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 and promoting shared prosperity. 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.
The Middle East and North Africa Region
The Middle East and North Africa (MNA) Region serves twenty countries, of which twelve are active/potentially active IBRD/IDA borrowers (Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Syria, West Bank and Gaza, Tunisia and Yemen) and eight are users of the Region’s nonlending services, mostly on a reimbursable basis (Bahrain, Kuwait, Libya, Malta, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates). The mission of MNA Region is to foster sustainable growth with a focus on job creation and poverty reduction, economic and social inclusion, and good governance. MNA attaches importance to creating a supportive work environment based on the values of teamwork, transparency, trust, and client service, underlined by professional excellence. MNA places high value on diversity. MNA is organized in five Country Departments (CMUs), the Office of the Regional Chief Economist, and the Development Effectiveness Unit (MNADE).
The Planet Practice Group
The Planet Practice Group (PG) helps countries tackle their most complex challenges in the areas of Agriculture and Food; Environment, Natural Resources & Blue Economy; Climate Change; Social Development; Social Sustainability and Inclusion; and Water.
MNA Water Unit
Water touches every aspect of development and it links to nearly every Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). It drives economic growth, supports healthy ecosystems, and is essential and fundamental for life itself. Water availability and management impacts whether poor girls are educated; whether cities are healthy places to live; whether countries have food security; and whether growing industries or poor villages can withstand the impacts of floods or droughts. For more information: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/water. The MNA Water Unit (SMNWA) is a regional unit decentralized with more than half of the staff in country offices. Its focus is on lending and analytical operations, with an active lending portfolio of approximately US$2.3 billion portfolio.
The Bank’s support to the Government of Jordan combines analytics and investment support across a number of water-related topics including water supply, water sector governance, water resources management, improving private sector participation, support for refugees and host communities and the water-agriculture nexus. The Jordan Water Sector Efficiency Project focuses on reducing non-revenue water, reducing energy costs in the sector, improving drought risk management and dam safety and water security. To strengthen its ability to support water sector development in Jordan, the MNA Water unit seeks to recruit a Water Specialist in the World Bank office in Amman to work as a member of the Jordan Water team, with a special focus on implementation of investment projects, emergency projects in fragile and conflict-afflicted countries, and analytical activities to inform the water sector agenda.
Roles and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will support the lending, advisory services and analytical activities in the World Bank Water program in Jordan, in close collaboration with other sector teams and with the Country Management Unit which has broad oversight over the entire World Bank program in Jordan, with the following responsibilities:
• Contribute to the preparation and supervision of water projects, including water components in multidisciplinary projects;
• Identify and pursue analyses that inform the Bank’s support to client countries in policy, institutional, and technical matters associated with the Bank’s Water and Planet Programs;
• Work closely with task team leaders (project managers) and team members to advance the high-level policy dialogue, development partner coordination and coordination with national stakeholders;
• Follow innovations and best practices fostered by the Water Global Practice to leverage global lessons and experiences for the benefit of MNA clients and contribute MNA experience to global learning in frontier areas of the water sector;
• Support multidisciplinary supervision missions;
• Work closely with client institutions to support the effective implementation of World Bank-supported programs; and advise on adherence to the World Bank’s operational policies and quality requirements in technical and fiduciary due diligence.
• Work closely and coordinate with colleagues from Global Practices in the Planet PG and other PGs, such as Agriculture and Food; Environment, Natural Resources and Blue Economy, Energy, Poverty and others as needed.
Selection Criteria
• Master’s degree with 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience in a relevant field (water resources management, water supply, irrigation and drainage, environmental engineering, infrastructure, finances, economics or other related fields).
• Strong theoretical base in water and related subjects, combining a broad grasp of relevant theory and principles of involved practices.
• Strong technical base in water and related subjects.
• Good understanding of the interface of water resources with other sustainable development topics and climate change.
• Strong operational and analytical skills, with work experience in Jordan an advantage.
• Familiarity with World Bank investment and analytical products desirable.
The preferred candidate should meet the following criteria:
• Ability to work well in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English and Arabic.
• Good presentation skills.
• Capacity to understand the political economy and local context and to apply this understanding to the benefit of the World Bank Water program in Jordan.
World Bank Group Core Competencies
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.
Note: The selected candidate will be offered a one-year appointment, renewable at the discretion of the World Bank Group, and subject to a lifetime maximum ET appointment of three years. If an ET appointment ends before a full year, it is considered as a full year toward the lifetime maximum. Former and current ET staff who have completed all or any portion of their third-year ET appointment are not eligible for future ET appointments.