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.

Job Overview:
The Senior AI Specialist will play a crucial role in the World Bank Group's Digital and AI Vertical, which was established to support client countries in their digital transformation and AI adoption efforts. This position involves providing senior thought leadership on national AI strategies, regulatory frameworks, and governance models. The specialist will be responsible for advising governments on creating enabling environments for safe and ethical AI adoption, translating strategic priorities into actionable programs, and leading AI readiness diagnostics and assessments. The role also includes supporting digital government programs by integrating AI capabilities, creating global AI knowledge assets, and engaging with Korea's AI ecosystem to broker partnerships and identify scalable innovations relevant for developing countries. The position requires a strong understanding of AI architectures, data pipelines, and ethical considerations, as well as the ability to communicate complex AI concepts in a policy-relevant manner.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• AI Strategy, Governance & Policy Advisory: Provide senior thought leadership on national AI strategies, regulatory frameworks, risk-based AI oversight, and 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, and education. 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 and implementation guides. Ensure quality assurance and alignment with the Knowledge Bank.
• Korea AI Ecosystem Engagement: Map Korea’s AI ecosystem and broker partnerships between Korean 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 terms of reference, 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. Assess scalability, cost-effectiveness, and risks for broader deployment.
• Communications, Stakeholder Engagement & Convening: Represent the WBG at high-level Korea AI forums and prepare analytical notes for internal leadership and stakeholders. Organize global AI events and policy dialogues.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must possess a Master’s degree in computer science, AI/ML, data science, engineering, information systems, or a related field. 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 is required. The candidate should have a deep understanding of AI architectures, data pipelines, and ethical AI considerations, as well as strong communication skills to translate technical AI concepts into policy-relevant insights. Fluency in both Korean and English is mandatory, with a strong understanding of the Korean AI ecosystem and the ability to interface with Korean institutions at senior levels.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have 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 essential to ensure the candidate has the necessary technical knowledge and skills to perform the duties of the Senior AI Specialist effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in areas such as AI/ML model development, AI policy, AI systems integration, responsible AI, or deployment of AI in research or industry settings. This level of experience is crucial for the candidate to provide the necessary thought leadership and technical expertise required for the role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within the World Bank Group. Additionally, proficiency in Korean is preferred, as the position involves significant engagement with Korean institutions and stakeholders. Knowledge of other languages may be beneficial but is not required.

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 may 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 diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunity for all candidates regardless of gender, identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.