The World Bank Group aims to help client countries harness Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly small AI models, to accelerate development, transform priority sectors, support local ICT industry growth, and address labor market impacts in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This role focuses on bridging the gap between cutting-edge AI technology and development priorities.
Requirements
- At least 8 years of experience in AI applications, with deep technical understanding of AI/ML systems, architectures, and deployment models.
- Proven experience evaluating AI solutions for feasibility, scalability, and fit in low-resource environments; familiarity with small AI strongly preferred.
- Strong understanding of sectoral application domains and the intersection of AI with digital economy and society.
- Knowledge of AI ethics, governance, and regulatory considerations.
- Master’s degree or PhD in computer science, data science, AI/ML, engineering, economics, public policy, or related discipline, with a strong technical foundation (through formal training or substantial professional experience in computer science, engineering or building AI applications) and demonstrated ability to apply AI and digital technologies to real-world sectoral or policy challenges.
- Stay abreast of global AI trends and translate emerging technical developments into actionable recommendations for client countries.
- Engage with global AI companies, local tech firms, academia, and innovation hubs to co-develop context-appropriate AI solutions.
Responsibilities
- Provide thought leadership and technical advisory on AI applications, especially small AI, for economic and social sector transformation in LMICs.
- Identify and curate combinations of small AI applications (and forge collaborations between application developers, where necessary) to advance solutions that address the pain points of the end user (example: a farmer, a patient in a rural part of an LMIC etc.).
- Advise client countries on integrating AI into national digital strategies, sectoral programs, and investment operations in a way that is inclusive, ethical, and sustainable.
- Support governments in assessing AI solutions, building local ICT industry capacity, and preparing for shifts in the job market.
- Conduct technical assessments of AI application proposals, focusing on small AI and solutions suitable for resource-constrained environments.
- Advise governments and Bank teams on the technical feasibility, scalability, and risks of AI-enabled solutions.
- Review vendor proposals and technology architectures for alignment with local infrastructure, governance, and policy needs.
Other
- Experience working in or with LMICs is highly desirable.
- Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Sense of Urgency – Anticipating and quickly reacting to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
- Thoughtful Risk Taking – Taking informed and thoughtful risks and making courageous decisions to push boundaries for greater impact.
- Empowerment and Accountability – Engaging with others in an empowered and accountable manner for impactful results.
