Lead Digital Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. Established in 1944, the organization has grown to include 189 member countries and operates in more than 120 offices worldwide. The World Bank is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, focusing on innovative solutions to the most pressing global challenges. The organization aims to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries, helping them to implement projects that foster economic growth and improve living conditions for their populations. The World Bank's mission is to reduce poverty and support development by providing loans, grants, and expertise to help countries build infrastructure, improve education, and enhance healthcare systems. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

Job Overview:
The Lead Digital Specialist position at the World Bank Group is a pivotal role within the Digital & AI Vice Presidency, focusing on digital transformation initiatives across the Africa East and South Region. The selected candidate will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and technical direction for the Digital & AI work program, ensuring alignment with the Digital and AI Strategy Implementation Plan (FY26–30) and regional strategies. This role involves engaging in high-level policy dialogues, partnership meetings, and international forums to advocate for digital transformation and AI initiatives. The Lead Digital Specialist will also be tasked with guiding the Digital AFE team and client governments on complex digital development issues, leading strategic lending operations, and designing flagship knowledge products that are actionable and relevant to client countries. The position requires a deep understanding of digital infrastructure, data governance, cybersecurity, and AI for development, as well as the ability to connect these areas to tangible development outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Lead Digital Specialist will report to the Digital Practice Manager for DAEDU and will have a range of key responsibilities, including:

• Strategic Leadership: Provide technical direction for the Digital & AI work program, ensuring alignment with the Digital and AI Strategy Implementation Plan (FY26–30) and AFE regional strategies. Represent Digital AFE in high-level policy dialogues and partnership meetings. Prepare and review strategic Senior Management briefings.
• Technical Expertise and Program Delivery: Offer technical leadership on complex digital development issues, lead strategic lending operations, and design flagship knowledge products.
• Operational Support: Guide task teams in integrating solutions from the Global Digital & AI Implementation Plan into operations, review technical deliverables, and support the Digital AFE PM in portfolio and budget monitoring.
• Partnership Management and Outreach: Serve as the focal point for coordination with development partners, facilitate collaboration across WB Global Practices, and lead outreach initiatives to enhance visibility of AFE contributions.
• Results Monitoring, Financial Management, and Governance: Ensure effective monitoring and reporting against the Digital and AI Strategy Implementation Plan, promoting learning and knowledge sharing through various platforms.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Lead Digital Specialist position should possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in fields such as information technology, computer science, engineering, economics, public policy, law, or a related area. A PhD is preferred. The candidate should have a minimum of 12 years of relevant professional experience in digital transformation, digital and AI policy, law and regulation, or technology-driven development programs. They should demonstrate deep technical knowledge in at least two domains such as broadband infrastructure, digital public infrastructure, data governance, or digital economy and AI policy. Proven experience in leading complex analytical and operational work related to digital and AI transformation in developing countries is essential, along with a strong understanding of private sector engagement and project financing frameworks.

Educational Background:
Candidates are required to have a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as information technology, computer science, engineering, economics, public policy, law, or related disciplines. A PhD is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and research capability in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 12 years of relevant professional experience, particularly in digital transformation and technology-driven development programs. Candidates should have substantial experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder projects and a proven track record in managing partnerships with governments and other stakeholders.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English. Proficiency in French is preferred, as it enhances communication and collaboration within the diverse regions served by the World Bank Group.

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 diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all employees regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or disability.