Duties & Accountabilities:

• The Senior Water Specialist will be responsible for the following specific tasks including but not limited to:
• Provide project implementation support for water investment operations in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Somalia, as well as for multiple sector-led trust funds, including reviewing Terms of Reference (TORs), specifications and bidding documents, and assist for the organization of implementation support missions and the preparation of internal report documentation – with a particular emphasis on the engineering aspects and quality control;
• Supervise the work of consultants and technical specialists to ensure consistency and conformity with the Bank’s standards; evaluate studies and sector-related project documentation;
• Assist with the coordination of stakeholders, as well as internal WB efforts to ensure timely completion of ongoing activities under the project and meeting multiple interests around management of water resources, water supply, sanitation and hygiene in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Somalia;
• Coordinate closely with the Bank’s teams across different GPs and Divisions as well as with Development Partners investments and national and local public administration officials;
• Provide guidance to government counterparts and implementing agencies identifying potential problems, implementing bottlenecks and advising on required actions as well as overall project/program implementation;
• Support development of water project pipeline in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Somalia and preparation of future projects/programs in the sector;
• Help adapt global good practice to local context and advise government counterpart and Bank teams on matters related to the water sector;
• Contribute to operational aspects of the preparation, appraisal, and negotiations of water lending operations, including Sector Investment Projects and Technical Assistance activities in the water portfolio;
• Contribute to cross-sectoral engagements such as Sustainable Development Practice Group works, Systematic Country Diagnostic and Country Partnership Framework and other Division-led activities;
• Actively contribute and engage with the overall strategic program development within the SAEW3 unit;
• Participate in professional development and knowledge sharing activities in the Water Global Practice, the GSGs, and contribute specific knowledge both within the assigned countries and in the World Bank;
• Perform other duties and functions as assigned by the Practice Manager, including in countries beyond Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Somalia.

Selection Criteria

• Master’s or Ph.D. degree in technical fields relevant to water such as civil engineering, hydrology, geology, physical or environmental sciences, agricultural engineering, or equivalent;
• At least eight years of relevant experience on water infrastructure, water supply, irrigation, drainage, urban/municipal development or related field in the African context, ideally to the Division countries (Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Somalia)experience on fragile contexts is a plus
• Experience working on water resources management -including groundwater, watershed management, irrigation, water supply and reuse, sewered and non-sewered sanitation and climate change;
• Knowledge of water and urban infrastructure. Experience working on strengthening of local governments, service providers and local associations;
• Experience working on complex water projects or programs involving high environmental and socials safeguards and fiduciary risks, and multi-sector coordination;
• Demonstrated skills to engage and effectively lead dialogues with both local communities affected by water risks as well as city leaders and decision makers;
• Demonstrates familiarity with the water policies, strategies, local government and institutions relevant to the World Bank projects and analytical work. Experience conducting independent policy discussions with representatives of the government and non-government partners on selected policy issues;
• Possesses political judgment, diplomatic acumen, and negotiating skills;
• Understands policy making process and the role of own sector of expertise in that process;
• Understanding of the World Bank’s operations and range of Bank products and services, knowledge of the Bank’s operational policies and processes is desirable;
• Has excellent analytical writing ability;
• Fluency in English (spoken and written) is required. Knowledge of a local language of Kenya is a plus.