supports the definition and achievement of these results through analytical, policy, and investment activities. The unit has a staffing complement of around 15 water professionals, with an active portfolio of about $1.5 Billion, through 6 investment projects, 1 Program for Results, Advisory Services and Analytics, and contribution to Development Policy Financing.
Duties and Responsibilities:
โข Lead the water security engagement in Cameroon with focus on ongoing operations and development of the pipeline.
โข Build up the analytical work on evolving business needs, including water supply and sanitation services, water in agriculture, WRM and floods and droughts management.ย
โข Lead or co-lead analytical and advisory activities to support overall business development including contributions to cross-sectoral engagements working with agriculture, social, energy and environment GPs on landscape and watershed programs and climate resilience irrigation.
โข Bring innovation and strategic thinking in dealing with technical and policy issues while maintaining a strong client focus.
โข Communicate effectively with internal and external clients and manage effectively risks, including corporate and reputational risks.ย
โข Produce high-quality documents and analytical reports.
โข Contribute to the regional and global knowledge agenda.
Selection Criteria
โข 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.
โข 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.
โข Excellent teamwork skills and ability to work and coordinate activities for cross-sectoral work, outside the Water GP and with external partners.ย
โข ย Experience leading large teams and managing client dialogue in complex projects.
โข Demonstrated capacity working in the West Africa region. - Experience in FCV would be preferred.
โข 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 theย World Bankย andย IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.