Senior Industry Specialist - Water

World Bank Group•Washington, DC

15d•Onsite

About The Position

Build a career with impact. Working at the World Bank Group (WBG) provides a unique opportunity to help countries solve their greatest development challenges. As one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, the WBG is a unique partnership of five global institutions dedicated to ending poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, the WBG works 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. The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions, and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit: https://www.ifc.org. The Knowledge Bank Global Water team is recruiting a highly experienced Senior Water Industry Specialist/Industry Specialist (IS) to support IFC’s investments and the wider World Bank Group’s Water Strategy. The final title and grade will be determined based on the experience and seniority of the chosen candidate. This position will be based in Washington, DC, will have a global focus and will require international travel. The position provides a great opportunity for the candidate to apply and enhance their extensive water sector experience while making a difference to people’s lives. The IS will have a key role in developing prospects and delivering technical and sector due diligence for potential IFC investments in water and sanitation and support the Knowledge Bank. The IS, in the context of investment and advisory engagements, will deliver sector analysis and write due diligence reports, so clarity in communications is vital. The IS will need to be commercially minded and be familiar with all the stages of a project investment cycle. The IS should have senior management water utility experience and understand the principles of both corporate and project finance investments. The World Bank Group’s Water strategy is focused on leveraging Private Sector Participation in emerging economies, and in pre-investment activities. This work includes commissioning and reviewing market and feasibility studies and business development mappings where the IS will be a key member of the team, working with a multi-disciplinary team from across the World Bank Group. As part of the Global Water team at the Knowledge Bank, the IS but will also have the opportunity to help shape interventions across the broader World Bank Group. The candidate should have some experience of procuring and managing consultants. The successful candidate is expected to come from a senior position in the water and sanitation sector. They should be either part of, or used to working with, the executive directors (C-suite) of a water utility. They should have at least 20 years experience in the water and sanitation sector. Some experiences in roles such as water utility director/manager are a prerequisite for the position. Additional experience can be as a consulting engineer, regulator, or engineering contractor. They should be professionally qualified as an engineer with a professional registration related to the water and/or construction sector. The IS should have experience of working in emerging markets. The IS should be able to provide water sector expertise and lead the technical and operational due diligence of investment proposals. The IS should understand the impact of climate change on the water and sanitation sector and the links to climate adaptation and mitigation. The IS should have extensive management experience and be used to leading and developing small teams. The selected candidate will be based in Washington DC. After coming up to speed with IFC operations the Industry Specialist will be expected to work independently. The [Global Water Lead] will provide initial support and development, but they will be expected to work independently in their role after a period of about six months.

Requirements

A Master's degree and at least 20 years of relevant experience with a water utility and/or in the water engineering and/or in the construction sector;
A professional qualification relevant to the water sector such as Professional Engineer.
Extensive experience of working with, or being part of, water utility senior management (C-Suite) with proven track record of operational improvements.
Experience of managing and providing leadership for small technical teams;
Able to demonstrate extensive experience of the delivery of water projects in emerging markets;
Experience of drafting terms of reference to engage consultants and the management of the work of consultants;
Sound business judgment to identify the strengths and weaknesses of Projects;
Strong analytical, verbal and written communication skills
Experience of working in emerging markets and a willingness and ability to travel extensively internationally;
Excellent communication skills in both oral and written English; and
Good IT skills and proficient in the MS Offices suite of applications.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with recent developments and technologies in the water and sanitation sector;
Understanding of construction, operations, PPPs, and performance-based contracting;
Ability to evaluate capital and operational cost parameters for different technologies;
Knowledge of industry benchmarks and best practices for evaluation of operational efficiencies;
Proficient in additional languages skills (including, but not limited to, Spanish, Portuguese and French) are an advantage;
A post graduate degree in a water related field and/or business is an advantage.

Responsibilities

Work with IFC Investment teams to analyze potential investments (equity or debt) in the water sector as well as support the Water Strategy of the World Bank Group. This will require an initial view on Go/No-go for potential investments, including prospects in new technology areas. Once the prospect proceeds, the IS will lead the sector and technical due diligence and prepare a detailed report to be presented to the Investment Committee. This will include a review of the client’s project management capabilities, appropriate level of costs and contingencies, staffing, market and regulatory views, reviewing contracts, concession agreements, and other technical documents.
The IS will work closely with investment teams and clients, provide technical and business input at all stages of the project cycle from business development, screening, appraisal, and processing to portfolio supervision, with the aim of supporting sound, impactful, and well-performing investments.
The specific activities include: o Project Screening - Support investment teams in identifying and early screening of clients and investment projects, laying out strengths, opportunities, concerns, and areas for further assessment. o Appraisal - Participate in project appraisals for detailed technical and commercial due diligence of investment projects, including review of market, sponsor capabilities, technologies, technology suppliers, contractors, contractual arrangements, project cost and financial projections. Produce clear, comprehensive, and independent appraisal reports. o Portfolio – Participate in portfolio supervision, including site visits as necessary, to help assess technical and business performance, project implementation progress, market and regulatory developments and other factors impacting project success. Help assess potential issues and weaknesses and assist in resolving operational concerns, with constructive engagement.
Support IFC’s efforts for business development in the water and sanitation sector by conducting business development trips, representing IFC and the WBG at conferences, developing relationships at the senior level and helping identify new clients as well as identify emerging market opportunities and potential areas for growth. This will include working with colleagues from other IFC practices as well as the wider World Bank Group to identify synergies and harness shared opportunities to expand the role of the private sector in water in emerging markets.
Support IFC’s investment and advisory work with water utilities, such as those that are part of the Utilities for Climate program (www.ifc.org/u4c):
Support water utility clients through advisory services covering areas such as Non-Revenue Water reduction, sludge management, climate adaptation, etc. Help design, evaluate and implement advisory engagements with clients, sharing in-house expertise and mobilizing external consultant support.
Liaise with IFC current and prospective clients, consultants and co-investors as required; Prepare Terms of Reference and supervise studies to be carried out by consulting firms;
Lead the development of technical content for IFC’s and the WB knowledge platforms, both for external clients and for internal knowledge sharing;
Benchmark costs and develop high level tools for preparing estimates.

Benefits

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.

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