Publiée 19 juin 2026
E T Consultant-Water Specialist
World Bank Group
Paris, Île-de-France 75000, France
CDI
E T Consultant-Water Specialist
Job #:
req37256
Organization:
World Bank
Sector:
Water/Sanitation
Grade:
EC2
Term Duration:
1 year 0 months
Recruitment Type:
Local Recruitment
Location:
Paris,France
Required Language(s):
English
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date:
6/23/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. 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.
Established in 1944, the World Bank is one of the world's leading sources of financing, knowledge, and technical expertise for development. Its vision is a world free of poverty on a livable planet, and its mission is to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity in a sustainable manner.
The World Bank Group comprises five institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Development Association (IDA), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). It is organized into Regional Vice Presidencies, Global Practices, and corporate functions to deliver integrated solutions to client countries.
Eastern and Southern Africa (AFE) Region
The Eastern and Southern Africa (AFE) Region covers 26 countries and is home to approximately 700 million people. It is marked by significant diversity and opportunity, alongside persistent challenges-including fragility, infrastructure gaps, and human capital constraints.
The region presents both a pressing development agenda and a unique opportunity to partner with governments, development partners, civil society, and the private sector to accelerate inclusive growth, strengthen resilience, and improve service delivery.
AFE Planet Department
The AFE Planet Department (SAEDR) provides financing, analytical, and advisory support to address complex development challenges across the region. Its work contributes to key priorities in country programs, including economic growth, jobs, service delivery, climate resilience, and institutional strengthening.
The Department brings together four Global Practices-Agriculture and Food; Environment and Climate Change; Social and Environmental Risk Management; and Water-and works closely across the World Bank Group, including with IFC and MIGA, to mobilize solutions at scale.
Water Global Practice
Water is central to development, driving economic growth, supporting ecosystems, and underpinning human well-being. It is closely linked to multiple Sustainable Development Goals and is fundamental to achieving a livable planet.
At the same time, water resources are under increasing stress due to population growth, climate change, and competing demands. The World Bank's Water Global Practice supports countries to manage water more efficiently, sustainably, and inclusively-for people, food, and the environment.
Water in the AFE Region
Sub-Saharan Africa has made significant progress in expanding access to water services, with over 250 million people gaining access to basic water over the past decade. However, rapid population growth, urbanization, and climate pressures continue to outpace progress.
The region has substantial untapped water potential, particularly in irrigation, water resources management, and urban service delivery. Addressing institutional, financing, and governance constraints will be critical to unlocking this potential and strengthening resilience.
AFE Water Program and SAEW2 Unit
The AFE Water program focuses on three core pillars: water for people, water for food, and water for the planet.
The SAEW2 Water Unit delivers this program across three Country Management Units (CMUs): AECS1 (South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Eswatini, Lesotho), AECC2 (DRC, Angola, Burundi, São Tomé and Príncipe) and AECE3 (Ethiopia, South Sudan, Sudan, Eritrea)
SAEW2 manages a diverse portfolio spanning water supply and sanitation, irrigation, transboundary water, and water resources management. The unit comprises approximately 26 staff and oversees an active portfolio of about US$3 billion across 14 projects, complemented by a strong program of analytical and advisory work.
Purpose of the Role
As part of the SAEW2 team, the Water Specialist (ETC) will contribute to the delivery of a dynamic and results-oriented water portfolio across Eastern and Southern Africa. This role provides an opportunity to engage directly in the design, implementation, and supervision of operations and analytical work across water supply and sanitation, irrigation, and water resources management.
Working in close collaboration with clients, task teams, and World Bank Group partners, the ETC will support efforts to expand access to services, strengthen institutions, and enhance climate resilience-contributing to tangible development outcomes aligned with the World Bank's mission.
Duties and Responsibilities
The ETC will support the delivery of the AFE Water program in South Sudan, DRC and Burundi, with assignments subject to change based on business needs and portfolio evolution. Working under the guidance of the Practice Manager and Task Team Leaders (TTLs), the ETC will contribute to the preparation, implementation, and supervision of lending operations and analytical work. The ETC will be based out of Paris, France (with frequent mission travel to the assigned Country Programs)
Operational Support and Delivery
• Support the preparation and supervision of investment operations, advisory services, and analytical work across water supply and sanitation, irrigation, and water resources management.
• Contribute to project design, including technical, economic, institutional, and implementation arrangements.
• Support implementation support missions, including preparation of aide-mémoires, ISR inputs, and follow-up actions with clients.
• Assist in monitoring project progress, identifying implementation bottlenecks, and supporting corrective actions.
• Support intensified implementation supervision, including close follow-up on project execution challenges, procurement delays, and contractor performance.
• Adapt to heightened operational risks, including security constraints, institutional capacity limitations, and rapidly changing contexts.
• Contributes to practical problem-solving, focusing on feasible, incremental solutions to unblock implementation.
• Work effectively with diverse partners, including UN agencies, NGOs, and third-party monitors, as relevant.
• Demonstrate flexibility and resilience, adjusting to evolving priorities and working conditions while maintaining delivery focus.
• Contribute to ensuring compliance with World Bank operational policies, including fiduciary, environmental, and social requirements.
Analytical and Advisory Work
• Support the delivery of Advisory Services and Analytics (ASA), including data collection, analysis, and preparation of technical outputs.
• Contribute to diagnostics, sector assessments, and policy notes that inform client engagement and pipeline development.
• Help translate analytical findings into actionable recommendations for operations and policy dialogue.
Client and Stakeholder Engagement
• Support day-to-day engagement with government counterparts and implementing agencies in assigned country programs
• Contribute to coordination with development partners, private sector actors, and other stakeholders, as relevant.
• Assist in maintaining alignment between operational work and country priorities, in coordination with the CMU.
Cross-Sectoral Collaboration
• Collaborate with colleagues across Global Practices, particularly within the Planet Department and related sectors (e.g., Agriculture, Energy, Urban).
• Support the preparation and delivery of multi-sectoral engagements addressing water-food-energy-climate linkages.
Knowledge and Learning
• Contribute to knowledge generation and dissemination, including background notes, presentations, and inputs to knowledge products.
• Support the application of global good practices and lessons learned in country operations.
• Participate in team learning activities and contribute to knowledge sharing within the unit.
Selection Criteria
• Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., civil or environmental engineering, water resources management, irrigation, economics, environmental science, or related discipline).
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience, in the water sector or closely related fields.
• Experience working on water supply and sanitation, irrigation, or water resources management projects is desirable.
• Solid technical foundation in one or more areas of the water sector.
• Understanding of project preparation and implementation processes, including exposure to investment operations and analytical work.
• Ability to contribute to technical analysis and translate findings into practical recommendations.
• Familiarity with multi-sectoral approaches and the water-agriculture-environment nexus is an advantage.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams.
• Ability to engage constructively with government counterparts and other stakeholders under supervision.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
Additional Competencies
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability and a results-oriented mindset.
• High level of initiative, adaptability, and willingness to learn.
• Interest in development challenges in Eastern and Southern Africa, particularly in FCV contexts, is an advantage.
• Familiarity with World Bank operations and policies is desirable but not required.
Performance Expectations (First 12 Months)
In the first year, the Water Specialist (ETC) is expected to:
• Contribute effectively to project preparation and supervision, including delivering high-quality inputs to missions, aide-mémoires, and analytical outputs.
• Build a solid understanding of assigned country contexts, including key sector challenges, institutions, and ongoing portfolio issues.
• Demonstrate reliability in delivery, proactively following up on tasks, meeting deadlines, and supporting Task Team Leaders in day-to-day portfolio management.
• Develop strong working relationships with internal teams and client counterparts, contributing constructively to team collaboration and client engagement.
• Strengthen technical and operational skills, including familiarity with World Bank processes, safeguards, and operational instruments.
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
As per WBG policy, an Extended Term (ET) appointment is subject to a lifetime maximum of three (3) years. Former and current ET staff who have completed or are in the process of completing their third-year ET appointment are not eligible for future ET appointments.
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.
Job #:
req37256
Organization:
World Bank
Sector:
Water/Sanitation
Grade:
EC2
Term Duration:
1 year 0 months
Recruitment Type:
Local Recruitment
Location:
Paris,France
Required Language(s):
English
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date:
6/23/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. 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.
Established in 1944, the World Bank is one of the world's leading sources of financing, knowledge, and technical expertise for development. Its vision is a world free of poverty on a livable planet, and its mission is to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity in a sustainable manner.
The World Bank Group comprises five institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Development Association (IDA), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). It is organized into Regional Vice Presidencies, Global Practices, and corporate functions to deliver integrated solutions to client countries.
Eastern and Southern Africa (AFE) Region
The Eastern and Southern Africa (AFE) Region covers 26 countries and is home to approximately 700 million people. It is marked by significant diversity and opportunity, alongside persistent challenges-including fragility, infrastructure gaps, and human capital constraints.
The region presents both a pressing development agenda and a unique opportunity to partner with governments, development partners, civil society, and the private sector to accelerate inclusive growth, strengthen resilience, and improve service delivery.
AFE Planet Department
The AFE Planet Department (SAEDR) provides financing, analytical, and advisory support to address complex development challenges across the region. Its work contributes to key priorities in country programs, including economic growth, jobs, service delivery, climate resilience, and institutional strengthening.
The Department brings together four Global Practices-Agriculture and Food; Environment and Climate Change; Social and Environmental Risk Management; and Water-and works closely across the World Bank Group, including with IFC and MIGA, to mobilize solutions at scale.
Water Global Practice
Water is central to development, driving economic growth, supporting ecosystems, and underpinning human well-being. It is closely linked to multiple Sustainable Development Goals and is fundamental to achieving a livable planet.
At the same time, water resources are under increasing stress due to population growth, climate change, and competing demands. The World Bank's Water Global Practice supports countries to manage water more efficiently, sustainably, and inclusively-for people, food, and the environment.
Water in the AFE Region
Sub-Saharan Africa has made significant progress in expanding access to water services, with over 250 million people gaining access to basic water over the past decade. However, rapid population growth, urbanization, and climate pressures continue to outpace progress.
The region has substantial untapped water potential, particularly in irrigation, water resources management, and urban service delivery. Addressing institutional, financing, and governance constraints will be critical to unlocking this potential and strengthening resilience.
AFE Water Program and SAEW2 Unit
The AFE Water program focuses on three core pillars: water for people, water for food, and water for the planet.
The SAEW2 Water Unit delivers this program across three Country Management Units (CMUs): AECS1 (South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Eswatini, Lesotho), AECC2 (DRC, Angola, Burundi, São Tomé and Príncipe) and AECE3 (Ethiopia, South Sudan, Sudan, Eritrea)
SAEW2 manages a diverse portfolio spanning water supply and sanitation, irrigation, transboundary water, and water resources management. The unit comprises approximately 26 staff and oversees an active portfolio of about US$3 billion across 14 projects, complemented by a strong program of analytical and advisory work.
Purpose of the Role
As part of the SAEW2 team, the Water Specialist (ETC) will contribute to the delivery of a dynamic and results-oriented water portfolio across Eastern and Southern Africa. This role provides an opportunity to engage directly in the design, implementation, and supervision of operations and analytical work across water supply and sanitation, irrigation, and water resources management.
Working in close collaboration with clients, task teams, and World Bank Group partners, the ETC will support efforts to expand access to services, strengthen institutions, and enhance climate resilience-contributing to tangible development outcomes aligned with the World Bank's mission.
Duties and Responsibilities
The ETC will support the delivery of the AFE Water program in South Sudan, DRC and Burundi, with assignments subject to change based on business needs and portfolio evolution. Working under the guidance of the Practice Manager and Task Team Leaders (TTLs), the ETC will contribute to the preparation, implementation, and supervision of lending operations and analytical work. The ETC will be based out of Paris, France (with frequent mission travel to the assigned Country Programs)
Operational Support and Delivery
• Support the preparation and supervision of investment operations, advisory services, and analytical work across water supply and sanitation, irrigation, and water resources management.
• Contribute to project design, including technical, economic, institutional, and implementation arrangements.
• Support implementation support missions, including preparation of aide-mémoires, ISR inputs, and follow-up actions with clients.
• Assist in monitoring project progress, identifying implementation bottlenecks, and supporting corrective actions.
• Support intensified implementation supervision, including close follow-up on project execution challenges, procurement delays, and contractor performance.
• Adapt to heightened operational risks, including security constraints, institutional capacity limitations, and rapidly changing contexts.
• Contributes to practical problem-solving, focusing on feasible, incremental solutions to unblock implementation.
• Work effectively with diverse partners, including UN agencies, NGOs, and third-party monitors, as relevant.
• Demonstrate flexibility and resilience, adjusting to evolving priorities and working conditions while maintaining delivery focus.
• Contribute to ensuring compliance with World Bank operational policies, including fiduciary, environmental, and social requirements.
Analytical and Advisory Work
• Support the delivery of Advisory Services and Analytics (ASA), including data collection, analysis, and preparation of technical outputs.
• Contribute to diagnostics, sector assessments, and policy notes that inform client engagement and pipeline development.
• Help translate analytical findings into actionable recommendations for operations and policy dialogue.
Client and Stakeholder Engagement
• Support day-to-day engagement with government counterparts and implementing agencies in assigned country programs
• Contribute to coordination with development partners, private sector actors, and other stakeholders, as relevant.
• Assist in maintaining alignment between operational work and country priorities, in coordination with the CMU.
Cross-Sectoral Collaboration
• Collaborate with colleagues across Global Practices, particularly within the Planet Department and related sectors (e.g., Agriculture, Energy, Urban).
• Support the preparation and delivery of multi-sectoral engagements addressing water-food-energy-climate linkages.
Knowledge and Learning
• Contribute to knowledge generation and dissemination, including background notes, presentations, and inputs to knowledge products.
• Support the application of global good practices and lessons learned in country operations.
• Participate in team learning activities and contribute to knowledge sharing within the unit.
Selection Criteria
• Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., civil or environmental engineering, water resources management, irrigation, economics, environmental science, or related discipline).
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience, in the water sector or closely related fields.
• Experience working on water supply and sanitation, irrigation, or water resources management projects is desirable.
• Solid technical foundation in one or more areas of the water sector.
• Understanding of project preparation and implementation processes, including exposure to investment operations and analytical work.
• Ability to contribute to technical analysis and translate findings into practical recommendations.
• Familiarity with multi-sectoral approaches and the water-agriculture-environment nexus is an advantage.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams.
• Ability to engage constructively with government counterparts and other stakeholders under supervision.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
Additional Competencies
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability and a results-oriented mindset.
• High level of initiative, adaptability, and willingness to learn.
• Interest in development challenges in Eastern and Southern Africa, particularly in FCV contexts, is an advantage.
• Familiarity with World Bank operations and policies is desirable but not required.
Performance Expectations (First 12 Months)
In the first year, the Water Specialist (ETC) is expected to:
• Contribute effectively to project preparation and supervision, including delivering high-quality inputs to missions, aide-mémoires, and analytical outputs.
• Build a solid understanding of assigned country contexts, including key sector challenges, institutions, and ongoing portfolio issues.
• Demonstrate reliability in delivery, proactively following up on tasks, meeting deadlines, and supporting Task Team Leaders in day-to-day portfolio management.
• Develop strong working relationships with internal teams and client counterparts, contributing constructively to team collaboration and client engagement.
• Strengthen technical and operational skills, including familiarity with World Bank processes, safeguards, and operational instruments.
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
As per WBG policy, an Extended Term (ET) appointment is subject to a lifetime maximum of three (3) years. Former and current ET staff who have completed or are in the process of completing their third-year ET appointment are not eligible for future ET appointments.
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.
