Are you passionate about driving impactful change in Africa’s water and sanitation sector? Do you have the expertise and commitment to contribute to inclusive and sustainable development across the continent? The African Development Bank (AfDB) invites talented professionals to join our dedicated team and help shape Africa’s future.
We are currently recruiting for the position of Senior Water and Sanitation Engineer, based in Nairobi, Kenya, under the African Water Facility (AWF). If you are a driven water and sanitation expert with the right blend of technical experience and strategic insight, this opportunity could be the perfect next step in your career.
About the African Development Bank
Established in 1964, the African Development Bank is the continent’s premier development finance institution. With 81 member states and 54 regional member countries, AfDB is devoted to promoting sustainable economic growth and reducing poverty across Africa.
The Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033) focuses on five high-impact priorities known as the High 5s:
- Light up and Power Africa
- Feed Africa
- Industrialize Africa
- Integrate Africa
- Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa
To deliver on this transformative agenda, AfDB provides both financial and technical support to development initiatives that drive inclusive growth.
About the Hiring Department: Water Development and Sanitation
The Water Development and Sanitation Department (AHWS) operates within the Agriculture, Human and Social Development Complex (AHVP). AHWS is central to the Bank’s mission of promoting water security and improved sanitation in Africa. The department supports the implementation of water sector strategies and initiatives that align with AfDB’s High 5s and Africa Water Vision 2025.
The African Water Facility (AWF), a key division within AHWS, mobilizes and channels resources toward enabling environment development, project preparation, and catalytic investments in the water and sanitation sectors. Currently managing a portfolio exceeding €200 million, the AWF plays a strategic role in preparing the continent for long-term water sustainability and resilience.
Position: Senior Water and Sanitation Engineer
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Grade: PL5
Position Number: 50001049
Application Deadline: 12 June 2025
Posting Date: 13 May 2025
Job Description: Senior Water and Sanitation Engineer
As a Senior Water and Sanitation Engineer, you will report functionally to the AWF Coordinator and administratively to the Director General of the East Africa Regional Development and Business Delivery Office (RDGE). You will be responsible for managing a diverse portfolio of water and sanitation projects, supporting regional member countries (RMCs) in project development, and contributing to sectoral knowledge and strategic direction.
Key Responsibilities
1. Pipeline Development and Portfolio Management
- Lead or contribute to the identification, preparation, appraisal, and approval of AWF-funded water and sanitation projects.
- Coordinate with internal legal and operational departments to ensure timely execution of grant agreements.
- Supervise project implementation, ensuring alignment with AfDB’s operational guidelines and project objectives.
- Participate in project reviews and completion missions.
- Provide technical assistance to RMCs for sectoral planning, investment preparation, and institutional capacity development.
- Facilitate mainstreaming of integrated water resource management, gender equality, green growth, and climate resilience in projects.
- Organize and oversee consultant recruitment and preparation missions to finalize project documentation.
- Guide grant recipients through compliance with AWF operational and AfDB procurement procedures.
- Monitor projects through field visits and desk reviews, providing timely feedback and support to ensure delivery and sustainability.
- Conduct regular project team meetings to evaluate performance, resolve challenges, and update stakeholders.
- Prepare progress reports and evaluations, highlighting milestones, outcomes, and lessons learned.
2. Knowledge Development and Dissemination
- Generate and share knowledge products to enhance understanding of water and sanitation best practices, including analytical reports and technical guidance.
- Support country-level planning with technical input to promote sustainable, affordable service delivery.
- Contribute to the Bank’s internal knowledge-sharing platforms and sector-wide learning.
- Maintain robust communication with implementing agencies and development partners to ensure awareness and transparency.
3. Coordination and Strategic Partnerships
- Represent AWF in donor coordination meetings, international conferences, and sector forums.
- Strengthen partnerships with regional organizations, NGOs, utilities, and governments to align sector efforts and leverage funding.
- Contribute to the preparation of AWF’s annual reports, strategic planning documents, and work programs.
- Provide thought leadership by coordinating thematic studies and guiding junior colleagues.
Selection Criteria
To be successful in this role, you should have:
- A minimum of five (5) years of experience in water and sanitation engineering, project planning, or sector development.
- A solid understanding of integrated water resource management, sanitation infrastructure planning, and governance issues in Africa.
- Practical knowledge of project cycle management, from origination to completion and evaluation.
- Experience working with development finance institutions (DFIs) or similar international organizations is highly desirable.
- Proven ability to manage complex projects with diverse stakeholders in a multicultural environment.
- Strategic thinking, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a strong orientation toward results.
- Competence in Microsoft Office tools; experience with SAP is an added advantage.
- Fluency in English or French (with a working knowledge of the other language preferred).
Why Join the African Development Bank?
Joining AfDB means more than just a job – it’s a chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of millions. You’ll work with top professionals across the continent, tackle urgent development challenges, and contribute to a shared vision of a prosperous, inclusive Africa.
We offer a dynamic, multicultural workplace that values innovation, leadership, and professional growth. Our operations are guided by integrity, excellence, and a commitment to delivering results.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to help advance water security and sanitation across Africa, we want to hear from you.
To apply for the position of Senior Water and Sanitation Engineer, please click the link below and follow the application instructions on our official portal:
Apply Now
Ensure your application is submitted before 12 June 2025.
