Senior AI Scientist
Apply NowCompany: The World Bank Group
Location: Washington, DC 20011
Description:
Senior AI Scientist
Job #:
req32430
Organization:
World Bank
Sector:
Economics
Grade:
GG
Term Duration:
5 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment
Location:
Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s):
English
Preferred Language(s):
French
Closing Date:
4/4/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. 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, increasing shared prosperity and promoting sustainable development. 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
Development Economics Vice Presidency
The Development Economics Vice Presidency (DEC) is the World Bank's central reservoir of fresh insights into the most pressing challenges of development. It is led by the Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of the World Bank Group, who advises the President and senior managers, serves as the community leader for the WBG's economists, and helps to keep the institution in the forefront of thinking about development policy. DEC constitutes one of the world's largest teams of economists focused on policy solutions for developing economies. It has six departments: data, indicators, impact evaluation, development research, economic prospects, and development policy.
Development Impact
A department of the Development Economics Vice Presidency, Development Impact (DECDI)'s purpose is to increase the use of impact evaluation (IE) in the design and implementation of public policy and to develop institutional capacity and motivation for evidence-based policy. DECDI's work focuses on:
1.Evaluating programs at scale to answer policy-relevant questions.
2.Developing innovative data systems and data analytics tools for real-time decisions.
3.Using causal inference analysis to identify mechanisms to improve results.
4.Building capacity to strengthen country institutions for evidence-based policymaking.
DECDI aims to overcome the challenge of identifying true cause-and-effect relations in policy programs. By linking researchers to policymakers and feeding results back into policies, DECDI fosters systematic use of evidence, which informs adoption, mid-course corrections, and scale-up of policies. Through workshops and clinics with operational staff and government clients, joint research teams, active field coordination, as well as research products such as seminars, papers, and policy briefs, DECDI builds capacity while forming a wider community of practice.
DECDI accompanies impact evaluations during their entire life cycle. It starts with assessing demand, identifying research questions, as well as supporting project implementation, high-quality data collection, analysis, and dissemination of results.
With a portfolio of more than 220 impact evaluations, DECDI operates across all sectors in about 60 countries spanning the globe. The IEs test a variety of interventions and mechanisms to understand why policy succeeds or fails and how to improve policy design and implementation to obtain better results. By working proactively in collaboration with clients, DECDI employs experimental methods to infer causality whenever possible (79% of the portfolio). 17% of DECDI IEs utilize non-experimental methods, while 4% use a combination of the two.
DECDI is structured into 5 World Bank units:
DIME 1 "Economic Growth and Structural Transformation"
DIME 2 "Gender, Economic Opportunity, and Fragility"
DIME 3 "Governance and Institution Building"
DIME 4 "Infrastructure and Climate Change"
DIME 5 "Mind, Behavior, and Development (eMBeD)"
More information can be found at https://www.worldbank.org/en/about/unit/unit-dec/impactevaluation
DECDI is looking for a Senior AI Scientist with excellent technical and managerial skills, together with a strong publication record to lead DIMEAI - the AI team within the department.
Responsibilities
The Senior AI Scientist will report to the Director of DECDI and will have supervision responsibilities for the staff and work program of DECDI's AI program. Specific responsibilities include:
1. Leading the design and execution of AI research projects in Development Impact's strategic areas as Principal Investigator or Team Leader, with a focus on data-driven methods. DECDI research teams are expected to work closely with Bank clients and operations to put evidence at the center of policymaking, informing design, scale-up and scale-down decisions along the development path of each policy engagement. In addition, research teams are expected to leverage these research engagements for the public good, generating peer-reviewed academic publications in top field and general interest journal, and providing relevant policy advice and technical expertise to colleagues throughout the World Bank and beyond.
2.Leading on a collaborative portfolio of AI-related work to ensure technical quality, policy relevance, and client-responsive outputs, including machine learning model development and data analytics.
3. Representing Development Impact in internal and external technical and policy forums, emphasizing collaboration with AI research partners, academic institutions, and tech companies to scale up AI-driven insights and maximize policy impact.
4. Promoting and disseminating Development Impact's AI research through contributing to papers, reports, presentations, and other dissemination channels, emphasizing the implications of AI for social protection and human development.
5.Building capacity in AI research at Development Impact through participation in review functions for Working Papers and other outputs, ensuring the integration of cutting-edge AI techniques in evaluation frameworks.
6. Regularly contribute to major Bank initiatives, the Senior AI Scientist will be recognized for their outreach, peer review services, training and overall leadership in World Bank activities related to their research programs.
Selection Criteria
1.PhD degree in economics, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence or related field with a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in positions of increasing responsibilities, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2.Strong peer-reviewed academic publication record, with current and active engagement in AI research and development.
3.Track record of providing technical expertise and guidance on AI applications, particularly in complex and interdisciplinary environments, working closely with operational teams and policymakers to drive innovation in AI-driven solutions.
4.Proven ability to develop and lead cutting-edge research programs that span multiple sectors, with a strong focus on novel AI methods, data collection, and analysis techniques, while maintaining a solid theoretical foundation in AI and machine learning.
5.High level of proficiency in AI, machine learning, deep learning, and other computational methods, with evidence of innovation and leadership in these areas.
6.Proven ability to secure funding for AI research initiatives and connect research outcomes with practical applications, including policy and industry impact at the global level.
7.Experience managing research grants, partnerships, and projects will be considered an asset.
Strong leadership skills, with demonstrated success in mentoring and guiding teams of diverse technical experts, leading them to deliver high-quality AI products and services.
8.Experience fostering collaboration and coordination with a wide range of stakeholders, including clients, internal teams, and external partners, to develop AI solutions that meet both technical and practical needs.
Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment and a strong commitment to promoting knowledge sharing and staff development.
9.Strong communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex AI concepts to diverse audiences, present ideas persuasively, and engage with external stakeholders and expert communities.
10. Familiarity with donor engagement and working with international organizations to secure funding for AI-driven initiatives.
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.
This internal requisition is open to WBG andIMF staff only (including short-term and extended term consultants/temporaries). External candidates are requested not to apply. In case anexternal candidate applies, their application will not be considered.
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.
Job #:
req32430
Organization:
World Bank
Sector:
Economics
Grade:
GG
Term Duration:
5 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment
Location:
Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s):
English
Preferred Language(s):
French
Closing Date:
4/4/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. 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, increasing shared prosperity and promoting sustainable development. 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
Development Economics Vice Presidency
The Development Economics Vice Presidency (DEC) is the World Bank's central reservoir of fresh insights into the most pressing challenges of development. It is led by the Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of the World Bank Group, who advises the President and senior managers, serves as the community leader for the WBG's economists, and helps to keep the institution in the forefront of thinking about development policy. DEC constitutes one of the world's largest teams of economists focused on policy solutions for developing economies. It has six departments: data, indicators, impact evaluation, development research, economic prospects, and development policy.
Development Impact
A department of the Development Economics Vice Presidency, Development Impact (DECDI)'s purpose is to increase the use of impact evaluation (IE) in the design and implementation of public policy and to develop institutional capacity and motivation for evidence-based policy. DECDI's work focuses on:
1.Evaluating programs at scale to answer policy-relevant questions.
2.Developing innovative data systems and data analytics tools for real-time decisions.
3.Using causal inference analysis to identify mechanisms to improve results.
4.Building capacity to strengthen country institutions for evidence-based policymaking.
DECDI aims to overcome the challenge of identifying true cause-and-effect relations in policy programs. By linking researchers to policymakers and feeding results back into policies, DECDI fosters systematic use of evidence, which informs adoption, mid-course corrections, and scale-up of policies. Through workshops and clinics with operational staff and government clients, joint research teams, active field coordination, as well as research products such as seminars, papers, and policy briefs, DECDI builds capacity while forming a wider community of practice.
DECDI accompanies impact evaluations during their entire life cycle. It starts with assessing demand, identifying research questions, as well as supporting project implementation, high-quality data collection, analysis, and dissemination of results.
With a portfolio of more than 220 impact evaluations, DECDI operates across all sectors in about 60 countries spanning the globe. The IEs test a variety of interventions and mechanisms to understand why policy succeeds or fails and how to improve policy design and implementation to obtain better results. By working proactively in collaboration with clients, DECDI employs experimental methods to infer causality whenever possible (79% of the portfolio). 17% of DECDI IEs utilize non-experimental methods, while 4% use a combination of the two.
DECDI is structured into 5 World Bank units:
DIME 1 "Economic Growth and Structural Transformation"
DIME 2 "Gender, Economic Opportunity, and Fragility"
DIME 3 "Governance and Institution Building"
DIME 4 "Infrastructure and Climate Change"
DIME 5 "Mind, Behavior, and Development (eMBeD)"
More information can be found at https://www.worldbank.org/en/about/unit/unit-dec/impactevaluation
DECDI is looking for a Senior AI Scientist with excellent technical and managerial skills, together with a strong publication record to lead DIMEAI - the AI team within the department.
Responsibilities
The Senior AI Scientist will report to the Director of DECDI and will have supervision responsibilities for the staff and work program of DECDI's AI program. Specific responsibilities include:
1. Leading the design and execution of AI research projects in Development Impact's strategic areas as Principal Investigator or Team Leader, with a focus on data-driven methods. DECDI research teams are expected to work closely with Bank clients and operations to put evidence at the center of policymaking, informing design, scale-up and scale-down decisions along the development path of each policy engagement. In addition, research teams are expected to leverage these research engagements for the public good, generating peer-reviewed academic publications in top field and general interest journal, and providing relevant policy advice and technical expertise to colleagues throughout the World Bank and beyond.
2.Leading on a collaborative portfolio of AI-related work to ensure technical quality, policy relevance, and client-responsive outputs, including machine learning model development and data analytics.
3. Representing Development Impact in internal and external technical and policy forums, emphasizing collaboration with AI research partners, academic institutions, and tech companies to scale up AI-driven insights and maximize policy impact.
4. Promoting and disseminating Development Impact's AI research through contributing to papers, reports, presentations, and other dissemination channels, emphasizing the implications of AI for social protection and human development.
5.Building capacity in AI research at Development Impact through participation in review functions for Working Papers and other outputs, ensuring the integration of cutting-edge AI techniques in evaluation frameworks.
6. Regularly contribute to major Bank initiatives, the Senior AI Scientist will be recognized for their outreach, peer review services, training and overall leadership in World Bank activities related to their research programs.
Selection Criteria
1.PhD degree in economics, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence or related field with a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in positions of increasing responsibilities, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2.Strong peer-reviewed academic publication record, with current and active engagement in AI research and development.
3.Track record of providing technical expertise and guidance on AI applications, particularly in complex and interdisciplinary environments, working closely with operational teams and policymakers to drive innovation in AI-driven solutions.
4.Proven ability to develop and lead cutting-edge research programs that span multiple sectors, with a strong focus on novel AI methods, data collection, and analysis techniques, while maintaining a solid theoretical foundation in AI and machine learning.
5.High level of proficiency in AI, machine learning, deep learning, and other computational methods, with evidence of innovation and leadership in these areas.
6.Proven ability to secure funding for AI research initiatives and connect research outcomes with practical applications, including policy and industry impact at the global level.
7.Experience managing research grants, partnerships, and projects will be considered an asset.
Strong leadership skills, with demonstrated success in mentoring and guiding teams of diverse technical experts, leading them to deliver high-quality AI products and services.
8.Experience fostering collaboration and coordination with a wide range of stakeholders, including clients, internal teams, and external partners, to develop AI solutions that meet both technical and practical needs.
Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment and a strong commitment to promoting knowledge sharing and staff development.
9.Strong communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex AI concepts to diverse audiences, present ideas persuasively, and engage with external stakeholders and expert communities.
10. Familiarity with donor engagement and working with international organizations to secure funding for AI-driven initiatives.
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.
This internal requisition is open to WBG andIMF staff only (including short-term and extended term consultants/temporaries). External candidates are requested not to apply. In case anexternal candidate applies, their application will not be considered.
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.