WBG Manager, Digital Applications – Solutions and Impact

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group (WBG) is a unique global partnership of five institutions established with the mission to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. Founded in 1944, the organization has grown to include 189 member countries and operates more than 120 offices worldwide. The WBG is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, focusing on solving the world’s greatest development challenges through collaboration with public and private sector partners, investment in groundbreaking projects, and leveraging data, research, and technology to bring about transformative changes globally. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

Job Overview:
The WBG Manager for Digital Applications – Solutions and Impact will play a pivotal role in leading the Digital Applications Department within the WBG Digital and AI Vertical Vice Presidency. This position is crucial for ensuring that the department delivers on its commitments to enhance the use of digital applications in various sectors, including agribusiness, healthcare, infrastructure, manufacturing, and tourism. The Manager will be responsible for replicating and scaling high-impact projects and innovations across all WBG products, sharing best practices, and providing operational support to regional teams. The role requires a strong focus on strategic leadership, knowledge management, and collaboration with various stakeholders to drive impactful solutions that align with the WBG's mission and objectives. The successful candidate will be expected to foster an environment of learning and innovation, ensuring that the department remains at the forefront of the development debate and contributes effectively to global dialogues in their area of expertise.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The WBG Manager will be accountable for modeling WBG leadership values and managerial behavior while ensuring the unit delivers on its commitments. Key responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with the Manager of Policy and Regulations to create an enabling environment for digital applications.
• Replicating and scaling high-impact projects and innovations across WBG products.
• Sharing best practices through Communities of Practice.
• Providing operational support to regional teams.
• Leading a diverse and multidisciplinary team, ensuring alignment between Solutions and Impact functions.
• Mobilizing and leading the Solutions and Impact team to produce, curate, validate, and share knowledge with operational teams, clients, and partners.
• Supporting country teams in applying global knowledge to local contexts.
• Promoting innovative research and disseminating technical knowledge.
• Collecting and curating sector data to support policy-making in Digital & AI. 1
• Building partnerships with private sectors, foundations, and civil society to deliver solutions. 1
• Managing resources effectively to maximize client and developmental impact while ensuring compliance with internal controls and policies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree (Ph.D. preferred) in a relevant field such as engineering, technology, or public policy, along with at least 12 years of relevant experience in progressively complex roles. They should meet the Bank-wide Grade GH level position criteria, which includes experience in at least two world regions or a combination of regional and corporate assignments, with field experience being preferred. A proven understanding of WBG operational and development experience, including policy and investment operations, is essential, as is a strong record of resolving complex issues and engaging in policy dialogue across multiple regions and institutional settings. Excellent understanding and experience working with the private sector, particularly in delivering digital application solutions, is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in a relevant field, with a Ph.D. being preferred. The focus should be on areas such as engineering, technology, or public policy, which are critical for understanding the complexities of digital applications and their impact on development.

Experience:
The position requires at least 12 years of relevant experience in roles of increasing complexity and responsibility. Candidates should have a strong background in operational and development experience within the WBG framework, including experience in policy and investment operations. Proven leadership and people management skills are essential, particularly in managing multi-location and virtual teams, as well as experience in building partnerships across various sectors.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English. Proficiency in additional languages is preferred but not specified in the job description. Candidates who can communicate effectively in multiple languages may have an advantage in this role, especially in a diverse and international environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a term duration of 4 years. It involves international recruitment, indicating that candidates from various countries are encouraged to apply. The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to being an equal opportunity and inclusive employer, ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.