Vacancy: Water Resources Economist

Water management is critical for meeting Africa’s development challenges.  Though water is vital for agriculture, only about 7 per cent of Africa’s cultivated land is irrigated. Hydropower is also largely undeveloped in Africa; less than 10 per cent of its potential has been tapped. Water for people and animals is vital for survival and livelihoods, yet only 58 per cent of Africans have access to safe drinking water. In addition, the majority of people in Africa live in countries which share water with other countries, such as the riparian countries of the Gambia, Nile, Niger, Senegal, Zambezi, Volta and Congo River basins.  They are amongst the poorest and most food insecure countries in the world, in regions that are highly vulnerable to water shocks, including recurrent floods and droughts.  In addition to natural climate variation in Africa there is an urgent need to determine and mitigate the potential impacts of climate change and to ensure that growth and poverty reduction efforts result in resilience to climate change.The centrality of shared waters in Africa has motivated many countries to seek regional cooperation through river basin organizations.  The Africa Water Resources Management Unit (AFTWR) is engaged in management and development of water resources at the regional and country levels in key African river and lake basins and countries. The Unit works closely with the Country and Sector Management Units that are engaged in about $ 1B worth of investments related to water resources management in the basin countries as well as in significant TA and analytical work.  The Unit consists of professionals in water resources management and related fields at HQ and in the country offices and works with a broader virtual Bank-wide team of technical specialists.  African countries are taking concrete steps towards regional integration and the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) is the vision and strategic framework adopted by African leaders to address poverty and development in Africa. A new multi-donor Trust Fund on Cooperation in International Waters in Africa (CIWA) has been established at AFTWR to support these efforts of the African countries.  Cooperation in International Waters in Africa (CIWA) is a program which is managed and administered by the Water Resources Management Unit of the Africa Region of the World Bank (AFTWR) and funded through a Multi Donor Trust Fund.  The purpose of CIWA is to specifically concentrate on international waters in Africa to support riparian governments and other stakeholders with the complexities of building cooperation and undertaking collaborative or joint investments in shared river basins.  The activities of CIWA are complementary to the existing African water programs, focusing specifically on transboundary cooperation.

AFTWR is seeking a technically skilled Senior Water Resources Economist, who will undertake all required technical, administrative, and fiduciary activities of the program as a multi-disciplinary team.  One of the key technical roles in the CIWA Core Team is that of a Senior Specialist in the disciplines of water resources management and economics participating in activities across parts of Sub-Saharan Africa for quality enhancement and cross fertilization.  Duties and Accountabilities: The candidate selected for the position will report to the Sector Manager, AFTWR and will work/coordinate closely with members of the CIWA team.   The duties of the incumbent will be the following:• To be a key member of and provide technical support to the CIWA Core Team on a day to day management and activities of the overall CIWA program;• Lead / contribute to key tasks financed under the CIWA TF on cooperative water resources management in Africa• Lead/contribute to the design and implementation of CIWA-financed programs and activities• Lead/contribute to the economic and policy content of AFTWR’s analytical work on integrated water resources management and development.• Lead/contribute technical inputs especially under CIWA financed program and projects for conceptualizing, designing and implementing work programs that includes economic component, analysis and policy and strategy formulation • Lead  analytical work on cooperative water resources management, in particular related to the economics of international waters and their impact on growth• Link water resources management agenda with disaster / climate risk management and climate change resilience in the river basin context.

The successful candidate will have strong analytical skills in economics or public policy, as well as experience in integrated water resources management in developing countries, ideally in transboundary river basin settings.  Specific requirements include: • Advanced degree (s) in Economics, Public Policy or related discipline with a focus on water resources and/or environment • At least 10 years of relevant international experience on water resources management issues• In-depth understanding and knowledge of water resources management challenges and opportunities  in Sub-Saharan Africa• Experience in a river basin management and knowledge of climate change issues are an advantage.   Prior experience in river basins in Sub Saharan Africa highly desirable with a  track record working on water resources management strategies formulation and analyses at the national and multi-country levels in Africa is essential• A track record of producing high quality analytical work  in the area of water resources management is essential; ability to conduct research and analysis on identified issues related to the water resources sector, articulate issues and recommend solutions• Demonstrated ability to lead and participate in high-performance teams, specifically processing: (a) high levels of energy, initiative, and flexibility in quickly adjusting to changing work program requirements; (b) proven track record working simultaneously and effectively on a variety of tasks, independently adjusting to priorities and achieving results within agreed objectives and deadlines; and (c) excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with both World Bank and clients, and ability to liaise tactfully as a member of a multicultural team.• Excellent oral and written communications skills and fluency in English are required.• Demonstrated experience of working in multidisciplinary teams, be a team player and able to work in a team-based, decentralized, multi-cultural and cross-sectoral  environment• Demonstrated client orientation and effectiveness in conducting policy dialogue with governments and establishing productive partnerships with a diverse group of clients and stakeholders within and outside the World Bank• Operational experience working with World Bank (or other multilateral or bilateral development organizations) policies, project processing, task management and implementation assistance• Generic GG criteria will apply.
The World Bank Group is committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality, culture and educational background.  Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.  All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.