Job #: 122438
Job Title: Water & Sanitation Specialist
Job Family: Water and Sanitation
Job Type: Professional & Technical
Grade: GF
Location: Manila, Philippines
Recruitment Type: Local Hire
Language Requirement: English [Essential]
Closing Date: 03-Nov-2012
The Water and Sanitation Program (WSP) is an international partnership to help poor people gain sustained access to improved water and sanitation services. Administered by the World Bank with financial support from several bi- and multilateral and private donors, WSP is a decentralized partnership and operates through offices in Africa, East Asia, Latin America and South Asia. In pursuing their mission, WSP staff provide advisory support to government policies and programs to help identify and disseminate best practices and lessons from experience across countries, assist clients in testing new ideas (‘proof of concept’ pilots), and support efficient implementation and scale up of evidence-based approaches. Additional information about WSP can be found on the program website (www.wsp.org).
WSP is led by a Program Manager located in the World Bank's Transport, Water, and Information & Communication Technology Department (TWI) in the Sustainable Development Network (SDN) Vice Presidency. The Program works closely with the World Bank's regional operations and external partners through four regional offices in South Asia, East Asia/Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Africa. WSP in East Asia (WSP-EAP) currently operates through a regional office in Jakarta and country offices in Hanoi, Manila, Vientiane, and Phnom Penh, and provides advisory services to Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste. The WSP-EAP office is managed by a Regional Team Leader, based in Singapore, who is accountable to the Global Program Manager in Washington.
WSP’s approved FY11-15 Business Plan is based on its global strategy “FY2009-2018: Scaling Up Sustainable Services”, which articulates WSP’s proposed strategic response to identified sector challenges affecting the poor through capacity building, technical assistance and knowledge. The Business Plan identifies six business areas where the program could have the best opportunity to affect large-scale change in sector performance: scaling up rural sanitation and hygiene; creating sustainable services through domestic private sector participation; supporting poor-inclusive WSS sector reform; targeting the urban poor and improving services in small towns; mitigating and adapting WSS delivery to climate change impacts; and delivering WSS services in fragile states. These areas were identified through a process of embedding a results-based framework throughout WSP’s country, regional and global work programs. WSP’s Philippines program is firmly built upon WSP’s Global Strategy, with the majority of its business plan activities focusing on scaling up rural sanitation and hygiene, creating sustainable services through domestic private sector participation, and targeting the urban poor and improving services in small towns. WSP focuses on a parallel track of influencing sector reform at the national level and building capacity at the local level; assisting the Government in operationalizing reforms at scale; improving the effectiveness of large-scale investments; analytical work in the identified business areas; and building strategic and cooperative alliances with other sector players.
Under the business area ‘Creating Sustainable Services through Domestic Private Sector Participation’, a multi-year technical assistance intervention called Expanded Small Water Utilities Improvement and Financing Project is currently starting up its second phase to bring the large number of small utilities currently operating under different accountability and financing frameworks into a single plat form so that public policy decisions on licenses, allocation of resources and market structure could be made on the basis of information and performance. WSP seeks to support the Government in data collection, registration and design of appropriate regulation for small utilities; deploying market/fee-based technical support services to improve planning and regulatory compliance among these utilities; and in market transformation through different financing and partnership models. WSP is now seeking additional national expertise to manage this business area in the Philippines.
WSP is led by a Program Manager located in the World Bank's Transport, Water, and Information & Communication Technology Department (TWI) in the Sustainable Development Network (SDN) Vice Presidency. The Program works closely with the World Bank's regional operations and external partners through four regional offices in South Asia, East Asia/Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Africa. WSP in East Asia (WSP-EAP) currently operates through a regional office in Jakarta and country offices in Hanoi, Manila, Vientiane, and Phnom Penh, and provides advisory services to Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste. The WSP-EAP office is managed by a Regional Team Leader, based in Singapore, who is accountable to the Global Program Manager in Washington.
WSP’s approved FY11-15 Business Plan is based on its global strategy “FY2009-2018: Scaling Up Sustainable Services”, which articulates WSP’s proposed strategic response to identified sector challenges affecting the poor through capacity building, technical assistance and knowledge. The Business Plan identifies six business areas where the program could have the best opportunity to affect large-scale change in sector performance: scaling up rural sanitation and hygiene; creating sustainable services through domestic private sector participation; supporting poor-inclusive WSS sector reform; targeting the urban poor and improving services in small towns; mitigating and adapting WSS delivery to climate change impacts; and delivering WSS services in fragile states. These areas were identified through a process of embedding a results-based framework throughout WSP’s country, regional and global work programs. WSP’s Philippines program is firmly built upon WSP’s Global Strategy, with the majority of its business plan activities focusing on scaling up rural sanitation and hygiene, creating sustainable services through domestic private sector participation, and targeting the urban poor and improving services in small towns. WSP focuses on a parallel track of influencing sector reform at the national level and building capacity at the local level; assisting the Government in operationalizing reforms at scale; improving the effectiveness of large-scale investments; analytical work in the identified business areas; and building strategic and cooperative alliances with other sector players.
Under the business area ‘Creating Sustainable Services through Domestic Private Sector Participation’, a multi-year technical assistance intervention called Expanded Small Water Utilities Improvement and Financing Project is currently starting up its second phase to bring the large number of small utilities currently operating under different accountability and financing frameworks into a single plat form so that public policy decisions on licenses, allocation of resources and market structure could be made on the basis of information and performance. WSP seeks to support the Government in data collection, registration and design of appropriate regulation for small utilities; deploying market/fee-based technical support services to improve planning and regulatory compliance among these utilities; and in market transformation through different financing and partnership models. WSP is now seeking additional national expertise to manage this business area in the Philippines.
Duties and Accountabilities:
The objective of the Water Supply and Sanitation (WSS) Specialist position is for the post holder to contribute to the successful development and implementation of the WSP Philippines country program in the above-mentioned business area and to achieving the related country program results. He/she will be a key member of the WSP country team in the Philippines, reporting to the Philippines Country Coordinator, and liaising closely with the WSP team and the World Bank operations team, Government of the Philippines partners, and supporting development agencies. The assignment may involve extensive travel in the Philippines and occasional international travel to other countries and regions. The duty station for the selected candidate will be Manila, Philippines.
The WSS Specialist will work under the overall guidance of the WSP Philippines Country Coordinator who in turn reports to the WSP-EAP Regional Team Leader. Under the supervision and guidance of the Country Coordinator, the WSS Specialist will carry out the tasks described below:
- In close collaboration with the WSP Country Coordinator, lead the development, management and coordination of WSP activities that are part of the Business Area ‘Creating Sustainable Services through Domestic Private Sector Participation’;
- Lead project development through World Bank processes such as concept note development and review; procurement of capacity; project management; grant reporting and monitoring, etc., and guide and coordinate other team members and consultants also working on these activities;
- As assigned by the Country Coordinator, lead and coordinate the activities of Filipino and international consultants engaged to carry out studies and other activities in the WSP workplan, including monitoring the quality and timeliness of processes used, outputs and products;
- Participate in national forums, workshops and conferences, help establish and maintain appropriate networks, and assist in the maintenance of an appropriate WSP internal and external profile in the Philippines;
- Develop and provide strategic sectoral cross-support to World Bank lending operations and analytical and advisory work, and the development and implementation of the World Bank’s Country Program Strategy (CPS);
- Help develop and assure quality of WSP knowledge products and other reports, and actively participate in WSP-EAP and global dialogues;
- Facilitate professional development by making maximum use of available mentoring and guidance by the Country Coordinator, WSP’s international staff, and others, taking part in selected training in the Philippines or elsewhere and periodically sharing insights within the Philippines and the region;
- Provide technical and other inputs to other WSP interventions in the Philippines, as assigned by the Country Coordinator, and in line with WSP’s team-based approach;
- Support the Country Coordination in administering the WSP office, including maintenance of records of financial disbursements, work planning, communications, and personnel management; in addition, in liaison with the Regional Team Leader, contribute to the formal reporting to the Government, donors, and other partners as required.
- Throughout, follow World Bank and WSP-specific procedures in all regards and be a role model for demonstrating and helping ensure the highest standards of governance and professional ethics.
The WSS Specialist will work under the overall guidance of the WSP Philippines Country Coordinator who in turn reports to the WSP-EAP Regional Team Leader. Under the supervision and guidance of the Country Coordinator, the WSS Specialist will carry out the tasks described below:
- In close collaboration with the WSP Country Coordinator, lead the development, management and coordination of WSP activities that are part of the Business Area ‘Creating Sustainable Services through Domestic Private Sector Participation’;
- Lead project development through World Bank processes such as concept note development and review; procurement of capacity; project management; grant reporting and monitoring, etc., and guide and coordinate other team members and consultants also working on these activities;
- As assigned by the Country Coordinator, lead and coordinate the activities of Filipino and international consultants engaged to carry out studies and other activities in the WSP workplan, including monitoring the quality and timeliness of processes used, outputs and products;
- Participate in national forums, workshops and conferences, help establish and maintain appropriate networks, and assist in the maintenance of an appropriate WSP internal and external profile in the Philippines;
- Develop and provide strategic sectoral cross-support to World Bank lending operations and analytical and advisory work, and the development and implementation of the World Bank’s Country Program Strategy (CPS);
- Help develop and assure quality of WSP knowledge products and other reports, and actively participate in WSP-EAP and global dialogues;
- Facilitate professional development by making maximum use of available mentoring and guidance by the Country Coordinator, WSP’s international staff, and others, taking part in selected training in the Philippines or elsewhere and periodically sharing insights within the Philippines and the region;
- Provide technical and other inputs to other WSP interventions in the Philippines, as assigned by the Country Coordinator, and in line with WSP’s team-based approach;
- Support the Country Coordination in administering the WSP office, including maintenance of records of financial disbursements, work planning, communications, and personnel management; in addition, in liaison with the Regional Team Leader, contribute to the formal reporting to the Government, donors, and other partners as required.
- Throughout, follow World Bank and WSP-specific procedures in all regards and be a role model for demonstrating and helping ensure the highest standards of governance and professional ethics.
Selection Criteria:
The position requires a person with program coordination and management experience in the field of water and sanitation in the Philippines. Minimum qualifications include:
- A Masters or higher level degree in economics, civil or environmental engineering, environmental health or other field relevant to improving broad-based sustainable access to water supply and sanitation for low-income groups;
- At least 5 years relevant professional experience in a relevant field cited above;
- Significant experience in the Philippines in the design and implementation of water supply and sanitation services projects and programs, with a focus on service provision to the poor and/or domestic private sector participation in service provision;
- Management experience, demonstrated leadership skills and commitment and proven ability to work in a team-oriented, multi-cultural environment;
- Knowledge and experience of and commitment to participatory and process-based development approaches, openness to new ideas, and partnerships;
- Awareness of complementary development roles, particularly support and leading roles, and the importance of maximizing national lead and ownership;
- Enthusiasm, flexibility and open-mindedness, well-developed inter-personal and communications skills;
- Ability to learn quickly, to take full advantage of mentoring and development opportunities
- Willingness and potential to take on widening responsibilities and grow rapidly in a challenging environment;
- Fluency in English and excellent analytical and writing skills;
- Well-networked, particularly with central and local government officials;
- Knowledge of World Bank Group administrative and operational procedures is desirable but not essential.
Competencies: Shown below are the competencies linked to this job broadly; however, this particular position emphasizes the water supply and sanitation elements.
Water Supply and Sanitation Infrastructure and Technologies
Knowledge of technical aspects of water such as: Water supply (abstraction, treatment, distribution); Wastewater (collection, treatment, disposal, methane capture, reuse); Solid waste management (collection, treatment, disposal); Appropriate technologies such as condominial sewers, water kiosks etc.; Onsite sanitation (latrines, septic tanks, etc.); NRW; Demand management; Water scheduling techniques; Major challenges facing water utilities (e.g., UFW/NRW, asset rehabilitation, etc.); Desalination. Understands rural water supply and sanitation technologies, technical issues and programmatic approaches including: the difference between ‘rural’ WSS (family/community run solutions) and ‘small towns’ WSS (solutions involving reticulation systems and needing the management skill response of a mini utility); Alternative service provision models/approaches for rural and small towns WSS; The range of rural technologies (including: hand pumps, wells, gravity-fed systems, rainwater harvesting); Behavior change needed for safe water transport and storage, use and maintenance of improved sanitation, and hygiene promotion; Sustainability of community managed systems; Sludge management; Sanitation Marketing including demand creation and strengthening supply chains for rural sanitation.
Client Orientation
Understands client needs, issues and concerns and demonstrates a desire to address them. Engages the client by considering the client’s culture, work styles and perspectives.
Drive for Results
Delivers results and impact for clients and stakeholders. Holds self accountable for achieving sustainable results, and makes things happen both as an individual and through others.
Teamwork (Collaboration) and Inclusion
Collaborates and promotes inclusion within and across boundaries. Works effectively with individuals of different cultures and gender, and includes the perspectives and ideas of others.
Knowledge, Learning and Communication
Demonstrates agility for learning and a commitment to enhance one’s capacity. Routinely shares own knowledge with others. Listens objectively to others’ ideas, and speaks and writes clearly, concisely and persuasively.
Business Judgment and Analytical Decision Making
Applies analytical and critical thinking to understand the business and to make evidence based interventions that impact results. Challenges conventional approaches and fosters appropriate risk-taking.
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.
- A Masters or higher level degree in economics, civil or environmental engineering, environmental health or other field relevant to improving broad-based sustainable access to water supply and sanitation for low-income groups;
- At least 5 years relevant professional experience in a relevant field cited above;
- Significant experience in the Philippines in the design and implementation of water supply and sanitation services projects and programs, with a focus on service provision to the poor and/or domestic private sector participation in service provision;
- Management experience, demonstrated leadership skills and commitment and proven ability to work in a team-oriented, multi-cultural environment;
- Knowledge and experience of and commitment to participatory and process-based development approaches, openness to new ideas, and partnerships;
- Awareness of complementary development roles, particularly support and leading roles, and the importance of maximizing national lead and ownership;
- Enthusiasm, flexibility and open-mindedness, well-developed inter-personal and communications skills;
- Ability to learn quickly, to take full advantage of mentoring and development opportunities
- Willingness and potential to take on widening responsibilities and grow rapidly in a challenging environment;
- Fluency in English and excellent analytical and writing skills;
- Well-networked, particularly with central and local government officials;
- Knowledge of World Bank Group administrative and operational procedures is desirable but not essential.
Competencies: Shown below are the competencies linked to this job broadly; however, this particular position emphasizes the water supply and sanitation elements.
Water Supply and Sanitation Infrastructure and Technologies
Knowledge of technical aspects of water such as: Water supply (abstraction, treatment, distribution); Wastewater (collection, treatment, disposal, methane capture, reuse); Solid waste management (collection, treatment, disposal); Appropriate technologies such as condominial sewers, water kiosks etc.; Onsite sanitation (latrines, septic tanks, etc.); NRW; Demand management; Water scheduling techniques; Major challenges facing water utilities (e.g., UFW/NRW, asset rehabilitation, etc.); Desalination. Understands rural water supply and sanitation technologies, technical issues and programmatic approaches including: the difference between ‘rural’ WSS (family/community run solutions) and ‘small towns’ WSS (solutions involving reticulation systems and needing the management skill response of a mini utility); Alternative service provision models/approaches for rural and small towns WSS; The range of rural technologies (including: hand pumps, wells, gravity-fed systems, rainwater harvesting); Behavior change needed for safe water transport and storage, use and maintenance of improved sanitation, and hygiene promotion; Sustainability of community managed systems; Sludge management; Sanitation Marketing including demand creation and strengthening supply chains for rural sanitation.
Client Orientation
Understands client needs, issues and concerns and demonstrates a desire to address them. Engages the client by considering the client’s culture, work styles and perspectives.
Drive for Results
Delivers results and impact for clients and stakeholders. Holds self accountable for achieving sustainable results, and makes things happen both as an individual and through others.
Teamwork (Collaboration) and Inclusion
Collaborates and promotes inclusion within and across boundaries. Works effectively with individuals of different cultures and gender, and includes the perspectives and ideas of others.
Knowledge, Learning and Communication
Demonstrates agility for learning and a commitment to enhance one’s capacity. Routinely shares own knowledge with others. Listens objectively to others’ ideas, and speaks and writes clearly, concisely and persuasively.
Business Judgment and Analytical Decision Making
Applies analytical and critical thinking to understand the business and to make evidence based interventions that impact results. Challenges conventional approaches and fosters appropriate risk-taking.
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.
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