About the opportunity
The Senior Digital Specialist will join the Digital & AI Vice Presidency (D&AI VPU) to mainstream trustworthy AI principles—transparency, fairness, and robustness—into the World Bank Group’s global portfolio. The role bridges the gap between AI ethics and cybersecurity, addressing risks like adversarial attacks and data breaches. You will lead analytical work, support lending operations across various sectors such as health and finance, and engage in high-level policy dialogue with international stakeholders and client governments to build regulatory and technical capacity. This position is critical for ensuring that AI systems deployed in public services and infrastructure are safe, fair, and aligned with human rights.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive salary and benefits package consistent with World Bank Group professional staff standards.
- Opportunity to influence global AI policy and digital transformation in developing countries.
- Professional development and mentoring opportunities within a leading international institution.
- Engagement with high-level international forums and multi-stakeholder platforms.
Who can apply?
- Deep expertise in trustworthy AI principles, including fairness, accountability, transparency, and robustness.
- Solid foundation in cybersecurity principles, such as information security management and threat modeling.
- Proven experience in policy dialogue, technical leadership, and analytical work in digital transformation.
- Ability to work effectively in a global, multi-stakeholder environment with government and private sector partners.
Required documents
- Online application via the World Bank Group careers portal.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Cover Letter.
When to apply
- The application deadline is October 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM UTC.
How to apply
- Visit the World Bank Group careers portal.
- Search for requisition number 38547.
- Complete the online application form and upload all required documents before the stated deadline.
Additional information
- The role is part of the Digital & AI Vice Presidency (D&AI VPU), which leads the institution's work on digital transformation.
- The specialist will collaborate with the WBG's cybersecurity teams to ensure AI systems meet international security standards like NIST AI RMF and ISO/IEC 42001.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- You have a rare combination of deep expertise in AI ethics and technical cybersecurity skills.
- You are experienced in navigating high-level policy dialogues with government and international stakeholders.
- You want to apply technical AI risk management to real-world development challenges in low-resource environments.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role is based in Washington, DC, which may require international relocation for non-local candidates.
- The position involves a heavy focus on policy and operational support rather than pure academic research.
- You will need to manage complex multi-stakeholder relationships across different global regions and sectors.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is ideal for senior professionals looking to transition from technical AI safety or cybersecurity into global leadership and policy. It provides a platform to influence how emerging technologies are governed and deployed across the developing world, making it a perfect fit for those aiming to have a systemic impact on international digital transformation and ethical technology standards.
Our take
Serious candidates with a dual background in AI governance and cybersecurity should consider this role. It is particularly suitable for those who enjoy bridging the gap between technical standards and practical policy implementation. It may be less suitable for individuals who prefer working in a purely private-sector or research-only environment without an operational focus.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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