Digital Development Specialist – Digital Society – 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 are the channels through which the Vertical supports 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 and Digital Society Unit

This unit develops the World Bank ‘s approach to the following areas:

• 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 Society: With a focus on supporting the development of digital education content and establishment of EdTech industries, promoting digital skills and literacy for the elderly, farmers, and people with disabilities, and supporting public policy reform and medical service architecture in digital health. This will also encompass social protection and provide special tasks for FCV incidents and natural disasters.

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

Job Duties and Responsibilities

The Digital Development Specialist – Digital Society will contribute and support the design and optimization of digital solutions that advance societal transformation in sectors such as education, health, and social services. This includes providing strategic advice on digital inclusion, promoting the integration of emerging technologies (such as AI and IoT) to enhance service delivery, and ensuring the alignment of digital initiatives with national development goals – together with the regions.

The Specialist will collaborate with the senior digital development specialist to support the Vice Presidencies and the regions in their work focused on strengthening digital infrastructure, including digital literacy programs and access to essential services. With respect to expected outputs, the senior specialist will support the delivery of key global analytical work, the design of technical assistance to the teams and governments, and as requested, and with guidance from the senior digital development specialist support teams to develop and implement solutions that are tailored to specific cases.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Together with the Senior Digital Development Specialist – Digital Society drive the strategic vision of fostering digital inclusion and expanding access to technology in the World Bank portfolio, working with teams in the Vice Presidencies, regions and other partners working in our projects. Together with the teams, and the senior digital development specialist, the specialist will influence the development of policies and programs that enhance digital literacy, ensuring that digital transformation initiatives are equitable, scalable, and aligned with national development objectives. The specialist will keep up to date with industry, private sector and other players outside the Bank who are working on digital society, promoting the responsible use of emerging technologies to improve public service delivery and citizen engagement.
• Technical Expertise: The specialist will contribute to advising and supporting teams in the Vice Presidencies, regions and in the Digital Transformation Vice Presidencies Units to the design and implementation of cutting-edge solutions leveraging AI, IoT, and mobile technologies to enhance efficiency and accessibility in public services. They will contribute to ensuring that digital platforms are user-centric, interoperable, and secure, aligning with global best practices and regulatory frameworks. By providing technical guidance to the teams, they will support government agencies in building the necessary infrastructure and capacity to sustain digital initiatives. Their work will include offering data-driven insights to optimize digital solutions for maximum impact.
• Operational Engagement: The specialist will collaborate closely with the senior digital development specialist to support the regions implement scalable digital platforms that improve public sector efficiency, government agencies, international development partners, and private sector stakeholders. They will provide tailored advisory support, helping clients integrate digital tools into governance frameworks while ensuring compliance with security and data privacy regulations. By fostering partnerships across sectors, they will facilitate the co-creation of innovative solutions that address societal challenges, enhance service accessibility, and promote transparency in public administration. The specialist may also support teams, with the guidance of the senior digital development, to prepare guidance notes, user-friendly feedback that can be used by the teams, while also supporting monitoring and evaluation.
• Knowledge Management and Learning: The specialist will support global discussions on digital transformation, participating in international forums and knowledge-sharing initiatives, as requested. They will cultivate partnerships with academic institutions, tech leaders, and development agencies, as well as the many stakeholders within the Bank that are working on digital society. The specialist will contribute to analytical work, provide comments to documents that deal with knowledge generation/use and/or implementation from use cases that advance Digital Transformation. Through cross-disciplinary research, publications, and knowledge hubs, they will ensure that best practices and lessons learned are widely disseminated. By being a core member of the digital community of practice, foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation, ensuring that digital initiatives remain relevant, effective, and impactful for client governments and stakeholders. Closely collaborate with the innovation group, outcome group and the knowledge academy in the Bank.

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, Public Policy, Digital Innovation, or a related field is required. Additional certifications in digital transformation or public sector management are a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in digital transformation, e-governance, or technology consulting, particularly in the public or social sector, with a strong focus on digital inclusion and service delivery.
• In-depth knowledge of digital solutions for public services, including digital platforms, mobile technologies, e-learning tools, and health technology solutions.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, IoT, and data analytics, and their applications in improving service delivery in sectors like education, healthcare, and social welfare.
• A strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to digital inclusion, and a track record of developing and implementing strategies to promote access to digital services for underserved populations.
• Experience in developing and delivering training and capacity-building programs to enhance digital literacy and skills among government officials, citizens, and other stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and manage relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including government, development partners, private sector entities, and academia.
• Knowledge of digital governance frameworks, data privacy laws, and regulatory standards relevant to public sector digital solutions, ensuring compliance with security and privacy requirements.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams, driving innovation and promoting a culture of continuous learning and knowledge-sharing across departments.

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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