Lead Digital Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank is a prominent global institution established to provide funding and knowledge to developing countries. It is a unique partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and over 120 offices worldwide, the World Bank collaborates with public and private sector partners to invest in innovative projects and leverage data, research, and technology to address pressing global challenges. The organization operates in various regions, including Eastern and Southern Africa, which is home to approximately 700 million people and encompasses 26 countries. The region's largest economy is South Africa, followed by Angola, Kenya, and Ethiopia. The World Bank's mission is to support countries in their development efforts, particularly in the areas of digital transformation and sustainable economic growth.

Job Overview:
The Lead Digital Specialist position is a critical role within the Africa East and South Regional Digital Unit (DAEDU) at the World Bank. This position involves 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. The specialist will represent Digital AFE in high-level policy dialogues and international forums, connecting the mission of Digital AFE with the broader efforts of the World Bank Group (WBG). The role requires a deep understanding of complex digital development issues, including digital infrastructure, data governance, and AI for development. The specialist will lead strategic lending operations and the design of flagship knowledge products, ensuring they are relevant and actionable for client countries. Additionally, the position involves operational support, mentoring junior staff, and liaising with global expert teams to enhance regional contributions to the Knowledge Bank.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Lead Digital Specialist will report to the Digital Practice Manager for DAEDU and will be responsible for several key areas:

• Strategic Leadership: Provide technical direction for the Digital AI work program, ensuring alignment with the Digital and AI Strategy Implementation Plan and AFE regional strategies. Represent Digital AFE in high-level policy dialogues and partnership meetings.
• Technical Expertise and Program Delivery: Offer technical leadership on 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 WBG 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.
• Results Monitoring, Financial Management, and Governance: Ensure effective monitoring and evaluation against the Digital and AI Strategy Implementation Plan, promoting learning and knowledge sharing.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Lead Digital Specialist position should possess a robust set of qualifications, including a deep understanding of digital transformation, AI technologies, and their application in development contexts. Strong analytical skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to engage with high-level stakeholders are essential. The candidate should also demonstrate experience in leading complex projects and teams, as well as a proven track record in policy development and implementation in the digital space. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are crucial for this role, as is the ability to work collaboratively across diverse teams and sectors.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in a relevant field such as Information Technology, Computer Science, Public Policy, or a related discipline is required for the Lead Digital Specialist position. A Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree is preferred and would be advantageous in demonstrating expertise in digital transformation and AI.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have substantial experience in digital development, with a minimum of 10 years in relevant roles. This experience should include working with governments, international organizations, or the private sector on digital transformation initiatives. Familiarity with the World Bank's operations and processes is a plus, as is experience in managing teams and projects in a multicultural environment.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the World Bank. Proficiency in additional languages, particularly those relevant to the Eastern and Southern Africa region, would be considered an asset and beneficial for engaging with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role based in Pretoria, South Africa. The World Bank offers a competitive compensation package, including benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of nationality.