Job Details

Digital Development Specialist

 Description

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank Group (WBG) provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org

Digital Transformation Vice Presidency 

Digital technologies offer a unique opportunity to transform development through digital solutions. The Digital Transformation Vice Presidency and its global and regional teams will support client countries in building the foundational and cross-cutting elements of digital transformation through: 

• Building digital infrastructure and data platforms (including AI, cloud computing and digital public infrastructure) 
• Protecting institutions, businesses, and citizens through cybersecurity and data protection & privacy 
• Developing ICT sectors and supporting digital entrepreneurship, skills, and jobs 
• Implementing and digitalizing digital government services that improve accountability and transparency 
• Supporting the Vice presidencies of People, Prosperity, Planet, and Infrastructure in the digitalization efforts of their clients, and in leveraging digital solutions, including building client sectoral digital capacity, defining sectoral specific AI strategies, and designing sectoral AI solutions 
• Coordinating the operationalization of the digital Global Challenge Program as well as cross-GP efforts of achieving the new Corporate Scorecard digital indicators.
For more information: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/digital

Duties and Responsibilities:

The DT specialist will be responsible for:
• Contributing to the design, preparation and supervision of WBG financed digital development related investment and policy reform programs in client countries with a particular emphasis on stimulating development of broadband infrastructure and digital public platforms and services, including through PPPs and regulatory/policy reforms, facilitating development of digital government IT infrastructure, interoperability  digital ID, digital payment and promoting development of digital skills and innovation, cyber resilience, data governance, as well as on addressing WBG corporate requirements (e.g. climate change, gender).
• Contributing to advising clients on strategies, best practices and design of programs to develop the foundations of their digital economies.
• Providing technical expertise and advice on a range of policy and regulatory issues to promote competition, private sector investment and innovation in the digital economy sector with the aim of achieving by 2030 people, businesses and governments to be digitally enabled.
• Providing technical expertise and advice on policy, institutional reform, project development and execution to support the digitization of public administration and public services delivery in client countries.  
• Liaising and providing guidance to colleagues working in other sectors (including agriculture, health, education, energy, financial services, transport, climate change, disaster management, etc.) on how to leverage digital technologies to improve public service delivery and efficiency in the respective sectors.  
• Developing innovative and practical approaches to solving difficult policy and operational issues for selected high priority digital transformation related activities
• Contributing to policy dialogue with senior officials of client countries, regional institutions, private sector/industry, and development partner agencies.  
• Preparing and supervising publication of best practice notes and reports on policy and regulation in the digital sector.
• Performing economic and financial analysis (market models, business models, etc.) to inform decisions on project designs, PPP schemes, financing plans, etc.
• Representing the DT Unit and the Bank at digital transformation related fora and events, as well as liaison in the above areas with key external partners.

Selection Criteria

• Master's degree in telecommunications, engineering, computer science, law, economics, public policy or related field with a minimum of 5 years of experience in ICT / Digital Economy policy and regulation and/or ICT / Digital Transformation project design and implementation.
• Excellent conceptual and analytical skills, including ability to think strategically and innovatively about the role of digital technologies for socio-economic development and for transformation in other sectors of the economy.  
• Strong technical and operational skills as evidenced in a proven track record in supporting the delivery of project operations and project implementation and supervision within the Bank or similar type of projects/products for other entities; knowledge and experience in World Bank Group Policy and Procedure Framework (PPF) is not mandatory but would be a plus.
• Firm understanding of digital technologies (PKI, Cloud, DFS, AI, Cyber), digital transformation of society, and digitally enabled business model trends relevant to socio-economic development in the African context (especially West and Central Africa) and enthusiasm to stay abreast of new innovations. 
• Strong client engagement skills, taking responsibility and accountability for timely response to client queries, requests or needs, working to remove obstacles that may impede execution or project success.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and in French as demonstrated in a proven track record of effectively delivering technical information in a clear, easily understandable and effective manner.
• Excellent presentation skills, using charts, graphs and other data presentation techniques appropriately to communicate data, technical information, or complex concepts to non-specialists.
• Strong drive for results, taking personal ownership and accountability to meet deadlines and achieve agreed-upon results.  
• Strong business judgment and analytical decision making, analyzing facts and data to support sound and logical business decisions.
• Proven ability to function effectively as a team member of multi-disciplinary teams and resolve conflicts constructively. 
• Prior work experience in Africa (especially West and Central Africa), and good knowledge of sector issues in the region is a plus. 
• Willingness and ability to travel.

WBG CORE COMPETENCIES

• Lead and Innovate - Develops innovative solutions.
• Deliver Results for Clients - Proactively addresses clients’ stated and unstated needs.
• Collaborate Within Teams and Across Boundaries - Collaborates across boundaries, gives own perspective and willingly receives diverse perspectives.
• Create, Apply and Share Knowledge - Applies knowledge across WBG to strengthen solutions for internal and/or external clients.
• Make Smart Decisions - Interprets a wide range of information and pushes to move forward.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.