Home → International Jobs → Development & Finance Jobs → Senior Industry Specialist – Water (IFC)
Organization: International Finance Corporation
(IFC), World Bank Group
Job ID: req35237
Location: Washington, DC, United States
Recruitment Type: International Recruitment
Contract Duration: 3 Years (Fixed Term)
Grade: GG (Final grade based on experience)
Application Deadline: January 18, 2026 (11:59 PM UTC)
Languages Required: English
Preferred Languages: Spanish, Portuguese, French
Published by: GlobalJobsGuider – Your trusted source for verified international career opportunities
About IFC & the World Bank Group
The World Bank Group (WBG) is a global partnership of five institutions committed to ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity across 189 member countries. With operations in over 120 countries, WBG delivers financing, data-driven solutions, and technical expertise to tackle the world’s most pressing development challenges.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is the private-sector arm of the World Bank Group and the world’s largest global development institution focused exclusively on private sector solutions in emerging markets. In FY2025 alone, IFC committed USD 71.7 billion, mobilizing private capital to support sustainable, climate-smart development.
Official website: https://www.ifc.org
Job Overview: Senior Industry Specialist – Water
IFC is seeking a Senior Industry Specialist (Water) to join its Global Water Team (Knowledge Bank). This high-impact role supports IFC investments and advisory services aligned with the World Bank Group Water Strategy, with a strong focus on private sector participation, climate resilience, and emerging market infrastructure.
Based in Washington, DC, this position carries a global mandate and requires regular international travel. The successful candidate will play a critical role in technical due diligence, sector analysis, and investment decision-making for water and sanitation projects worldwide.
Key Responsibilities & Duties
Investment & Technical Due Diligence
- Lead sectoral, technical, and operational due diligence for IFC water and sanitation investments (equity and debt).
- Prepare clear, high-quality technical reports for IFC Investment Committees.
- Assess project feasibility, client capacity, cost structures, regulatory frameworks, and climate risks.
- Provide Go / No-Go recommendations during early-stage investment screening.
Project Cycle Support
- Support investment teams throughout the full project lifecycle:
- Business development
- Screening and appraisal
- Processing and portfolio supervision
- Participate in site visits, performance assessments, and resolution of operational challenges.
Advisory Services & Knowledge Leadership
- Support advisory engagements with water utilities, including:
- Non-Revenue Water (NRW) reduction
- Climate adaptation and mitigation
- Sludge and wastewater management
- Contribute to IFC and World Bank knowledge platforms, toolkits, and benchmarks.
- Supervise consultants and manage Terms of Reference (ToRs) for technical studies.
Business Development & Partnerships
- Represent IFC and the World Bank Group at international conferences and sector events.
- Develop senior-level relationships with utilities, regulators, investors, and governments.
- Identify emerging market opportunities and innovative water technologies.
Required Qualifications & Experience
Education & Certification
- Master’s degree in Water Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction, or related field
- Professional Engineer (or equivalent professional registration)
Experience
- Minimum 20 years of senior-level experience in the water and sanitation sector
- Previous roles such as:
- Water Utility Director / General Manager
- Senior Engineer or Regulator
- Engineering Contractor or Consultant
- Proven experience working with C-suite executives and leading technical teams
- Strong exposure to emerging markets and infrastructure finance
Core Skills
- Technical and commercial due diligence
- Project finance and PPP understanding
- Strong analytical, writing, and presentation skills
- Ability to work independently after onboarding
Desired Skills (Added Advantage)
- Knowledge of PPP models, performance-based contracts, and operational benchmarking
- Familiarity with modern water technologies
- Cost modeling and evaluation of CAPEX/OPEX
- Multilingual ability (Spanish, Portuguese, French)
- Postgraduate degree in water, infrastructure, or business
Salary & Benefits (Indicative)
While IFC does not publicly disclose exact salaries, comparable GG-grade international roles typically offer:
- Estimated annual salary: USD 160,000 – 210,000 (tax-free depending on status)
- Comprehensive health, life, and disability insurance
- Retirement and pension plan
- Generous paid leave, including parental leave
- Relocation and expatriate benefits (where applicable)
- Flexible work environment and global mobility opportunities
Organizational Culture & Values
The World Bank Group promotes:
- Urgency & Impact
- Thoughtful Risk-Taking
- Empowerment & Accountability
IFC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion across its global workforce.
❓ Applicant FAQs (SEO-Boosting Section)
Q1: Is this role open to international applicants?
Yes. This is an international recruitment position, and qualified candidates from all countries are encouraged to apply.
Q2: Is relocation to Washington DC required?
Yes. The role is based in Washington, DC, with frequent international travel.
Q3: Does IFC sponsor visas?
IFC typically supports visa and relocation processes for international hires.
Q4: Is private sector experience mandatory?
Yes. Strong experience with private sector water utilities or PPP projects is essential.
Application Tips
- Highlight senior leadership experience in water utilities
- Emphasize investment, PPP, or finance exposure
- Quantify project impacts (scale, budget, beneficiaries)
- Demonstrate emerging market and climate resilience expertise
How to Apply
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