Lead Digital Specialist

Responsibilities

• Provide technical direction and strategic leadership for the Digital & AI work program within the MENAAP region.
• Represent the Digital MENAAP unit in high-level policy dialogues, partnership meetings, and international forums.
• Lead strategic lending operations and the design of flagship knowledge products.
• Provide technical leadership to client governments on issues including digital infrastructure, data governance, cybersecurity, and AI for development.
• Guide task teams in integrating digital and AI solutions into WBG lending and advisory services.
• Mentor junior staff and groom future task team leaders.
• Manage partnerships with development partners, governments, academia, and the private sector.
• Monitor and report against the Digital and AI Strategy Implementation Plan results framework.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in IT, Computer Science, Engineering, Economics, Public Policy, Law, or a related field.
• Minimum 12 years of professional experience in digital transformation, AI policy, or technology-driven development.
• Proven experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
• Deep technical expertise in at least two domains: broadband/data infrastructure, digital public infrastructure, data governance, digital government, or digital economy/AI policy.
• Exceptional analytical, writing, and presentation skills with the ability to simplify complex technical topics for policy audiences.
• Full fluency in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in Arabic or French.
• Prior experience working within the MENAAP region at a senior policy level.
• Experience with private sector engagement, private capital mobilization, or PPP approaches in the digital sector.
• Knowledge of World Bank Group operational policies and project financing frameworks.

Benefits

• Comprehensive retirement plan.
• Medical, life, and disability insurance.
• Paid leave, including parental leave.
• Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

About the Company

The World Bank is 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 to invest in groundbreaking projects and use data, research, and technology to solve the most urgent global challenges.