Digital Development Specialist – Digital Economy – 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 Vice Presidency

The Digital Transformation Vertical Vice Presidency was established on July 1, 2024, and will guide 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 will have the critical mission of delivering on this development promise. The Digital Vice Presidency and its global and regional teams will 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.

Digital Economy 

With a focus on national ICT strategies, ICT governance as well as ICT Industry Development by supporting National ICT Promotion Plans and building IT jobs and startup ecosystems. This includes providing support to the development of smart infrastructure through smart grids, smart cities with digital urban management, and e-mobility initiatives such as ITS, GIS, and autonomous driving. The engagement will also support the Digital Planet initiatives, smart agriculture, smart water management, and green growth industry development, including emission tracking and carbon exchange. Efforts will be made to promote digital prosperity, such as fintech industry development, and digital trade and e-commerce.

Digital Economy closely collaborates and coordinates with relevant Units of the Prosperity, People, Planet and Infrastructure Verticals and across the World Bank Group to design and deliver its work program. The Unit will engage through Regional VPUs and CMUs to support clients.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

The Digital Development Specialist – Digital Economy will contribute to and support the designing of strategies that promote digital transactions, e-commerce, fintech solutions, and data-driven economic models to improve efficiency, accessibility, and economic participation, for implementation by the regions. With the regions, and the senior digital development specialist, the specialist will work across the World Bank matrix to support policies and initiatives that expand digital financial inclusion, strengthen digital infrastructure, and foster innovation ecosystems. Leveraging emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and data analytics, they will help integrate digital solutions into traditional markets, facilitate secure and scalable digital payment systems, and drive sustainable economic growth. Additionally, the role includes capacity-building efforts to enhance digital skills, support regulatory frameworks that enable digital trade, and ensure that digital transformation contributes to a more competitive and inclusive digital economy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Contribute to and support the development and execution of a comprehensive digital transformation agenda that prioritizes innovation and digital literacy; identify key areas for digital inclusion and technological advancement; and provide thought leadership on emerging trends in AI, IoT, and mobile solutions.

• Technical Expertise: Using knowledge and information from countries, private sector and other leaders in the digital economy space, support teams to design, implement, and evaluate user-centered digital platforms and tools to enhance public service delivery; offer technical guidance and capacity-building support to project teams and to clients as is requested by the teams; and ensure adherence to data privacy, security, and regulatory standards.

• Operational Engagement: Collaborate with Vice Presidencies, regional teams, and as requested by them with the government agencies and stakeholders to integrate digital technologies within existing service frameworks; support the design, implementation, and evaluation of digital projects to optimize efficiency and service quality; and coordinate with internal and external partners to align project objectives with client needs.

• Knowledge Management and Learning: Support global analytical work on digital economy trends, inclusion, and industry modernization, producing global knowledge products and policy recommendations. Participate in regional, global and across Vice Presidencies analytical work as requested by them. Support the Digital Effective team to provide comments to global analytical work to ensure that the objectives in the pieces align with the broad objectives of Digital Transformation. Participate in the delivery of training programs, workshops, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to build digital capabilities among policymakers and industry stakeholders. Support cross-sectoral digital integration, ensuring digital solutions boost economic growth in for example, finance, trade, and public services. Work with Practice Managers and Regional Directors to disseminate best practices and lessons. Contribute to analytical work, providing comments on documents addressing knowledge generation/use and implementation from use cases advancing Digital Transformation. Collaborate with the knowledge academy/hubs, innovation group, Vice Presidencies, and regions to ensure relevant, effective, and impactful digital initiatives for client governments and stakeholders.

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree in economics, Digital Innovation, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Business, Public Policy, or a related field.

• At least 5 years of experience in digital economy development, including work in areas such as digital financial services, e-commerce, fintech, digital trade, or ICT-driven economic transformation.

• Strong understanding of digital business models, platform economies, and emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and big data analytics.

• Ability to assess digital infrastructure gaps and propose solutions to enhance connectivity, interoperability, and digital public goods. Expertise in conducting economic analysis and impact assessments related to digital transformation and market expansion.

• Track record of contributing to and/or designing and executing scalable digital programs that drive economic growth, financial inclusion, and employment opportunities. Familiarity with funding mechanisms, investment strategies, and public-private partnerships in the digital economy space.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex digital economy concepts into actionable strategies for diverse audiences. Adaptability to fast-evolving digital landscapes and global trends, ensuring alignment with national and international digital economy 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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Important Application Information:
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