Duties & Accountabilities:

The Water/Irrigation Engineer will be responsible for the following specific tasks including but not limited to:

• Provide project implementation support for water investment operations, particularly Shire Valley Transformation Project (SVTP), including reviewing Terms of Reference (TORs), specifications and bidding documents, and assist for the organization of implementation support missions and the preparation of internal report documentation – with a particular emphasis on the engineering aspects;

• Supervise the work of consultants and technical specialists to ensure consistency and conformity with the Bank’s standards; evaluate studies and sector-related project documentation;

• Assist with the coordination of SVTP stakeholders as well as internal WB efforts to ensure timely completion of ongoing activities under the project and meeting multiple interests around management of water resources, irrigation, and agriculture in Malawi;

• Coordinate closely with the Bank’s teams across different GPs and the Country Management Unit (CMU) as well as with Development Partners investments and national public administration;

• Provide guidance to government counterparts and implementing agencies by, identifying potential problems and advising on required actions as well as overall project/program implementation;

• Help adapt global good practice to local context and advise government counterpart and Bank teams on matters related to the water sector;

• Lead operational aspects of the preparation, appraisal, and negotiations of water lending operations, including Sector Investment Projects and Technical Assistance activities in the water portfolio;

• Manage Trust Fund (TF) activities including preparation and review of grant proposals, consultation on technical issues, preparation of progress reports, project briefings, disbursements and quality control of deliverables;

• Lead and/or contribute to cross-sectoral engagements such as Sustainable Development Practice Group works, Systematic Country Diagnostic and Country Partnership Framework and other CMU-led activities;

• Contribute to the overall strategic program development within the SAEW3;

• Participate in professional development and knowledge sharing activities in the Water Global Practice, the GSGs, and contribute specific knowledge both within the assigned countries and in the World Bank;

• Provide coaching mentoring on-the-job to junior team members, extended term consultants and junior professionals in the unit; and

• Perform other duties and functions as assigned by the Practice Manager. 

Selection Criteria

• Master’s or Ph.D. degree in technical fields relevant to water such as civil engineering, hydrology, geology, physical sciences, agricultural engineering, or equivalent;

• At least eight years of relevant experience on water infrastructure, water supply, irrigation, drainage, urban/municipal development or related field;

• Experience working on water management, irrigation, water supply, and climate change;

• Knowledge of water and urban infrastructure. Experience working on strengthening of local governments and local associations;

• Experience working on complex water programs involving high safeguards and fiduciary risks, and multi-sector coordination;

• Demonstrated skills to engage and effectively lead dialogues with both local communities affected by water risks as well as city leaders and decision makers;

• Applies cross-country development knowledge to discussions with clients and development partners.

• Conducts independent policy discussions with representatives of the government and non-government partners on selected policy issues;

• Leads task teams, participate in formal negotiations, and assist government in establishing priorities;

• Possesses political judgment, diplomatic acumen, and negotiating skills;

• Understands policy making process and the role of own sector of expertise in that process;

• Demonstrates a foundational familiarity with the water policies, strategies, local government and institutions relevant to the project or analytical work;

• Experience and/or understanding of the World Bank’s operations and full range of Bank products and services, and up-to-date knowledge of the Bank’s operational policies and processes is desirable;

• Tailors communication style to meet audience needs and deliver information effectively in support of team or workgroup;

• Has excellent analytical writing ability;

• Fluency in English (spoken and written) is required.