Water Specialist World Bank Job 2026: A Powerful Opportunity to Transform Water Security
Explore the Water Specialist World Bank Job in Cotonou, Benin, and discover how this impactful role supports water security, sanitation, and climate resilience across Africa
Water Specialist World Bank Job: Key Details
Here are the essential details of this highly sought-after position:
- Job Title: Water Specialist
- Job Number: req35259
- Organization: World Bank Group
- Sector: Water / Sanitation
- Grade: GF
- Contract Duration: 2 years
- Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment
- Location: Cotonou, Benin
- Languages Required: French and English
- Closing Date: January 11, 2026 (11:59 PM UTC)
This Water Specialist World Bank Job is housed within the West and Central Africa Region (SAWW1).
Strategic Importance of Water in West and Central Africa
West and Central Africa face mounting water challenges driven by:
- Rapid urbanization
- Climate-induced droughts and floods
- Aging water infrastructure
- Inequitable access to sanitation
The Water Global Practice operates under the Sustainable Development Practice Group, integrating water solutions with agriculture, urban development, environment, and social inclusion.
This role directly supports the Africa Regional Strategy and the Water Security Strategy, ensuring that water investments translate into real-world results for millions of people.
Roles and Responsibilities Explained
The Water Specialist World Bank Job involves four core areas of responsibility:
1. Strategies, Planning, and Policies
- Supporting national water strategies
- Advising governments on policy reforms
- Strengthening sector coordination
2. Project Preparation and Implementation
- Designing water supply and sanitation projects
- Supervising large-scale infrastructure investments
- Managing public-private partnerships
3. Institutional and Analytical Work
- Conducting sector diagnostics
- Supporting utility reform and governance
- Producing policy and technical studies
4. Monitoring and Evaluation
- Tracking results and performance indicators
- Ensuring accountability and learning
- Aligning outcomes with World Bank standards
Required Qualifications and Expertise
Candidates applying for this Water Specialist World Bank Job must meet strong academic and professional standards:
Education
- Master’s degree in:
- Water Resources
- Hydrology or Hydraulics
- Civil or Environmental Engineering
- Sanitation or Irrigation
Experience
- Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience
- Proven expertise in:
- Water supply and sanitation service delivery
- Water resources management
- Infrastructure development
- Utility and institutional reform
Skills
- Policy dialogue with governments
- Program development and sector coordination
- Excellent communication in French and English
Climate Change, Water Security, and Innovation
A defining feature of this Water Specialist World Bank Job is its strong focus on climate adaptation. The selected professional will be expected to:
- Integrate climate risks into project design
- Support disaster-resilient water systems
- Promote sustainable water use under changing climate conditions
The role also demands innovative and strategic thinking, ensuring that technical solutions align with social equity and pro-poor strategies.
External Resource:
For global water and climate data, visit: https://www.unwater.org
Why This Job Is a Career-Changing Opportunity
This position offers more than professional growth—it offers global influence. Successful candidates will:
- Work within a diverse, multidisciplinary team
- Contribute to billion-dollar investment portfolios
- Influence national water policies
- Improve access to clean water and sanitation
For water professionals seeking impact, prestige, and purpose, this role represents a rare and powerful opportunity.
Application Timeline and Key Considerations
- Application Deadline: January 11, 2026
- Recruitment Type: Local (Benin-based candidates encouraged)
- Language Proficiency: Bilingual (French & English)
Applicants should prepare a strong technical profile highlighting results, leadership, and policy engagement experience.
External Link:
Apply through the official World Bank careers portal:
https://www.worldbank.org/en/about/careers
Final Thoughts: A Defining Role in Global Water Development
The Water Specialist World Bank Job in Cotonou stands out as a high-impact, future-focused role at the intersection of water security, climate resilience, and sustainable development. For professionals committed to solving real-world water challenges, this opportunity offers both responsibility and reward.
As water stress intensifies across Africa, roles like this will shape the region’s future—making this position not just important, but essential.
