Adviser
World Bank
Washington Dc
United States
December 4, 2026
Full-timeDecember 4, 2026
Senior Digital Specialist - SME, Jobs, and Digital Transformation
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group (WBG) is a global organization that focuses on addressing the world's most pressing development challenges. Established to reduce poverty and support development, it operates in 145 countries with over 182 offices worldwide. The WBG aims to invest in people, strengthen markets, and deliver scalable, data-driven solutions that generate more and better jobs, improving lives across the globe. The organization is committed to fostering partnerships with governments, the private sector, development partners, and other stakeholders to achieve its mission. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.
Job Overview:
The Senior Digital Specialist will play a crucial role in the World Bank Group's Digital & AI Vice Presidency (D&AI VPU), which leads the institution's efforts in digital transformation and artificial intelligence. This position is vital as AI systems become increasingly integrated into public services, financial systems, and humanitarian responses. The specialist will focus on accelerating the digitalization of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), job creation, and real-sector transformation. The role will involve connecting digital foundations to measurable outcomes in various sectors such as agriculture, health, manufacturing, tourism, and financial services. The specialist will be responsible for designing programs that help firms adopt digital tools and platforms, thereby enhancing their operational capabilities and contributing to economic growth.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Digital Specialist include leading diagnostics on SME digital readiness, identifying barriers to adoption, and exploring market opportunities. The specialist will convert findings into actionable roadmaps and investment plans. They will design programs to facilitate the adoption of e-commerce, cloud tools, and AI among SMEs. Additionally, the specialist will build skills-to-jobs approaches that connect employers with training providers and labor-market systems, focusing on entrepreneurship and workforce transitions. The role also involves advising on competition, data governance, and public-private partnerships, as well as supporting project design and investment pathways. The specialist will produce practical toolkits and case studies to scale effective models across regions.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or Ph.D. in technology, economics, business, public policy, engineering, or related fields. They should have at least 8 years of progressively responsible experience in digital transformation, SME development, or private-sector development. A strong record of translating firm and sector constraints into feasible digital programs and financing plans is essential. Expertise in areas such as SME digitalization, skills and jobs, digital platforms, and data governance is required. Candidates should also demonstrate operational experience with governments and private firms across multiple regions, along with excellent client engagement and collaboration skills.
Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or Ph.D. in relevant fields such as technology, economics, business, public policy, or engineering. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of digital transformation and its impact on job creation and economic development.
Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in areas related to digital transformation, SME development, or private-sector development. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with various stakeholders, including governments, private firms, and development institutions, to implement effective digital solutions and strategies.
Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English. Proficiency in additional languages is preferred but not required, as the primary working language will be English.
Additional Notes:
This is an open-ended staff position with international recruitment. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, 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 candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The closing date for applications is November 2, 2026, at 11:59 PM UTC.
The World Bank Group (WBG) is a global organization that focuses on addressing the world's most pressing development challenges. Established to reduce poverty and support development, it operates in 145 countries with over 182 offices worldwide. The WBG aims to invest in people, strengthen markets, and deliver scalable, data-driven solutions that generate more and better jobs, improving lives across the globe. The organization is committed to fostering partnerships with governments, the private sector, development partners, and other stakeholders to achieve its mission. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.
Job Overview:
The Senior Digital Specialist will play a crucial role in the World Bank Group's Digital & AI Vice Presidency (D&AI VPU), which leads the institution's efforts in digital transformation and artificial intelligence. This position is vital as AI systems become increasingly integrated into public services, financial systems, and humanitarian responses. The specialist will focus on accelerating the digitalization of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), job creation, and real-sector transformation. The role will involve connecting digital foundations to measurable outcomes in various sectors such as agriculture, health, manufacturing, tourism, and financial services. The specialist will be responsible for designing programs that help firms adopt digital tools and platforms, thereby enhancing their operational capabilities and contributing to economic growth.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Digital Specialist include leading diagnostics on SME digital readiness, identifying barriers to adoption, and exploring market opportunities. The specialist will convert findings into actionable roadmaps and investment plans. They will design programs to facilitate the adoption of e-commerce, cloud tools, and AI among SMEs. Additionally, the specialist will build skills-to-jobs approaches that connect employers with training providers and labor-market systems, focusing on entrepreneurship and workforce transitions. The role also involves advising on competition, data governance, and public-private partnerships, as well as supporting project design and investment pathways. The specialist will produce practical toolkits and case studies to scale effective models across regions.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or Ph.D. in technology, economics, business, public policy, engineering, or related fields. They should have at least 8 years of progressively responsible experience in digital transformation, SME development, or private-sector development. A strong record of translating firm and sector constraints into feasible digital programs and financing plans is essential. Expertise in areas such as SME digitalization, skills and jobs, digital platforms, and data governance is required. Candidates should also demonstrate operational experience with governments and private firms across multiple regions, along with excellent client engagement and collaboration skills.
Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or Ph.D. in relevant fields such as technology, economics, business, public policy, or engineering. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of digital transformation and its impact on job creation and economic development.
Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in areas related to digital transformation, SME development, or private-sector development. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with various stakeholders, including governments, private firms, and development institutions, to implement effective digital solutions and strategies.
Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English. Proficiency in additional languages is preferred but not required, as the primary working language will be English.
Additional Notes:
This is an open-ended staff position with international recruitment. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, 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 candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The closing date for applications is November 2, 2026, at 11:59 PM UTC.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.
