IDB3195 - Lead Global Water Specialist

Job Purpose

To lead the Water Sector related aspects. Advise management and staff on strategy and long-range interventions on portfolio, policy, operations and strategic partnerships. To conceive, develop and promote innovations in Bank Policy, operational procedures, project/program design in organization and management of operations in Water Sector in IsDB member countries. To provide advisory services and technical guidance on matters related to Water Sector. Builds, collaborates, engages with and nurtures a network of developers to ensure that IsDB follows best practices in project management and in the implementation of the water sector strategy.

Key Accountabilities

Strategic & Operational Planning:
• Contribute to annual work program and budget preparation activities of the sector.
• Participate and contribute to the preparation of key strategy papers, new programs and knowledge product development to ensure the unit is contributing to the overall goal of the bank.
• Lead the analytical/economic and sector work (ESW) as well as sector dialogue during Member Country Partnership Strategy (MCPS) and programming missions.
• Provide technical input and lead the development, review and monitoring of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of the Water Unit and Core Sector Indicators (CSI) in IsDB water financed projects in Member Countries to ensure the highest level of efficiency is achieved.

Sector Portfolio Management:
• Ensure quality throughout project lifecycle of IsDB financed projects to ensure all projects abide by the high-quality standards demanded by the Bank through involvement in the projects design stage and review the final projects documentation.
• Monitor sector portfolio implementation in order to ensure its successful implementation or take corrective measures if necessary, in coordination with Regional Hubs.
• Lead the preparation of Project Completion Reports (PCRs).
• Contribute to the Country /sector portfolio reviews exercises.
• Participate/provide guidance during the project’s formulation and design, and participate in all meetings discussing the projects formulation to ensure the proper quality.

Policies, Processes and Procedures:
• Oversee to the design, review and implementation of the IDB's policies, procedures and guidelines relating to the water sector interventions to ensure alignment with local and industry standards.
• Ensure compliance with IsDB’s policies and guidelines to ensure quality in the operational work of water sector as well as maintaining good working relationships with various clients.

Knowledge Sharing & Innovation:
• Provide technical guidance and insights to sector team members to ensure all team members are able to deliver efficiently.
• Contribute to IsDB knowledge repository by documenting best practices and lessons learned.
• Share knowledge as subject matter expert related to sector issues to enhance a knowledge sharing culture across the Bank that would allow it to create more value.
• Use innovative approaches in conceptualizing, designing and implementing water projects and programs to ensure best practices are used and adapted to sector projects and programs.
• Share key knowledge and learning outcomes with the Knowledge Management and Institutional Learning Unit in areas related to Water sector.

Reporting & Communication:
• Produce and lead preparation of a range of key policy papers, regional studies, operational reports, etc.
• Serve as focal point or spokesperson on technical, policy and operational issues to clients and other external constituencies and expert groups.
• Communicate with various stakeholders for resolution of issues and provide clarification on technical matters as needed.
• Oversee the preparation of periodical reports on energy sector related activities in compliance with the Bank rules and procedures.

Academic and Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Water Management, water engineering, social development studies or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in the water sector, of which 5 years in a multilateral development Bank and 3 years in the managerial/supervisory role.
• Experience in Water, Social Development or related fields.

Skills & Necessary Knowledge

• Knowledge of water trends in MCs and NMCs.
• Knowledge in conceptualizing and managing water sector projects/programs.
• Project management
• Analytical (sector analysis, diagnostic studies and country context analysis)
• Results development management
• Team leader

Languages

• English - Mandatory
• Arabic - Preferred
• French - Preferred