Senior AI Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group 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 World Bank 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 drive transformative change globally. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

Job Overview:
The Senior AI Specialist position is situated within the Digital and AI Vertical of the World Bank Group, which aims to harness digital technologies to transform development through innovative digital solutions. The role involves providing senior thought leadership on AI strategies, governance, and policy advisory, as well as engaging with client countries to enhance their capacities for digital transformation and AI utilization. The position is critical in translating the World Bank Group's AI-related strategic priorities into actionable country-level programs and operational guidance, thereby contributing to the implementation of the recently published Digital and AI Strategy. The specialist will work closely with various stakeholders to support the development of AI readiness diagnostics, policy roadmaps, and operational support for lending and advisory programs, ensuring that AI technologies are integrated effectively into public service delivery and other sectors.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• AI Strategy, Governance & Policy Advisory: Provide senior thought leadership on national AI strategies, regulatory frameworks, risk-based AI oversight, and AI governance models. Advise governments on developing enabling environments for safe and ethical AI adoption, focusing on privacy, cybersecurity, algorithmic fairness, and explainability. Translate WBG AI-related strategic priorities into country-level programs and operational guidance.
• AI Readiness, Diagnostics & Country Engagements: Lead AI readiness diagnostics, maturity assessments, and sector-specific feasibility studies. Identify high-value AI use cases in various sectors such as public service delivery, health, education, and infrastructure. Design policy roadmaps, pilots, regulatory sandboxes, and institutional capacity-building programs.
• AI for Digital Government & Knowledge Bank Integration: Support DKC’s digital government programs by embedding AI capabilities. Lead the creation of global AI knowledge assets, including playbooks, toolkits, and case studies. Coordinate quality assurance and peer reviews.
• Korea AI Ecosystem Engagement: Map Korea’s AI ecosystem and broker partnerships between Korean AI institutions and client countries. Identify scalable Korean AI innovations relevant for developing countries.
• Operational Support to Lending & Advisory Programs: Provide technical leadership on AI-related components of World Bank lending and advisory programs. Contribute to the development of TORs, procurement specifications, and risk frameworks for AI systems.
• AI Innovation, Pilots, and Responsible Deployment: Design and oversee proofs of concept and pilot deployments of AI tools, assessing scalability and risks.
• Communications, Stakeholder Engagement & Convening: Represent WBG at high-level Korea AI forums and prepare strategic updates for stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree in computer science, AI/ML, data science, engineering, information systems, or a related field. Candidates must have a minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in AI/ML model development, AI policy, AI systems integration, responsible AI, or research/industry AI deployment. A deep understanding of AI architectures, data pipelines, and ethical AI considerations is essential. Strong communication skills are necessary to translate technical AI concepts into policy-relevant insights, and fluency in both Korean and English is required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as computer science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, engineering, or information systems. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of AI technologies and their application in development contexts.

Experience:
The role demands a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, particularly in AI/ML model development, AI policy, and systems integration. Candidates should have a proven track record of working on AI-related projects, demonstrating their ability to lead initiatives and engage with stakeholders at various levels.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while proficiency in Korean is preferred. This bilingual requirement is essential for effective communication within the Korean AI ecosystem and with international stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 4 years. 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 diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all employees regardless of gender, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.