Lead Digital Specialist

World Bank’s AFE Digital Unit seeks a Lead Digital Specialist to direct regional Digital and AI work from Pretoria. The post leads strategic lending, knowledge products and technical advice on digital infrastructure, public infrastructure, data governance, cybersecurity and AI; guides task teams; manages portfolio issues; mentors staff; and builds partnerships across the region.

• Provide technical direction for the Digital and AI work programme and represent Digital AFE in high-level forums
• Lead strategic lending operations
• Lead design and implementation of flagship Digital AFE knowledge products
• Guide task teams on integrating global Digital and AI solutions into lending and advisory operations
• Review technical deliverables and provide guidance on project design and implementation
• Support portfolio and budget monitoring and advise on country engagements
• Mentor junior staff and task team leads
• Coordinate partnerships with development partners and other World Bank Global Practices

• Master's degree or equivalent in information technology, computer science, engineering, economics, public policy, law or a related field
• Minimum 12 years of relevant professional experience in digital transformation, digital and AI policy, law and regulation or technology-driven development programs
• Technical knowledge and policy understanding in at least two domains including broadband and data infrastructure, digital public infrastructure, data governance, digital government, or digital economy and AI policy
• Full command of English

• PhD in a relevant field
• Experience and knowledge of the MNAAP region
• Understanding of private-sector engagement, private-capital mobilization and PPP approaches in Digital and AI
• Experience leading large-scale programs or lending operations with World Bank operational policies and project-financing frameworks
• Prior engagement in the region at senior policy level
• Experience collaborating with other sectors in digital and AI

• Digital transformation
• Digital policy
• Digital infrastructure
• Data governance
• Cybersecurity
• Artificial intelligence
• Strategic leadership
• Stakeholder engagement

• Reports to the Digital Practice Manager for DAEDU
• Closing Date: 9/16/2026 at 11:59pm UTC