Senior AI Specialist - GG

World Bank Group

Description

For more information, please visit www.worldbank.org

Digital Transformation Vice Presidency

The Digital Transformation Vertical Vice Presidency was established on July 1, 2024, and guides the World Bank Group efforts to establish the foundations of a digital economy, build and enhance digital and data infrastructure, ensure cybersecurity and data privacy for institutions, businesses, and citizens, and advance digital government services. Digital technologies, including AI and data, present a unique opportunity to accelerate development. The Digital Transformation Vertical has the critical mission of delivering on this development promise. The Digital Vice Presidency and its global and regional teams support client countries in building the foundational and cross-cutting elements of digital transformation through two engagement pillars, six business lines, and multiple cross-cutting areas:

• Digital Core: Building digital infrastructure through broadband network, affordable devices; Enhancing data infrastructure including data centers, cloud solutions and data governance; Enabling AI and cutting-edge technology applications; and Protecting institutions, businesses, and citizens through cybersecurity, data protection & privacy, trust services as well as online safety.
• Digital Use: Supporting the Regions and the Verticals of People, Prosperity, Planet, and Infrastructure in the digitalization efforts of clients through Digital Government (digital public infrastructure, digital government services, and digital literacy and training), Digital Economy (national ICT planning, ICT industry and jobs, and smart infra and industry) and Digital Society (digital school, digital health, etc.).

Both pillars will be the channels through which the Vertical will support World Bank achieving its objectives in cross-cutting areas like jobs and skills, climate and green, fragility, conflict and violence, and gender and inclusion.

Cloud/Datacenters, AI & New Tech Unit

This unit will develop the World Bank's approach to Cloud and Datacenters, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and New/Emerging Technologies, including:

• AI Governance and Enabling Environment: Identifying key principles and approaches to AI related laws, policies, strategies and regulations in emerging markets, aiming to balance the opportunities of AI with mitigation of the risks; Identifying the key building blocks to support AI adoption and investment (infrastructure, institutions, capabilities, etc.).
• AI Use Cases for Development: Identifying and supporting adoption of relevant AI use cases across sectors.
• Technology trends (AI, IoT, Quantum, VR, Blockchain, etc.): Tracking and distilling the latest technology trends, identifying relevant applications supporting development and supporting deployment across sectors.
• Cloud Enabling Environment and Market Development: Creating a conducive policy and regulatory environment and supportive ecosystem to encourage investment in, as well as availability and adoption of datacenter and cloud infrastructure and services in emerging economies.
• Development of Datacenter/Cloud Infrastructure: Supporting direct financing of datacenter or cloud infrastructure and services in emerging markets, including through PPPs, risk mitigation instruments and other strategies and approaches.
• Government Cloud: Identifying best practices and policies and supporting deployment of cloud solutions for Government.
• Cross-Border Data Flows, Data Sovereignty and Data Classification Policy: Enabling cross border data flows with trust to enable cross border investment in data/cloud infrastructure and cross border provision and access to digital communications, commerce and services; Establishing data classification policy that respects data sovereignty while enabling access to public cloud solutions where appropriate.
• Partnerships: Establishing knowledge partnerships and deepening collaboration with relevant industry, academia, civil society and development partners across cloud, AI and emerging tech; Ensuring internal coordination across teams working on areas of relevant intersection including broadband, cybersecurity, data protection and privacy, energy, sustainability and climate action, etc.).

The Unit engages through Regional VPUs and CMUs to support clients.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

As a Senior AI Specialist, you will:

• Support the Bank Expertise and provide advice to governments on AI policy, governance and infrastructure needs and guide governments in creating an enabling environment for AI adoption through appropriate laws, policies, and strategies.
• Organize and facilitate high-level meetings, workshops, and events to foster collaboration and drive progress across AI initiatives.
• Build and deepen partnerships with AI hubs, academia, private sector players, and multilateral organizations, with a strong focus on scaling local talent and deploying AI solutions in Africa and other emerging markets.
• Identify and engage strategic partners to co-finance and co-develop initiatives, including international donors, venture capital funds, and philanthropic organizations.
• Work across World Bank verticals and sectors (e.g., healthcare, agriculture, education, public service delivery) to identify and design high-impact AI use cases.
• Support the piloting and scaling of AI applications as needed in client countries, ensuring alignment with regional and national development priorities.
• Develop toolkits, guidelines, and capacity-building programs to help client countries adopt and adapt AI solutions effectively.
• Develop robust monitoring frameworks to assess the performance and impact of AI initiatives, ensuring continuous learning and adaptation.
• Write periodic reports, case studies, and success stories to document lessons learned and share knowledge globally.
• Lead efforts to strengthen AI literacy and governance capacity within public institutions and local communities.
• Shape and influence global and regional AI strategies, with a focus on scalable, inclusive solutions, capacity building, and responsible governance frameworks.
• Provide strategic advice on AI-ready digital infrastructure (e.g., national cloud/data centers, open AI datasets) and regulatory sandboxes for innovation.
• Represent the World Bank in global forums, including G20 initiatives, to promote AI's potential for inclusive and sustainable development; Negotiate global AI partnerships and lead coalitions to build momentum around priority initiatives.
• Build partnerships with academia, industry, and civil society to foster knowledge exchange and advance AI research tailored to emerging markets.
• Conduct detailed assessments of compute infrastructure gaps in client countries and identify opportunities to strengthen AI ecosystems.
• Monitor global technology trends (e.g., AI, IoT, Quantum Computing) to inform the Lab's strategy and identify emerging opportunities for development.

• Master's degree in computer science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Economics, Public Policy, Digital Development, Technology Policy, International Development, or other related field. PhD is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in AI, digital transformation, and/or technology for development.
• Excellent technical and analytical skills at the intersection of digital development and emerging technologies including the ability to simplify complex issues & think innovatively.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines, while delivering high quality outputs.
• Prior experience leading analytical work, supporting client dialogue, designing inclusive interventions, developing indicators, and supporting project implementation.
• Excellent written communication skills as demonstrated in a proven track record of effectively delivering technical information in a clear, easily understandable, and effective manner.
• Driven, self-starter who can proactively solve problems constructively and effectively and with professionalism.
• High degree of discretion, ethics, tact and sensitivity in handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Strong attention-to-detail, creative problem-solving, and coordination/logistics skills.
• Proven ability to function effectively as a team member of multi-disciplinary teams and resolve disagreements constructively.
• Working proficiency in English is essential. Fluency in other languages including Spanish and French is a plus.

• Proven track record in leading complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives, particularly in AI governance, capacity building, or deploying AI use cases in emerging markets.
• Demonstrated experience in managing programs, partnerships, or initiatives with a global focus, ideally including Africa.
• Deep understanding of AI technologies, applications, and governance frameworks.
• Familiarity with compute infrastructure, cloud solutions, and cross-border data flows in the context of development
• Experience building partnerships with governments, multilateral organizations, academic institutions, and private sector entities.
• Experience in developing monitoring frameworks and measuring program impact.
• Proven ability to secure funding and manage donor relationships.
• Capacity to translate technical concepts into actionable strategies for governments and development partners.
• Integrative Skills: Integrating divergent viewpoints of multiple external and internal stakeholders into a coherent project/program/strategy.
• Internal and External Client Engagement: An ability to independently coordinate and engage with stakeholders from various parts of WBG, including IFC and MIGA, during the course of assisting team with operational design and implementation.
• Exceptional networking skills as evidenced by a strong professional network in around AI and emerging technology to build and maintain partnerships with academia, private sector players, and international organizations.
• Ability to convene and lead coalitions, fostering collaboration toward shared goals.
• Knowledge of Bank Instruments, Policies, and Procedures, and operational experience is an added benefit.
• Operational Knowledge Sharing: An ability to design and consolidate core content of operational learning programs, and deliver presentations, trainings and BBLs on various topics. Mentoring junior colleagues in all aspects of operations.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.

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To ensure your application reaches the right destination, always follow the official application process as indicated in the job posting.

• Application and Interview Preparation: Whether you're preparing your application documents or getting ready for an interview, you can book a Job Application Support session to receive tailored guidance.
• For Swiss nationals invited to the first round of the selection process (e.g., written test, interview, assessment center): Notify us at recruitment@cinfo.ch, and we will inform our HR partners in the respective organization and the Swiss Government to help increase your visibility.

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Job type: Staff (Permanent and Fixed Term)