Digital Development Specialist - req30758

Digital Development SpecialistJob #: req30758Organization: World BankSector: Digital DevelopmentGrade: GFTerm Duration: 2 years 0 monthsRecruitment Type: International RecruitmentLocation: Washington, DC,United StatesRequired Language(s): EnglishPreferred Language(s)Closing Date: 1/19/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTCDescriptionWorking at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. For more information, www.worldbank.orgUnit(s) ContextThe South Asia RegionThe South Asia Region comprises eight countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) that range in size from India (with a population of over 1 billion) to Maldives (with 0.3 million people). The region has experienced a long period of robust economic growth, averaging 6% a year over the past 20 years. This strong growth has translated into reducing extreme poverty and strong improvements in human development. At the same time, the region remains home to one-third of the world’s poorest, and persistent structural challenges threaten to undermine sustained growth, hindering the region’s ability to create jobs and respond to climate shocks.The South Asia Region: https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/sarDigital Vice PresidencyThe Digital Transformation Vertical 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 Multiple Cross-cutting Areas• Digital Core: Building digital infrastructure through broadband network, affordable devices; Enhancing data infrastructure including data centers/cloud solutions; Enabling AI and cutting-edge technology applications; and Protecting institutions, businesses, and citizens through cybersecurity, data protection & privacy, and trust services• Digital Use: Improved service delivery, empowerment and innovation through the foundational building blocks of Digital Public Infrastructure, connected to the use cases of Digital Government and Digital Society; Digital Economy, including jobs through ICT industry and digital Skills.For more information: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/digitalThe OpportunityThe World Bank Group’s (WBG) engagement on digital development is rapidly growing in the South Asia region (SAR) in response to increased client demand for knowledge, technical assistance, and financing.The recently launched Accelerating Digitalization Global Challenge Program (the “GCP”) seeks to enhance the speed, scale, and impact of the WBG’s support to enable countries to make the most of digital opportunities and address emerging challenges in an effective and agile manner. For the South Asia region, the Digital Transformation team has developed the RISE Program —Reimagining Inclusive Services and Empowerment through Digital— to respond to the call for a programmatic platform to achieve scale and ambition in outcomes with a particular focus on affordable quality broadband, improved service delivery and digital government, digital public infrastructure, and digital skills/ICT industry for jobs and empowerment.The Work Falls Across Three Mutually Reinforcing Pillars• Country Investments and Technical Assistance, and• Thought Leadership and Analytics to Inform Decision Making• Regional Knowledge Sharing and Integration.SAR Digital Transformation Unit is looking for a Digital Development (DD) Specialist to be based in Washington DC to support the overall programmatic approach across the three pillars of country engagement, research and convening. The position will report to the Practice Manager for Digital Development.The Digital Development (DD) Specialist, will be responsible for the following:Digital Development Operational Engagements• Contribute to the preparation, design, and supervision of lending operations in the digital development agenda in SAR. Support the preparation of technical documents, financial analyses, and operational reports for digital development lending projects. Serve as a team member on operational teams and provide guidance on good practices in areas such as digital public infrastructure, last mile connectivity, data hosting, digital inclusion, etc. (based on previous experience, client/Task Team demand);• Support for Advisory Operations: Advise clients on strategies, best practices and design of programs to develop the foundations of their digital economies. Assist in preparing analytical reports, policy notes, and other advisory materials for government and private sector stakeholders.Research, analysis, and data collection activities to support the DD SAR operational portfolio:• Lead analytic and research pieces: Generate think pieces, assessments, best practice notes and blog articles.• Lead analytical work to support project preparation (e.g., economic analysis, landscape analysis, etc.) based on operational needs, contribute to the preparation of operational documents.• Work with clients and task teams to design and execute original research and data collection activities (qualitative and quantitative) to enable clients to better understand and respond to digital opportunities and challenges in SAR and to enhance the implementation of the digital portfolio in SAR.Regional Knowledge Sharing And Integration• Build partnerships with relevant stakeholders--including internal partners and external partners like academia, development partners, and research institutions--to develop a digital development research network and identify synergies and opportunities for research collaboration in SAR.• Document and spread innovative approaches and positive results stories linked to DD SAR operations/GCP through case studies, blogs, webinars, and other knowledge dissemination.• Author, review and provide feedback for publications¸ notes, and toolkits -with an eye on maximizing regional relevance and impact - and disseminate knowledge to support the adoption of good practices across the region.Support Inter-sectoral Digital Collaboration• Collaborate with teams working across various sectors (e.g., health, education, agriculture, and financial services) to leverage digital technologies to enhance service delivery. Promote digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment in the private sector by fostering inter-sectoral collaborations.Selection CriteriaMaster's degree in telecommunications, engineering, law, economics, public policy or related field with a minimum of 5 years of experience in Digital Transformation / Digital Economy policy and regulation and/or ICT / Digital Economy project design and implementation, or equivalent combination of education and experience.• Demonstrated experience and successes in policy dialogue and operations related to one or more of the following areas of expertise: broadband connectivity, digital public infrastructure, digital data, data protection, cybersecurity or digital inclusion and its intersection with one or more development outcomes in health, financial inclusion, social protection, education, and/or gender.• Demonstrated experience designing analytic tools in a developing country context, as well as designing and implementing research training and capacity building in a developing country context.• Able to quickly synthesize, analyze, and effectively present material from a wide range of sources verbally and in writing.• Analytical skills, in data and evidence-based reforms• Excellent written communication skills as demonstrated in a proven track record of effectively delivering technical information in appropriate language to clients, the international development community, academia, and internal working groups.• Excellent presentation skills, using charts, graphs and other data presentation techniques appropriately to communicate data, technical information, or complex concepts to non-specialists.• High levels of energy, passion, and initiative to deliver outcomes and the know-how to get things done. Strong drive for results, taking persona enthusiasm to stay abreast of new innovations• Prior policy dialogue activities working with countries with limited capacity and influencing digital transformation reforms. Experience working with a variety of stakeholders, including government officials, policymakers, and regulators, consultants, and academics.• Strong client engagement skills, taking responsibility and accountability for timely response to client queries, requests or needs, working to remove obstacles that may impede execution or project success.• Ownership and accountability to meet deadlines and achieve agreed-upon results.• Excellent interpersonal skills, proven team orientation, proven ability to work effectively and collaboratively within and across institutional boundaries.• Ability to work independently, seeking guidance on complex issues from senior staff.• Ability to think strategically, connect the dots easily across a range of topics to develop a broader coherent approach.• Ability to deal sensitively in multi-cultural environments, experience in working in developing countries.• Willingness and ability to travel.The World Bank Group is committed to achieving diversity in race, gender, nationality, culture, and educational background. Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. Women and SSA/CR candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates with open term appointments will retain their employment status if selected for this position. All others will be offered a 4 year term appointment. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.World Bank Group Core CompetenciesThe 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.