ETC Digital Specialist

World Bank Group•Washington, DC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Digital and AI Vice Presidency and its global and regional teams support client countries in building the foundational and cross-cutting elements of digital transformation. This includes building digital infrastructure and data platforms, protecting institutions through cybersecurity, developing ICT sectors, implementing digital government services, and supporting other Vice Presidencies in their digitalization efforts. The Digital and AI West and Central Africa Unit (DAWDU) is seeking a Digital Specialist under an Extended Term Consultant (ETC) contract to be based at the World Bank Group Headquarters in Washington, D.C. The specialist will report to the DAWDU Practice Manager and provide technical, analytical, and operational support to the regional program. The role will focus on implementing the WBG Digital and AI strategy in West and Central Africa, covering areas such as digital public infrastructure, digitalization of services, digital skills and jobs, artificial intelligence adoption and governance, and the preparation of National Digital and AI Compacts. French language proficiency is essential due to the predominance of Francophone client countries in the region.

Requirements

Graduate degree (Master's or equivalent) in public administration, law, engineering, computer science, economics, or related fields, and at least 5 years of relevant professional experience (or an equivalent combination of experience and education).
Excellent conceptual and analytical skills, including the ability to think strategically and innovatively about the role of digital technologies and artificial intelligence for socio-economic development.
Strong technical and project management skills with a proven track record in supporting project operations and implementation/supervision.
Firm understanding of, at least, two of the following digital transformation domains: broadband connectivity, telecom/digital regulations and legislations, digital government and services, cloud computing/data storage, cybersecurity, digital skills, digital transformation of society, and digitally enabled business model trends for socio-economic development in the African context (especially Francophone West Africa).
Good understanding of the digital and AI development landscape and development challenges in the West and Central Africa region.
Excellent understanding of Francophone countries in terms of government functioning and ability to build effective working relations.
Strong client engagement skills, taking responsibility and accountability for timely response to client queries.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in French and English.
Excellent presentation skills, using charts, graphs and other data presentation techniques appropriately.
Strong drive for results, taking personal ownership and accountability to meet deadlines.
Strong business judgment and analytical decision making.
Proven ability to function effectively as a team member of multi-disciplinary teams and resolve conflicts constructively.
Willingness and ability to travel.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and experience with the World Bank Group Policy and Procedure Framework (PPF) is not mandatory but would be a plus.
Experience designing or supporting impact evaluations, learning agendas, and evidence-generation activities is a strong asset.
Prior work experience in Africa (especially Francophone West Africa) is a plus.

Responsibilities

Contributing to the preparation, implementation, and supervision of WBG-financed digital transformation projects across the West and Central Africa region, providing technical and operational inputs and coordinating with country-based teams and clients.
Advising clients on strategies, best practices, and program design for developing their digital economies.
Supporting foundational identification, civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) modernization, and regional interoperability, including drafting project documents and coordinating learning agendas.
Designing and supporting digital skills and jobs programs, including curriculum development, stakeholder mapping, and partnership building.
Organizing regional knowledge and convening activities, including high-level events and peer-learning exchanges.
Supporting the preparation and development of National Digital and AI Compacts and related strategic products.
Providing technical expertise on broadband infrastructure development, digital government and services, digital public infrastructure (DPI), digital identity, digital skills and innovation, cyber resilience, data governance, and artificial intelligence.
Supporting the management and implementation of Trust Fund (TF) grants related to digital and AI development in the AFW region.
Identifying funding opportunities and drafting Trust Fund proposals.
Contributing to the drafting and finalization of analytical documents, implementation supervision documents, Terms of Reference, and procurement inputs.
Coordinating with global teams, IFC, MIGA, and regional/Country Office teams to mobilize cross-cutting solutions.
Developing innovative and practical approaches to solving policy and operational issues for digital and AI transformation activities.
Contributing to policy dialogue with senior officials of client countries, regional institutions, private sector, and development partner agencies.
Representing the Digital and AI Unit and the Bank at digital transformation and AI-related fora and events, and serving as liaison with key external partners.