Established in 1944, the WBG is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for development solutions. In fiscal year 2018, the WBG committed $67 billion in loans, grants, equity investments and guarantees to its members and private businesses, of which $24 billion was concessional finance to its poorest members. It is governed by 188-member countries and delivers services out of 120 offices with more than 16,000 staff located globally.
The Digital Development Global Practice (DD) is part of the Bank’s Infrastructure Practice Group. The Infrastructure Practice Group is charged with developing sustainable solutions to help close infrastructure gaps in developing and emerging economies. It comprises Energy and Extractives (EEX), Transport, Digital Development, and Infrastructure Finance, Public Private Partnerships and Guarantees (IPG). The World Bank’s active portfolio in Infrastructure consists of 400 operations, implemented by a workforce of over 700 staff in headquarters and 82 country offices. The core values guiding our work include our passion for sustainable poverty reduction, our willingness to put the needs of the client at the center of all our activities, and our honesty and integrity as a common currency.
Digital Development is a critical factor of competitiveness, economic growth and inclusion. It plays a critical role in achieving the World Bank Group’s Twon Goals of eliminating poverty and promoting shared prosperity as well as achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Digital technologies are transforming firms, governments and people’s lives. Globally, the digital economy is growing at a rate significantly higher than that of the “traditional” economy – offering emerging economies a unique opportunity to leapfrog older technologies and business models, unlocking new pathways for rapid socio-economic development.. While the potential is huge, so are the challenges. Achieving these “digital dividends” will require connecting the close 4 billion people who lack access to the internet and ensuring that all individuals, businesses and governments are equipped with the core foundations critical to success in the digital economy.
Collaborating across technical, geographic and institutional boundaries, the Digital Development team helps design and deliver ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) -enhanced solutions to a diverse range of clients. The team supports client governments to establish the ‘analogue’ foundations of a thriving digital economy such as strong institutions and policy and regulatory environments that enable widespread access and uptake of technology, promote private sector competition, investment and innovation and create a trust environment (cybersecurity, data protection) to build the confidence necessary for individuals, businesses and governments to access and deliver services, information and transactions online. The team also supports development of digital infrastructure to connect the unconnected and digital government shared platforms (cloud, digital, identification, etc.) to improve public service delivery, efficiency and transparency. The team supports other Global Practices within the World Bank Group in mainstreaming digital applications in key sectors such as agriculture, health and education by leveraging digital enablers such as big data analytics, sensors, cloud computing, mobile platforms and location services for smarter development solutions.
The DD Global Practice is led by a Director supported by two Practice Managers (PMs) for the delivery of Digital Development Operations, managing the Digital Development Partnership (DDP) and leading Analytical work. These Practice Managers have global thematic responsibilities and specific regional responsibilities, including responsibility for project design and lending, project supervision and analytical work. In addition, the DD Global Practice hosts the Identification for Development (ID4D), a multi- GP initiative, headed by a Program Manager.
Duties & Accountabilities
The Digital Development (DD) Specialist will be responsible for:
- Contributing to the design, preparation and supervision of World Bank Group financed digital development related investment and policy reform programs in client countries with a particular emphasis on stimulating development of digital connectivity 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.
- Advising clients on strategies, best practices and design of programs to develop the foundations of their digital economies. This may include participating in complex 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 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.
- 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
- Contributing to policy dialogue with senior officials of client countries, regional institutions and development partner agencies.
- 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 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, law, economics, engineering, public policy or related field with a minimum of 5 years of experience in ICT / Digital Economy policy and regulation and/or ICT project design and implementation, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Include Technical Competencies
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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, and good knowledge of sector issues in the region a plus
- Willingness and ability to travel.
- Proficiency in English is essential; Proficiency in French is also beneficial
WBG Competencies
- Lead and Innovate – Develops innovative solutions.
- Deliver Results for Clients – Proactively addresses clients’ stated and unstated needs.
- Collaborate Within Teams and Across Boundaries – Collaborates across boundaries, gives own perspective and willingly receives diverse perspectives.
- Create, Apply and Share Knowledge – Applies knowledge across WBG to strengthen solutions for internal and/or external clients.
- Make Smart Decisions – Interprets a wide range of information and pushes to move forward.
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