Description
Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. For more information, visit
www.worldbank.org.
The Infrastructure Practice Group
The World Bank Group helps developing countries build smart infrastructure that supports inclusive and sustainable growth, expands markets, creates job opportunities, promotes competition, and contributes to a cleaner future. We help countries address their unique infrastructure needs by working with the public and private sectors. Infrastructure improves lives by connecting people to opportunity. For more information:
https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/infrastructure.
Globally, 840 million people live more than 2 kilometers from all-weather roads, 1 billion people lack electricity, and 4 billion people lack Internet access. Access to basic infrastructure services is critical for creating economic opportunities for the poor. The Infrastructure Practice Group (INF) 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 (DD), and Infrastructure Finance, Public Private Partnerships and Guarantees (IPG).
Unit Overview
The Digital Development Global Practice (DD) is part of the Bank’s Infrastructure Practice Group.
It plays a critical role in enabling the achievements of the Twin goals and the Sustainable Development Goals. Digital technologies are transforming firms, governments and people’s lives; and with the digital economy growing at a rate significantly higher than that of the global economy, it offers emerging economies a unique opportunity to leapfrog traditional paths for development through digital solutions.
Collaborating across technical, geographic, and institutional boundaries, the Digital Development team helps design and deliver ICT-enhanced solutions to a diverse range of clients. The team supports clients through (i) analytical and advisory services; and (ii) policy reform programs to establish enabling policy, legal, strategic, and regulatory environments that allow for the widespread use of technology and creation of a trust environment; as well as (iii) lending operations that support investment in digital infrastructure to connect the unconnected, or digital public goods (cloud, digital identification, etc.) that enable digital service delivery.
The DD Global Practice (GP) is led by a Director, supported by several Practice Managers with specific regional responsibilities. The IDD04 Unit, with the DD GP, is responsible of the digital development activities and portfolio in the Eastern and Southern Africa region, including lending, policy, supervision, and analytical work.
The Country Management Unit (CMU) for Africa East Central East Countries 2 (AECE2), includes Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Somalia. The AECE2 CMU Regional Office is located Nairobi, Kenya, but is supported by Country Offices, including the one in Rwanda, located in Kigali. The World Bank’s program in Rwanda includes 23 projects for a total commitment of approximately $2.8 million. 4 projects are to be delivered in FY23 for a total amount of $400 million. Projects in supervision include an ongoing $200 million Digital Acceleration Project focused on increasing access to broadband and selected digital public services and strengthening the digital innovation ecosystem. Other ongoing digital analytical activities include support to digitizing government-to-person payments.
The IDD04 Unit is looking for a DD Specialist to be based in Kigali (Rwanda) and to support AECE2 countries, with a focus on Rwanda, but possibly others as well. The DD Specialist will report to the Practice Manager, based in Nairobi, Kenya.
Duties and responsibilities:
The DD specialist will be responsible for:
• Contributing to the design, preparation and implementation of World Bank Group financed digital development related investment and policy reform programs in client countries with a particular emphasis on stimulating development of green digital connectivity infrastructure through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and policy/legal/regulatory reforms, facilitating development of digital public infrastructure, platforms and services, and promoting the development of digital skills, innovation and growth of the IT industry.
• Advising clients on strategies, best practices, and design of programs to develop the foundations of their digital economies. This may include participating in 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 information and Communication Technology (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, and data-driven services more broadly, including the development of enablers and safeguards such as digital identification, data protection and cyber security.
• 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.
• Acting as the regional/local presence of the DD GP and, as such, in coordination with other colleagues and Task Team leaders, contribute to policy dialogue with senior officials of client countries, regional institutions such as Smart Africa (based in Kigali) and coordination with development partner agencies on the ground, effectively sharing information with colleagues elsewhere.
• 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 GP and the Bank at digital development related fora and events, as well as acting as a liaison 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 Economy 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 technical knowledge on sector issues spanning digital infrastructure, platforms and data-driven innovation.
• Strong technical and operational skills demonstrated by a proven track record in supporting the design and delivery of project operations within the Bank or similar type of projects/products for other entities, including in a development country context.
• 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 innovation and emerging technology.
• 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 and contributing to strong policy dialogue with tact and diplomacy.
• Excellent written communication skills in English as demonstrated by a proven track record of effectively delivering technical information in a clear, easily understandable and effective manner, adapted to the audience in question (e.g., compiling presentation, briefs, reports and project documentation).
• Excellent presentation skills, using charts, graphs and other data presentation techniques appropriately to communicate data, technical information, or complex concepts to non-specialists.
• Self-starter and problem solver, with a strong drive for results, taking personal ownership and accountability to meet deadlines and achieve agreed-upon results, including leading on specific activities and components where responsibility has been delegated/agreed and anticipating and proactively responding to technical and operational needs.
• 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, both internally and externally.
• Prior work experience in Africa, and good knowledge of sector issues in the region is a plus. Specific previous exposure to operational challenges in East and Central Africa and experience in Middle Income countries would be an advantage.
• Willingness and ability to travel.
• Proficiency in English is essential and in French would be an advantage.
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.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE AND APPLY
