Senior Digital Specialist

The Senior Digital Specialist will lead the development, design, preparation and supervision of World Bank Group financed digital and AI related investment and policy reform programs in Pakistan. The role involves advising clients on digital economy strategies, supporting private sector participation, and leading policy dialogue to promote digital transformation and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, design, preparation and supervision of World Bank Group financed digital and AI related investment and policy reform programs in Pakistan.
• Support Pakistan’s contribution to the WBG @A Billion Implementation Plan including broadband usage, device affordability, and scaling digitally enabled public services.
• Work closely with IFC to strengthen private sector participation and mobilize private capital for digital economy investments.
• Advise clients on strategies, best practices and design of programs to strengthen Pakistan’s digital and AI economy.
• Lead policy dialogue with senior officials, regional institutions, private sector, and development partners.
• Provide technical expertise on ICT policy and regulatory issues to promote competition, investment and innovation in telecoms and broadband.
• Support digitization of public administration and public services delivery in Pakistan.
• Guide colleagues in other sectors on leveraging digital technologies for improved public service delivery.
• Develop innovative approaches to solving policy and operational issues in telecommunications, ICT infrastructure, AI, or digital economy activities.
• Lead publication of analytical papers, best practice notes and reports on digital sector policy and regulation.
• Integrate gender and inclusion considerations across digital engagements, focusing on closing the gender digital divide.
• Oversee economic and financial analysis to inform project design, PPP schemes, financing plans, and private capital mobilization.
• Support knowledge sharing and south-south learning initiatives connected to Pakistan's digital and AI experience.
• Represent the Digital and AI Unit and the Bank at digital related fora and events and liaise with key external partners.

Requirements

• Master's degree in telecommunications, engineering, computer science, business administration, economics, public policy or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in ICT / Digital Economy policy and regulation, ICT sector, and/or ICT / Digital Economy project design and implementation.
• Practical experience with at least two of the following: broadband connectivity and access programs, device affordability schemes, digital public infrastructure (DPI), AI adoption in public services, digital and AI ecosystems.
• Excellent conceptual and analytical skills, including ability to think strategically and innovatively about the role of digital technologies for socio-economic development and transformation.
• Firm understanding of digital technologies, digital transformation of society, and digitally enabled business model trends relevant to socio-economic development in the Middle Eastern context.
• Strong client engagement skills with accountability for timely response to client queries and project success.
• Strong technical and operational skills with proven track record in project operations and implementation supervision.
• Knowledge of World Bank Group Policy and Procedure Framework (PPF) is a plus but not mandatory.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Excellent presentation skills using visual and data presentation techniques.
• Strong drive for results with personal ownership and accountability.
• Sound business judgment and analytical decision making.
• Proven ability to function effectively as a team member of multi-disciplinary teams and resolve conflicts constructively.
• Prior work experience in the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan (MENAAP) and good knowledge of sector issues in the region is a plus.
• Willingness and ability to travel.

Skills

• ICT Policy and Regulation
• Digital Economy Project Design
• Broadband Connectivity Programs
• Device Affordability Schemes
• Digital Public Infrastructure
• AI Adoption in Public Services
• Digital and AI Ecosystems
• Strategic Thinking
• Digital Transformation
• Client Engagement
• Project Operations
• Implementation Supervision
• World Bank Policy Framework
• Written Communication
• Verbal Communication
• Presentation Skills
• Data Presentation
• Business Judgment
• Analytical Decision Making
• Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration

Languages

English