The DD Global Practice is led by a Director supported by seven Practice Managers and Program managers with specific regional and global responsibilities. The IDD04 unit is responsible for Digital Development activities and portfolio in the Eastern and Southern Africa region, including lending, supervision and analytical work.
The unit is looking for a Digital Development (DD) Specialist to be based in Washington DC (USA), and provide strong support to other countries in the region. English is essential for this position, and Portuguese and French would be an asset. The DD Specialist will report to the IDD04 Practice Manager.
Duties and responsibilities:
The DD specialist will be responsible for supporting the program with a particular focus on countries to be determined. In particular the expert would be responsible for:
Contributing to the design, preparation and supervision of World Bank financed digital development related investment and policy reform programs in client countries with a particular emphasis on stimulating development of broadband connectivity and digital public infrastructure through PPPs and regulatory/policy reforms, facilitating development of digital government IT infrastructure, platforms and services, and promoting development of digital skills and innovation, digital resilience, data governance, as well as on addressing WBG corporate requirements (e.g. climate change, gender, ….).
Contributing to advising clients on strategies, best practices and design of programs to develop the foundations of their digital economies.
Providing technical expertise and advice on a range of policy and regulatory issues to promote competition, private sector investment and innovation in the digital economy sector with the aim of achieving by 2030 people, businesses and governments to be digitally enabled.
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.
Liaising and providing guidance to colleagues working in other sectors (including agriculture, health, education, energy, financial services, transport, climate change, disaster management, etc.) on how to leverage digital technologies to improve public service delivery and efficiency in the respective sectors.
Developing innovative and practical approaches to solving difficult policy and operational issues for selected high priority digital transformation related activities
Contributing to policy dialogue with senior officials of client countries, regional institutions, private sector/industry, and development partner agencies.
Preparing and supervising publication of best practice notes and reports on policy and regulation in the digital sector.
Performing economic and financial analysis (market models, business models, etc.) to inform decisions on project designs, PPP schemes, financing plans, etc.
Representing the DD Unit and the Bank at digital development related fora and events, as well as liaison in the above areas 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 Transformation 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 knowledge on sector issues across digital infrastructure and/or platforms
Strong technical and operational skills as evidenced in a proven track record in supporting the delivery of project operations within the Bank or similar type of projects/products for other entities. Knowledge and experience in World Bank Group Policy and Procedure Framework (PPF) is not mandatory but would be a plus.
Firm understanding of digital technology and digitally enabled business model trends relevant to socio-economic development in the African context (especially in Eastern and Southern Africa) and enthusiasm to stay abreast of new innovations.
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.
Excellent written communication skills in English as demonstrated in a proven track record of effectively delivering technical information in a clear, easily understandable and effective manner.
Excellent presentation skills, using charts, graphs and other data presentation techniques appropriately to communicate data, technical information, or complex concepts to non-specialists.
Strong drive for results, taking personal ownership and accountability to meet deadlines and achieve agreed-upon results.
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.
Prior work experience in Africa (especially in Eastern and Southern Africa) and good knowledge of sector issues in the region is a plus, and so is specific experience in Fragile Conflict and Violence environments.
Prior operational experience (lending or supervision) would be a strong asset.
Willingness and ability to travel.
Proficiency in English is essential and proficiency in Portuguese and/or French would be an asset.
