Senior Digital Specialist

World Bank Group

The World Bank Group (WBG) Digital and AI Strategy Implementation Plan (FY26–30) details how the institution will help countries harness digital and artificial intelligence (AI) safely to accelerate development impact and advance the jobs agenda.

For more information on Digital & AI: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/digitaldevelopment

Background

The MENAAP Digital Unit (DMAPD) is responsible for Digital and AI activities and portfolio in the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan, including lending, supervision, and analytical work. The Unit is looking for a Senior Digital Specialist to be based in Tunis, Tunisia.

Duties and Accountabilities

The position reports to the Digital Practice Manager for MENAAP (DMAPD).

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the development, design, preparation and supervision of World Bank Group financed digital and AI 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, digital public infrastructure, promoting development of digital skills and innovation, supporting AI adoption and adaptation in public and private sectors and developing an AI ecosystem, as well as on addressing corporate requirements (e.g. private capital mobilization, gender)

• Advise 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 digital and AI sector and wider digital economy as well as IT functions and digital services delivery within governments

• Lead policy dialogue with senior officials of client countries, regional institutions, private sector/industry, and development partner agencies

• Provide technical expertise and advice on a range of ICT policy and regulatory issues to promote competition, investment and innovation in the telecoms sector and broadband value chain 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

• Provide 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

• Liaise and provide 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

• Develop innovative and practical approaches to solving difficult policy and operational issues for selected high priority telecommunications, data infrastructure, ICT, AI ecosystem, or digital economy related activities

• Lead publication of analytical papers, best practice notes and reports on policy and regulation in the digital sector

• Oversee and ensure highest quality of economic and financial analysis (market models, business models, etc.) to inform decisions on project designs, PPP schemes, financing plans, etc.

• Represent the digital and AI unit and the Bank at digital related fora and events, as well as liaison in the above areas with key external partners

Selection Criteria

• Education: Master’s degree or equivalent (PhD preferred) in information technology, computer science, engineering, economics, public policy, law, or related field.

• Experience: Minimum 8 years of relevant professional experience in digital transformation, digital and AI policy, law and regulation, or technology-driven development programs, including substantial experience in leading complex, multi-stakeholder projects.

• Technical Expertise:

o Deep technical knowledge and policy understanding in at least two of the following domains: broadband and data infrastructure, digital public infrastructure, data governance, digital government, or digital economy and AI policy, with demonstrated ability to connect these areas to development outcomes.

o Proven record of leading complex analytical and operational work related to digital and AI transformation in developing countries, including advisory services, capacit