Artificial Intelligence Specialist – GF  

Description

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank consists of two entities – the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA). It is a global development cooperative owned by 189 member countries. As the largest development bank in the world, the World Bank provides loans, guarantees, risk management products, and advisory services to middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries, and coordinates responses to regional and global challenges. For more information, please visit www.worldbank.org

Digital Transformation Vice Presidency

The Digital Transformation Vertical Vice Presidency was established on July 1, 2024, and guides the World Bank Group efforts to establish the foundations of a digital economy, build and enhance digital and data infrastructure, ensure cybersecurity and data privacy for institutions, businesses, and citizens, and advance digital government services. Digital technologies, including AI and data, present a unique opportunity to accelerate development. The Digital Transformation Vertical has the critical mission of delivering on this development promise. The Digital Vice Presidency and its global and regional teams support client countries in building the foundational and cross-cutting elements of digital transformation through two engagement pillars, six business lines, and multiple cross-cutting areas:

• Digital Core: Building digital infrastructure through broadband network, affordable devices; Enhancing data infrastructure including data centers, cloud solutions and data governance; Enabling AI and cutting-edge technology applications; and Protecting institutions, businesses, and citizens through cybersecurity, data protection & privacy, trust services as well as online safety.
• Digital Use: Supporting the Regions and the Verticals of People, Prosperity, Planet, and Infrastructure in the digitalization efforts of clients through Digital Government (digital public infrastructure, digital government services, and digital literacy and training), Digital Economy (national ICT planning, ICT industry and jobs, and smart infra and industry) and Digital Society (digital school, digital health, etc.).

Both pillars will be the channels through which the Vertical will support World Bank achieving its objectives in cross-cutting areas like jobs and skills, climate and green, fragility, conflict and violence, and gender and inclusion.

Cloud/Datacenters, AI & New Tech Unit

This unit will develop the World Bank’s approach to Cloud and Datacenters, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and New/Emerging Technologies, including:

• Cloud Enabling Environment and Market Development: Creating a conducive policy and regulatory environment and supportive ecosystem to encourage investment in, as well as availability and adoption of datacenter and cloud infrastructure and services in emerging economies
• Development of Datacenter/Cloud Infrastructure: Supporting direct financing of datacenter or cloud infrastructure and services in emerging markets, including through PPPs, risk mitigation instruments and other strategies and approaches.
• Government Cloud: Identifying best practices and policies and supporting deployment of cloud solutions for Government
• AI Governance and Enabling Environment: Identifying key principles and approaches to AI related laws, policies, strategies and regulations in emerging markets, aiming to balance the opportunities of AI with mitigation of the risks; Identifying the key building blocks to support AI adoption and investment (infrastructure, institutions, capabilities, etc.)
• AI Use Cases for Development: Identifying and supporting adoption of relevant AI use cases across sectors
• Technology trends (AI, IoT, Quantum, VR, Blockchain, etc.): Tracking and distilling the latest technology trends, identifying relevant applications supporting development and supporting deployment across sectors
• Cross-Border Data Flows, Data Sovereignty and Data Classification Policy: Enabling cross border data flows with trust to enable cross border investment in data/cloud infrastructure and cross border provision and access to digital communications, commerce and services; Establishing data classification policy that respects data sovereignty while enabling access to public cloud solutions where appropriate
• Partnerships: Establishing knowledge partnerships and deepening collaboration with relevant industry, academia, civil society and development partners across cloud, AI and emerging tech; Ensuring internal coordination across teams working on areas of relevant intersection including broadband, cybersecurity, data protection and privacy, energy, sustainability and climate action, etc.)

The Unit engages through Regional VPUs and CMUs to support clients.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

As a Digital Transformation Specialist, you will work:

• Provide operational and technical support to advance the World Bank’s AI agenda, with a focus on supporting the operationalization of the AI 4 Development Lab, support on G20 work and regional initiatives, particularly in Africa.
• Assist in identifying and supporting the implementation of AI applications in sectors such as agriculture, health, and public service delivery, driven by client needs.
• Support pilots and scale-up of AI initiatives, ensuring alignment with regional priorities, including specific projects in Africa.
• Contribute to the development of corporate strategies and frameworks for AI, aligning with the World Bank’s digital transformation priorities and global development goals.
• Support development of governance frameworks and policy for responsible AI adoption, including regulatory sandboxes, enabling policy, ethical frameworks, fairness, and transparency, ensuring alignment with global standards and best practices.
• Collaborate with internal units to integrate AI and digital transformation objectives into broader World Bank strategies, including cross-cutting areas like jobs, gender, and climate resilience, and fragility, conflict, and violence.
• Assist in drafting policy briefs, reports, and recommendations on critical topics such as cross-border data flows, data sovereignty, and data governance.
• Provide technical advice on AI-ready digital infrastructure, including compute ecosystems, national cloud/data centers, and open datasets.
• Conduct research on global and regional AI trends, including advancements in governance, ethical frameworks, and emerging technologies, to inform operational priorities.
• Organize and participate in knowledge-sharing events, webinars, and conferences to disseminate lessons learned and showcase the World Bank’s AI initiatives.

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Public Policy, economics, digital development, technology policy, international development, or other related field, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience supporting projects or initiatives in AI applications, digital infrastructure, or governance, preferably in emerging markets.
• Knowledge of foundational digital infrastructure (e.g., cloud solutions, data ecosystems) and their role in enabling AI adoption.
• Experience working with multilateral organizations, governments, or development partners
• Excellent technical and analytical skills at the intersection of digital development and emerging technologies including the ability to simplify complex issues & think innovatively.
• Demonstrated experience supporting projects or initiatives in AI applications, digital infrastructure, or governance, preferably in emerging markets.
• Experience working with multilateral organizations, governments, or development partners
• The ability to work in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines, while delivering high quality outputs.
• Prior experience leading analytical work, supporting client dialogue, designing inclusive interventions, developing indicators, and supporting project implementation.
• Excellent written communication skills as demonstrated in a proven track record of effectively delivering technical information in a clear, easily understandable, and effective manner.
• Driven, self-starter who can proactively solve problems constructively and effectively and with professionalism.
• High degree of discretion, ethics, tact and sensitivity in handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Strong attention-to-detail, creative problem-solving, and coordination/logistics skills.
• Proven ability to function effectively as a team member of multi-disciplinary teams and resolve disagreements constructively.
• Working proficiency in English is essential. Fluency in other languages including French is a plus.
• Experience in World Bank Operations and corporate support and strategy is an added benefit.

Required Competencies
• Familiarity, technical understanding, and hands-on experience with AI technologies, applications, and governance frameworks, particularly in low and middle income country contexts.
• Ability to conduct assessments of compute infrastructure, data ecosystems, and AI governance frameworks in diverse contexts.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and timelines, ensuring high-quality outputs.
• Experience supporting the implementation, monitoring, and reporting of projects, particularly in digital or AI-related initiatives.
• Familiarity with policy and regulatory frameworks for responsible AI, including ethical considerations, fairness, and transparency.
• Integrative Skills: Integrating divergent viewpoints of multiple external and internal stakeholders into a coherent project/program/strategy.
• Internal and External Client Engagement: An ability to independently coordinate and engage with stakeholders from various parts of WBG, including IFC and MIGA, during the course of assisting team with operational design and implementation.
• Operational Knowledge Sharing: An ability to design and consolidate core content of operational learning programs, and deliver presentations, trainings and BBLs on various topics. Mentoring junior colleagues in all aspects of operations.
• A proactive mindset with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and environments.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to deliver high-quality outputs under tight deadlines.
• A results-driven attitude with a commitment to the World Bank’s mission and goals.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.

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