Senior Broadband Specialist
Apply NowCompany: The World Bank Group
Location: Washington, DC 20011
Description:
Senior Broadband Specialist
Job #:
req31452
Organization:
World Bank
Sector:
Digital Development
Grade:
GG
Term Duration:
3 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment
Location:
Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s):
English
Preferred Language(s):
Spanish, French, Portuguese
Closing Date:
2/17/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank consists of two entities - the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA). It is a global development cooperative owned by 189 member countries. As the largest development bank in the world, the World Bank provides loans, guarantees, risk management products, and advisory services to middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries, and coordinates responses to regional and global challenges. For more information, please visit www.worldbank.org.
Digital Vice Presidency
The Digital Transformation Vertical Vice Presidency was established on July 1, 2024, and will guide World Bank Group efforts to establish the foundations of a digital economy, build and enhance digital and data infrastructure, ensure cybersecurity and data privacy for institutions, businesses, and citizens, and advance digital government services. Digital technologies, including AI and data, present a unique opportunity to accelerate development. The Digital Transformation Vertical has the critical mission of delivering on this development promise. The Digital Vice Presidency and its global and regional teams support client countries in building the foundational and cross-cutting elements of digital transformation through two engagement pillars, six business lines, and multiple cross-cutting areas:
Digital Core: Building digital infrastructure through broadband network, affordable devices; Enhancing data infrastructure including data centers, cloud solutions and data governance; Enabling AI and cutting-edge technology applications; and Protecting institutions, businesses, and citizens through cybersecurity, data protection & privacy, trust services as well as online safety.
Digital Use: Supporting the Regions and the Verticals of People, Prosperity, Planet, and Infrastructure in the digitalization efforts of clients through Digital Government (digital public infrastructure, digital government services, and digital literacy and training), Digital Economy (national ICT planning, ICT industry and jobs, and smart infra and industry) and Digital Society (digital school, digital health, etc.).
Both pillars are the channels through which the Vertical will support World Bank achieving its objectives in cross-cutting areas like jobs and skills, climate and green, fragility, conflict and violence, and gender and inclusion.
Broadband Access and Use Global Business Line
The Broadband Access and Use Business Line (BL) serves as the global knowledge and expertise hub for the World Bank's work on the topic. We work with countries and global partners in promoting universal access to inclusive, affordable,
safe, and resilient broadband connectivity, access, and use. Our support for countries is organized across three thematic pillars: promoting markets, expanding network coverage and improving quality, and finally increasing access, use, and inclusion. The BL carries out thought leadership and research, identification and sharing of best practices on policy and operational approaches, and provides technical assistance and support for client dialogue and design and execution of interventions working with the Digital task team leaders for the respective countries.
Promoting Effective Markets: We work with governments on policy and regulation for open and competitive telecommunications markets. This includes support for policies that reduce barriers to market entry, promote competition, and create an enabling environment for private investment. We advise countries on how to structure the regulatory environment needed for inclusive and affordable connectivity and open and well-functioning telecommunications markets, including licensing, interconnection, spectrum management, taxation, open access policies, infrastructure sharing, and economic and technical regulation. We support capacity and institution building for digital ministries and effective, independent regulatory bodies. We support restructuring or repositioning of state-owned telecommunications providers to improve competitiveness and reduce market distortions.
Expanding Coverage: We support countries on policy and regulatory interventions and in investing in broadband infrastructure to expand coverage, including in commercially unprofitable areas such as rural and remote areas and connecting public institutions. We work with policymakers, regulators, and industry to find ways to improve economic viability of broadband investments and enable private sector investments. We use instruments such as gap financing, universal service funds, risk mitigation instruments for investors, demand stimulation and aggregation through public procurement, public-private partnerships (PPPs), and promoting infrastructure sharing among operators. We support development and upgrading of Government Networks (physical and virtual). Our approach is technology-neutral and aims to help countries remain flexible in an ever-changing technological environment.
Increasing Access, Use, and Inclusion: We help countries bridge the digital divide with a focus on helping underserved populations, including people living in rural areas, women, people with disabilities, and the elderly. We support governments with targeted reforms and investments aimed at expanding inclusive digital access and use, including tackling gender-specific social barriers. Our solutions include digital device financing and subsidies and broadband service affordability schemes, investments in public Internet access points and facilities, and the expansion of digital literacy and skills programs, particularly those focusing on vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
The Digital Transformation Vice Presidency is looking for two Senior Digital Development Specialists to join the Global Broadband Business Line (BL). Each position will have a dual focus and responsibility. The selected specialists will serve as global experts on specific themes, including one or more of the following: (i) policy, regulation and market development (including state owned enterprise reform), (ii) broadband infrastructure and/or services project development and execution including project structuring, financing and PPPs/Private sector engagement, or (iii) affordable device access and other demand side measures to promote broadband adoption and inclusion.
In addition, each specialist will support the wider broadband access and use agenda and business line team across all three thematic pillars and potentially be assigned a focal point role for specific geographic regions on the broadband agenda.
Key duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to the following areas:
Developing and curating global knowledge and thought leadership: Leading or contributing to cutting-edge analytical and knowledge products, research projects, and data collection efforts designed to increase global evidence and knowledge, ensuring that the Bank remains at the forefront of this development agenda globally. This includes coverage of both thematic topics as well as operational/execution approaches.
Supporting client engagement and operationalization: Provide and/or coordinate deployment of broadband policy, technical and/or operational expertise in support of a range of client engagements including technical assistance and policy dialogue, capacity building, as well as design and implementation of broadband investment or policy reform programs, typically working with the Digital Transformation country focal points (task team leaders).
Communicating and sharing knowledge: Effectively communicate the BL's knowledge, thought leadership and the World Bank's engagement program on broadband to various audiences, including key internal and external stakeholders, clients, beneficiaries, general public, internal and external partners; Effectively represent the BL in national, regional, and global for a; Supporting development and execution of capacity building programs for both internal and external stakeholders.
Supporting Corporate Priorities and Senior Management: Contributing to Broadband related strategy development, monitoring, preparation of relevant briefing materials for senior management.
Collaboration across business lines and across institutions: Identifying synergies and fostering collaboration and connection between the broadband agenda and other digital domains (cloud, AI, digital government, digital inclusion, cybersecurity, etc.) as well as with other sectors (energy, transport, education, health, etc.), and other relevant World Bank Group stakeholders such as the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Multilateral Investment Guarantee Association (MIGA) and Legal.
Selection Criteria
Master's degree in telecommunications, public policy, technology, economics, international development, or any other related field.
A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in an operational or advisory capacity with emphasis on engagement in development countries, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Recognized expertise in the field of telecoms/broadband infrastructure development and/or policy, including relevant knowledge of analytical tools and understanding of institutions, policies and regulations in the field of broadband infrastructure development and access. In addition to a cross-cutting understanding of the broadband sector, a specialization in one or more of the following areas is desired:
a) Broadband policy, regulation and market development (including state owned enterprise reform)
b)Broadband infrastructure and/or services project development and execution including project structuring, financing, risk mitigation and PPPs/Private sector engagement (infrastructure and/or device financing), procurement approaches; Development of Government/Public Sector Networks
c)Affordable device access and other demand side measures to promote broadband adoption and inclusion.
Solid experience and track record of results in advising Governments on broadband policy, regulation and/or broadband infrastructure development and services adoption, especially in developing countries.
Excellent client engagement skills and experience, able to understand and adapt to client needs; being balanced and politically astute.
Excellent analytical, writing and editing skills in English, including the ability to speak articulately and persuasively.
A good command of French, Spanish or Portuguese in addition to English would be an asset.
Strong results orientation, persistence, patience, and positive attitude.
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.
Job #:
req31452
Organization:
World Bank
Sector:
Digital Development
Grade:
GG
Term Duration:
3 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment
Location:
Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s):
English
Preferred Language(s):
Spanish, French, Portuguese
Closing Date:
2/17/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank consists of two entities - the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA). It is a global development cooperative owned by 189 member countries. As the largest development bank in the world, the World Bank provides loans, guarantees, risk management products, and advisory services to middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries, and coordinates responses to regional and global challenges. For more information, please visit www.worldbank.org.
Digital Vice Presidency
The Digital Transformation Vertical Vice Presidency was established on July 1, 2024, and will guide World Bank Group efforts to establish the foundations of a digital economy, build and enhance digital and data infrastructure, ensure cybersecurity and data privacy for institutions, businesses, and citizens, and advance digital government services. Digital technologies, including AI and data, present a unique opportunity to accelerate development. The Digital Transformation Vertical has the critical mission of delivering on this development promise. The Digital Vice Presidency and its global and regional teams support client countries in building the foundational and cross-cutting elements of digital transformation through two engagement pillars, six business lines, and multiple cross-cutting areas:
Digital Core: Building digital infrastructure through broadband network, affordable devices; Enhancing data infrastructure including data centers, cloud solutions and data governance; Enabling AI and cutting-edge technology applications; and Protecting institutions, businesses, and citizens through cybersecurity, data protection & privacy, trust services as well as online safety.
Digital Use: Supporting the Regions and the Verticals of People, Prosperity, Planet, and Infrastructure in the digitalization efforts of clients through Digital Government (digital public infrastructure, digital government services, and digital literacy and training), Digital Economy (national ICT planning, ICT industry and jobs, and smart infra and industry) and Digital Society (digital school, digital health, etc.).
Both pillars are the channels through which the Vertical will support World Bank achieving its objectives in cross-cutting areas like jobs and skills, climate and green, fragility, conflict and violence, and gender and inclusion.
Broadband Access and Use Global Business Line
The Broadband Access and Use Business Line (BL) serves as the global knowledge and expertise hub for the World Bank's work on the topic. We work with countries and global partners in promoting universal access to inclusive, affordable,
safe, and resilient broadband connectivity, access, and use. Our support for countries is organized across three thematic pillars: promoting markets, expanding network coverage and improving quality, and finally increasing access, use, and inclusion. The BL carries out thought leadership and research, identification and sharing of best practices on policy and operational approaches, and provides technical assistance and support for client dialogue and design and execution of interventions working with the Digital task team leaders for the respective countries.
Promoting Effective Markets: We work with governments on policy and regulation for open and competitive telecommunications markets. This includes support for policies that reduce barriers to market entry, promote competition, and create an enabling environment for private investment. We advise countries on how to structure the regulatory environment needed for inclusive and affordable connectivity and open and well-functioning telecommunications markets, including licensing, interconnection, spectrum management, taxation, open access policies, infrastructure sharing, and economic and technical regulation. We support capacity and institution building for digital ministries and effective, independent regulatory bodies. We support restructuring or repositioning of state-owned telecommunications providers to improve competitiveness and reduce market distortions.
Expanding Coverage: We support countries on policy and regulatory interventions and in investing in broadband infrastructure to expand coverage, including in commercially unprofitable areas such as rural and remote areas and connecting public institutions. We work with policymakers, regulators, and industry to find ways to improve economic viability of broadband investments and enable private sector investments. We use instruments such as gap financing, universal service funds, risk mitigation instruments for investors, demand stimulation and aggregation through public procurement, public-private partnerships (PPPs), and promoting infrastructure sharing among operators. We support development and upgrading of Government Networks (physical and virtual). Our approach is technology-neutral and aims to help countries remain flexible in an ever-changing technological environment.
Increasing Access, Use, and Inclusion: We help countries bridge the digital divide with a focus on helping underserved populations, including people living in rural areas, women, people with disabilities, and the elderly. We support governments with targeted reforms and investments aimed at expanding inclusive digital access and use, including tackling gender-specific social barriers. Our solutions include digital device financing and subsidies and broadband service affordability schemes, investments in public Internet access points and facilities, and the expansion of digital literacy and skills programs, particularly those focusing on vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
The Digital Transformation Vice Presidency is looking for two Senior Digital Development Specialists to join the Global Broadband Business Line (BL). Each position will have a dual focus and responsibility. The selected specialists will serve as global experts on specific themes, including one or more of the following: (i) policy, regulation and market development (including state owned enterprise reform), (ii) broadband infrastructure and/or services project development and execution including project structuring, financing and PPPs/Private sector engagement, or (iii) affordable device access and other demand side measures to promote broadband adoption and inclusion.
In addition, each specialist will support the wider broadband access and use agenda and business line team across all three thematic pillars and potentially be assigned a focal point role for specific geographic regions on the broadband agenda.
Key duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to the following areas:
Developing and curating global knowledge and thought leadership: Leading or contributing to cutting-edge analytical and knowledge products, research projects, and data collection efforts designed to increase global evidence and knowledge, ensuring that the Bank remains at the forefront of this development agenda globally. This includes coverage of both thematic topics as well as operational/execution approaches.
Supporting client engagement and operationalization: Provide and/or coordinate deployment of broadband policy, technical and/or operational expertise in support of a range of client engagements including technical assistance and policy dialogue, capacity building, as well as design and implementation of broadband investment or policy reform programs, typically working with the Digital Transformation country focal points (task team leaders).
Communicating and sharing knowledge: Effectively communicate the BL's knowledge, thought leadership and the World Bank's engagement program on broadband to various audiences, including key internal and external stakeholders, clients, beneficiaries, general public, internal and external partners; Effectively represent the BL in national, regional, and global for a; Supporting development and execution of capacity building programs for both internal and external stakeholders.
Supporting Corporate Priorities and Senior Management: Contributing to Broadband related strategy development, monitoring, preparation of relevant briefing materials for senior management.
Collaboration across business lines and across institutions: Identifying synergies and fostering collaboration and connection between the broadband agenda and other digital domains (cloud, AI, digital government, digital inclusion, cybersecurity, etc.) as well as with other sectors (energy, transport, education, health, etc.), and other relevant World Bank Group stakeholders such as the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Multilateral Investment Guarantee Association (MIGA) and Legal.
Selection Criteria
Master's degree in telecommunications, public policy, technology, economics, international development, or any other related field.
A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in an operational or advisory capacity with emphasis on engagement in development countries, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Recognized expertise in the field of telecoms/broadband infrastructure development and/or policy, including relevant knowledge of analytical tools and understanding of institutions, policies and regulations in the field of broadband infrastructure development and access. In addition to a cross-cutting understanding of the broadband sector, a specialization in one or more of the following areas is desired:
a) Broadband policy, regulation and market development (including state owned enterprise reform)
b)Broadband infrastructure and/or services project development and execution including project structuring, financing, risk mitigation and PPPs/Private sector engagement (infrastructure and/or device financing), procurement approaches; Development of Government/Public Sector Networks
c)Affordable device access and other demand side measures to promote broadband adoption and inclusion.
Solid experience and track record of results in advising Governments on broadband policy, regulation and/or broadband infrastructure development and services adoption, especially in developing countries.
Excellent client engagement skills and experience, able to understand and adapt to client needs; being balanced and politically astute.
Excellent analytical, writing and editing skills in English, including the ability to speak articulately and persuasively.
A good command of French, Spanish or Portuguese in addition to English would be an asset.
Strong results orientation, persistence, patience, and positive attitude.
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.