The IDD04 Unit is looking for a DD Specialist to be based in Kigali (Rwanda) and to support AECE2 countries, with a focus on Rwanda, but possibly others as well. The DD Specialist will report to the Practice Manager, based in Nairobi, Kenya.
Duties and responsibilities:
The DD specialist will be responsible for:
Contributing to the design, preparation and implementation of World Bank Group financed digital development related investment and policy reform programs in client countries with a particular emphasis on stimulating development of green digital connectivity infrastructure through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and policy/legal/regulatory reforms, facilitating development of digital public infrastructure, platforms and services, and promoting the development of digital skills, innovation and growth of the IT industry.
Advising clients on strategies, best practices, and design of programs to develop the foundations of their digital economies. This may include participating in technical assistance activities and providing ad hoc technical and strategic expertise on the design of the overall policy, legal, regulatory, and institutional framework for the information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector and wider digital economy as well as IT functions and digital services delivery within governments.
Providing technical expertise and advice on a range of ICT policy and regulatory issues to promote competition, investment, and innovation in the telecoms sector with the aim of boosting affordability, service quality and access to digital connectivity by citizens, businesses and governments and to stimulate the downstream development of value-added digital services.
Providing technical expertise and advice on policy, institutional reform, project development and execution to support the digitization of public administration and public services delivery in client countries, and data-driven services more broadly, including the development of enablers and safeguards such as digital identification, data protection and cyber security.
Liaising and providing guidance to colleagues working in other sectors (including agriculture, health, education, energy, financial services, transport, etc.) on how to leverage digital technologies to improve public service delivery and efficiency in the respective sectors and to stimulate digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment in those sectors by private sector actors.
Developing innovative and practical approaches to solving difficult policy and operational issues for selected high priority telecommunications, ICT or digital economy related activities.
Acting as the regional/local presence of the DD GP and, as such, in coordination with other colleagues and Task Team leaders, contribute to policy dialogue with senior officials of client countries, regional institutions such as Smart Africa (based in Kigali) and coordination with development partner agencies on the ground, effectively sharing information with colleagues elsewhere.
Preparing and supervising publication of best practice notes and reports on policy and regulation in the DD sector.
Performing economic and financial analysis (market models, business models, banking cases, etc.) to inform decisions on project designs, PPP schemes, financing plans, etc.
Representing the DD GP and the Bank at digital development related fora and events, as well as acting as a liaison with key external partners.
Selection Criteria:
Master's degree in telecommunications, engineering, computer science, law, economics, public policy or related field with a minimum of 5 years of experience in ICT / Digital Economy policy and regulation and/or ICT / Digital Economy project design and implementation, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Excellent conceptual and analytical skills, including ability to think strategically and innovatively about the role of digital technologies for socio-economic development and for transformation in other sectors of the economy. Specific technical knowledge on sector issues spanning digital infrastructure, platforms and data-driven innovation.
Strong technical and operational skills demonstrated by a proven track record in supporting the design and delivery of project operations within the Bank or similar type of projects/products for other entities, including in a development country context.
Firm understanding of digital technology and digitally enabled business model trends relevant to socio-economic development in the African context and enthusiasm to stay abreast of innovation and emerging technology.
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 and contributing to strong policy dialogue with tact and diplomacy.
Excellent written communication skills in English as demonstrated by a proven track record of effectively delivering technical information in a clear, easily understandable and effective manner, adapted to the audience in question (e.g., compiling presentation, briefs, reports and project documentation).
Excellent presentation skills, using charts, graphs and other data presentation techniques appropriately to communicate data, technical information, or complex concepts to non-specialists.
Self-starter and problem solver, with a strong drive for results, taking personal ownership and accountability to meet deadlines and achieve agreed-upon results, including leading on specific activities and components where responsibility has been delegated/agreed and anticipating and proactively responding to technical and operational needs.
Strong business judgment and analytical decision making, analyzing facts and data to support sound and logical business decisions.
Proven ability to function effectively as a team member of multi-disciplinary teams and resolve conflicts constructively, both internally and externally.
Prior work experience in Africa, and good knowledge of sector issues in the region is a plus. Specific previous exposure to operational challenges in East and Central Africa and experience in Middle Income countries would be an advantage.
Willingness and ability to travel.
Proficiency in English is essential and in French would be an advantage.
