WBG Manager, Digital Applications – Solutions and Impact

Description

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? The World Bank Group is a unique global partnership of five institutions driven by a bold vision to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. As one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, we help solve the world’s greatest development challenges. When you join the World Bank Group, you become part of a dynamic, diverse organization with 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide. We work with public and private sector partners, invest in groundbreaking projects, and use data, research, and technology to bring tangible and transformative changes around the globe. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

VPU Context: The WBG Digital and AI Vertical Vice Presidency is responsible for getting the right public and private sector solutions to our operational teams and to our clients, and to produce scalable impact.  Its mandate is to deliver knowledge for impact to enable and support the WBG to achieve its goals in support of our mission and specifically: providing guidance on creating more and better jobs; supporting foundational infrastructure including digital and human capital, policy environment, and private sector mobilization; focusing on agribusiness, healthcare, infrastructure, manufacturing, and tourism; and support and accelerate specific targets such as M300, Health 1.5bn, and SP 500. Digital and AI Vertical is critical to the WBG mission and mandate by enabling the use technology and its capabilities to support clients and teams. The VPU’s objectives in driving outcomes include replicating and scaling effective solutions, enhancing thought leadership and innovation, and delivering timely knowledge to client teams.

Unit Context:  The WBG Digital and AI Vertical is led by a Vice President and was established in July 2024. It consists of four departments: Access, DPI and Services, Applications, Data and AI.  These Departments will be headed by Directors/Managers who will report to the WBG Vice President. The four departments will be responsible for Solutions and Impact for their business areas, The Digital Applications Department overseeing solutions and impact will be led by a Manager  and who will collaborate closely with the Manager for Policy and Regulations. This position will report to the WBG Vice President, Digital and AI Vertical, who is accountable to IBRD/IDA, IFC, and MIGA Managing Directors.  Access – Solutions and Impact Department is comprised of 10-15 staff. WBG recently published its Digital Strategy which includes four pillars: access, affordability, ecosystem and AI readiness. The strategy identifies the priorities that WBG will engage across the client segment over the next five years.  The implementation plan is currently under preparation.

Duties and accountabilities: The WBG Manager will be accountable for modeling WBG leadership values and managerial behavior and ensuring that the unit delivers on its commitments. Accountability means being answerable for making strategic choices, managing quality, risks, results, institutional initiatives, external and internal resources, compliance with WBG policies and procedures, and ensuring collaboration across the WBG. The Manager will lead a diverse and multidisciplinary team of staff with skills from across IBRD/IDA, IFC, and MIGA institutions and business contexts.

The WBG Manager is responsible for the Solutions and impact functions:
• Collaborate with the Manager, Policy and Regulations, to create an enabling environment to boost the use of digital applications in everyday life.
• Replicates/scales high-impact projects & innovations across all WBG products.
• Shares best practices via Communities of Practice.
• Provides operational support to regions.

People/Talent Management:
• Models exemplary WBG leadership values and managerial behaviors and reinforces these qualities in own team/staff.
• Leads, drives and inspires technical excellence within the team and the Department by creating an environment of learning and innovation that attracts and develops the best talent reflective of the diversity of our clients.
• Closely supports and advises staff on their performance, skills development and career planning.

Strategy and Knowledge Management:
• Ensures that the department is at the forefront of the development debate and contributes to the global dialogue in the area of expertise, working across the WBG.
• Mobilize and lead Solutions and Impact team and ensure alignment between the two functions: (1) produce, curate, validate, and share knowledge with operational teams, clients, and partners, and (2) capture, scale, and replicate innovations. Monitor the impact of solutions.
• Support country teams to apply global knowledge and adapt them to local contexts, incorporating complexities of local political economy.
• Promotes innovative and cross-cutting research, as well as the dissemination of technical and experiential knowledge and learning.
• Lead efforts to collect, curate, validate and disseminate [Sector] data, including contributions to the Data360; and work with partners (e.g. UN agencies) to support data for policy making in Digital & AI.
• Help clients scale proven solutions, and design, implement and deliver training, learning and capacity building programs for staff and clients, including through the WBG Academy.
• Build partnerships and alliances with private sectors, foundations, international organizations and civil society to identify opportunities and deliver solutions.

Resource Management:
• In consultation with relevant stakeholders within the WBG, the manager decides on the best use of internal and external resources for maximum client and developmental impact.
• Accountable for delivering the agreed-upon work program through cost-effective use of resources (human and budget) within the agreed parameters and in compliance with internal controls and policies and ensures timely delivery and overall quality of the unit outputs.

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree (Ph.D. preferred) in a relevant field including engineering/technology or public policy with at least 12 years of relevant experience in positions of increasing complexity and responsibility.
• Meet all the Bank-wide Grade GH level position criteria (i.e., work in at least two world regions or a combination of regional and corporate assignments is required; field experience is preferred).
• Proven understanding of WBG operational and development experience, including policy and investment operations with a strong record of resolving complex issues and policy dialogue across multiple regions and institutional settings (e.g., IBRD, IFC, MIGA).
• Excellent understanding and experience of working with the private sector including delivering digital application solutions to clients.
• Demonstrated leadership and people management skills, including experience managing multi-location and virtual teams, and operating effectively with both formal and matrixed authority.
• Strong strategic orientation and ability to prioritize, streamline, and rationalize activities to maximize impact.
• Adaptability, flexibility, and ability to lead teams for success during periods of change.
• Extensive experience working across practices, disciplines, and sectors, and in building partnerships with governments, the private sector, civil society, donors, and research institutions to achieve development results.
• Knowledge and experience in one or more relevant thematic areas is desirable, though strong managerial, coordination, and influencing skills are paramount.
• Excellent communication and representational skills, including proven experience engaging with senior stakeholders, media, and external constituencies.

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

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.