Senior Digital Development Specialist ? Digital Society - GG
World Bank Group
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 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 supports 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 this Vice Presidency 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 Society Unit
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 Vice Presidencies and across the World Bank Group to design and deliver its work program. The Unit engages through Regional Vice-Presidential Units and County Management Units to support clients.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
The Senior Digital Development Specialist ? Digital Society will lead the design and optimization of digital solutions that advance societal transformation in sectors such as education, healthcare, and social protection for implementation by the regions, and with input from the Vice Presidencies. 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 Vice Presidencies and the regions' cross-functional teams, and provide technical expertise to strengthen digital infrastructure, including digital literacy programs and access to essential services. Additionally, the specialist will work closely with key stakeholders to foster partnerships, support capacity-building initiatives, and ensure the sustainability and scalability of digital solutions, driving long-term impact and fostering inclusive growth.
With respect to expected outputs, the senior specialist will deliver on key global analytical work, design technical assistance for the teams and governments, and as requested by the Vice Presidencies and regions, convene teams to discuss and design solutions that are tailored to specific environments.
Key Responsibilities:
? Strategic Leadership: The Senior Digital Development Specialist ? Digital Society will lead the design of inclusive digital transformation initiatives that enhance access to essential public services in education, healthcare, and social protection. The specialist will lead the development of user-centric, scalable digital solutions that align with national development priorities and foster long-term sustainability. By leveraging emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, and mobile platforms, the specialist will champion innovative approaches to bridge digital divides and enhance citizen engagement. Together with the Vice Presidencies, regions and other members of Digital Transformation, the candidate will lead and support governments to shape digital policies and strategies that promote equity, social inclusion, and enhanced public sector efficiency.
? Technical Expertise: With deep expertise in digital transformation, the specialist will provide technical leadership in the design and deployment of data-driven solutions that optimize public service delivery, increase transparency, and strengthen trust in digital society. The specialist will work closely with the Vice Presidencies and the regions to integrate cutting-edge technologies that have an overall positive impact on digital services. The digital development specialist will ensure that they are up to speed with the latest technologies and use cases in digital society, keeping a strong link with others in the regions and in industry. The candidate will also bring their expertise from previous activities that are in the key areas of interest for digital society.
? Operational Engagement: The specialist will lead efforts to ensure that digital society initiatives are effectively integrated into broader development programs with collaboration across the World Bank's Vice Presidencies, regional teams, and external stakeholders. As members of project teams led by the regions and or the Vice Presidencies, the specialist will work closely with government ministries, multilateral organizations, private sector partners, and civil society to design and implement inclusive digital policies and platforms that cater to all citizens. By fostering strategic partnerships and facilitating dialogue among key stakeholders, the specialist will ensure that digital government solutions drive measurable improvements in service delivery, social inclusion, and citizen empowerment. The specialist will join implementation missions as requested by the regions and Vice Presidencies, produce knowledge to be shared with clients and teams to further digital society.
? Knowledge Management and Learning: Carry out analytical work on emerging digital society and economy trends, digital inclusion, and produce global knowledge products and policy recommendations. Contribute to the delivery of training programs, workshops, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to build digital capabilities among policymakers and industry stakeholders. As a core member of the Digital Transformation community of practice, foster continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration within the digital development ecosystem. Contribute to analytical work, provide comments to documents that focus on knowledge generation/use and/or implementation from use cases that advance Digital Transformation. If requested, be a member of the Knowledge Advisory Team. Work with the knowledge academy/hubs, innovation group, Vice Presidencies and regions, work with the Practice Managers and Regional Directors to ensure that best practices and lessons learned are widely disseminated.
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 social development are an advantage.
? At least 8 years of experience in digital development, e-governance, digital transformation, or technology consulting, with a strong focus on public sector digital solutions and social services.
? Technical Expertise: Extensive knowledge of digital technologies, including cloud platforms, mobile solutions, e-learning tools, digital health systems, and social protection platforms.
? Strong understanding of the role of emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, and data analytics in transforming public service delivery, especially in sectors like education, healthcare, and social welfare.
? Proven experience in developing and implementing strategies for digital inclusion, with a focus on ensuring equitable access to technology for underserved populations.
? Demonstrated ability to lead and manage complex, large-scale digital transformation projects, using methodologies such as Agile or Scrum to deliver results on time and within budget.
? Strong experience in building and managing relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, development partners, private sector organizations, and international bodies.
? Deep understanding of digital governance frameworks, data privacy regulations, and compliance standards relevant to public sector technology solutions.
? Extensive experience in designing and delivering capacity-building programs that improve digital literacy, enhance skills, and empower governments and citizens to effectively utilize digital technologies.
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.
______________________________________________________________________
Important Application Information:
Please submit your application only via the official website of the hiring organization or by using the "Apply" button on CinfoPoste, which will redirect you to the organization's application site. Applications submitted through other job portals will not be forwarded to the respective organization and will not be considered. To ensure your application reaches the right destination, always follow the official application process as indicated in the job posting.
How cinfo Can Support You in the Application Process for This Position
? Application and Interview Preparation: Whether you're preparing your application documents or getting ready for an interview, you can book a Job Application Support session to receive tailored guidance.
? For Swiss nationals invited to the first round of the selection process (e.g., written test, interview, assessment center): Notify us at [email protected], and we will inform our HR partners in the respective organization and the Swiss Government to help increase your visibility.
______________________________________________________________________
Sector: Nonprofit/Community/Social Services/International Cooperation
Role: Other
Working hours (%): 80-100% / 100%
Job type: Staff (Permanent and Fixed Term)
About the Company:
World Bank Group | cinfo
Apply Job!