Water Specialist at World Bank Group

Libreville, Estuaire Province, Gabon -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

29 Aug, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

31 May, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, Water Resources Management, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water Utility Management, Data Analysis, Policy Formulation, Technical Supervision, Procurement Review, Stakeholder Management, Research, Strategic Planning, Operational Support, Budget Planning, Report Writing

Industry

International Trade and Development

Description

Water Specialist Job #: req36879 Organization: World Bank Sector: Water/Sanitation Grade: GF Term Duration: 3 years 0 months Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment Location: Libreville,Gabon Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): French Closing Date: 6/15/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC Description The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org. Water Global Practice and the Planet Practice Group The world faces a deepening water crisis with profound consequences for human development, food security, and economic growth. Over 2.1 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water, more than 3.4 billion live without adequate sanitation, and four billion experience severe water scarcity every year. Water-dependent sectors support 1.7 billion jobs globally, yet climate change continues to intensify floods, droughts, and rainfall variability — with the heaviest burden falling on women and the poor. Addressing these challenges will require more than $1 trillion annually, far exceeding current public spending of $164.6 billion and a private sector contribution of just 2%. The World Bank Group's Water Global Practice is responding through Water Forward initiative, with a goal of advancing water security for 400 million people by 2030. The strategy rests on three pillars — Water for People (250 million people through improved drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene), Water for Food (50 million people through sustainable irrigation and agricultural water management), and Water for Planet (100 million people through flood and drought resilience and ecosystem restoration). Collectively, MDBs and partners under Water Forward are committed to reaching over one billion people by 2030. Housed within the Planet Vertical and supported by the GWSP trust fund, the GP integrates investment with governance, policy, and institutional reform, while deploying digital tools, AI, and regional knowledge platforms to translate global expertise into local impact. Western and Central Africa (AFW) Region Western and Central Africa is a region with diverse cultures, beliefs, languages, and lifestyles – marked by contrasts of stability and conflict, affluence and poverty. Home to about half a billion people, it encompasses 22 countries stretching from the westernmost point of Africa across the equator and partly along the Atlantic Ocean to the Republic of Congo in the South. Yet these vast opportunities are tempered by persistent gaps in education, health, and skills, which have Africa not reaching its estimated potential. Many of these countries are rich in natural resources, exporting key commodities such as oil (Gabon, Nigeria, Republic of Congo), cocoa (Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana), and cotton (Benin, Burkina Faso). Despite this, agriculture remains the backbone of the region’s economy, providing employment for 42% of the population in 2019. https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/region/afr/western-and-central-africa AFW Water Team (SAWW4) The AFW Water team (SAWW4), 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 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. Objectives of the assignment The SAWW4 unit seeks to recruit a Water Specialist to support the task team leaders (TTLs) in various activities, including: (1) analytical and operational support for the preparation and implementation of the Gabon Access to Basic Services and Performance Improvement Project (Projet d'Accès aux Services de Base et d’Amélioration des Performances, PASBAP) and other projects and programs in the Cameroon CMU as required; (2) the formulation of country water sector strategies through strategic analytical works; (3) the preparation of new projects or programs; and (4) the monitoring, quality assurance, and coordination of the water sector portfolio. Duties & Responsibilities The Specialist will be responsible for various tasks which include but are not limited to: • Provide technical and operational support to TTLs in the preparation, supervision and completion of projects and programs in Gabon and the wider Cameroon CMU. This includes participation in day-to-day monitoring and follow-up, field supervision, review of technical/procurement documents and work programs, assessment of progress and key project outcomes and indicators, and contributing to supervision documentation; • Establish a good working relationship and work closely with client institutions to support effective preparation and implementation of World Bank-financed work programs; Collect and analyze sector data to produce sector study reports, engagement notes, diagnostic reports, conference papers and other official World Bank documents; • Support the organization and implementation of preparation and supervision missions as well as the preparation of corresponding Aide Memoires, Management Letters, back-to-office reports and briefs; • Support the Task Teams with processing of operational issues, including on the Operations Portal. • Support the TTLs in liaising with the technical, procurement, financial management, disbursement, environmental, social, and legal colleagues, as well as Global Practice and CMU management to facilitate reviews, coordination and internal clearance processes; • Contribute to key implementation activities such as restructurings, budget planning, preparation of terms of references (ToRs), management briefs, etc.; and • Contribute to the planning and organization of workshops on World Bank procedures and deliverables. Selection Criteria The Specialist shall have the following qualifications: • At least a masters’ degree civil/environmental engineering, water supply/resources, environmental science, economics, finance or public policy. • At least 5 years of work experience in the fields of water services, economics, finance, infrastructure, and/or water resources management. • Familiarity with World Bank operations and processes. • At least 3 years of experience in project management or monitoring and evaluation. • Experience with working with water utilities. • Experience working in a fast-paced environment. • Demonstrated experience conducting research and analysis on water supply, sanitation, water resources management, and/or sustainable development issues. • Good understanding of the water supply and sanitation service delivery in Gabon. • Willingness and ability to travel to different parts of Gabon and other countries in the CMU. • Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision is an asset, seeking guidance when necessary, on complex projects/issues from senior staff. • Ability to work effectively in multi-cultural environments. Note: This internal requisition is open to WBG staff only. External candidates are requested not to apply. In case an external candidate applies, their application will not be considered. 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.

Responsibilities

Provide technical and operational support for the preparation and implementation of water sector projects and programs in Gabon and the Cameroon CMU. This includes monitoring project outcomes, conducting sector research, and coordinating with client institutions and internal World Bank teams.