Job Description

ET Consultant (Digital Specialist)

Job #: req38897 Organization: World Bank Sector: Digital Development Grade: EC3 Term Duration: 0 years 6 months Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment Location: Dili,Timor-Leste Required Language(s): English, Tetum Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 11/10/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

At the World Bank, a member of the World Bank Group (WBG), you’ll join a diverse, global community working across cultures, disciplines, and borders to address the world’s most pressing development challenges. With 1.2 billion young people reaching working age in the decade ahead, the challenge of job creation has never been greater. Through partnerships across 145 countries and more than 182 offices worldwide, we work with governments, private sector, development partners and other stakeholders to invest in people, strengthen markets, and deliver scalable, data-driven solutions that generate more and better jobs and improve lives. For more information, visit https://www.worldbank.org/en/who-we-are/ibrd

East Asia and the Pacific (EAP) Region:

EAP is a large and diverse region, ranging from Timor-Leste and the Small Island Developing States of the Pacific to Indonesia, The Philippines, and China. The region has achieved remarkable economic growth and poverty reduction, but development outcomes remain uneven and significant challenges persist. Longer-term growth will depend increasingly on reversing the slowdown in productivity, creating more productive jobs, strengthening institutions and resilience, and adapting to climate change and population aging. At the same time, rapid technological change, including artificial intelligence, is creating new opportunities for trade, investment and productivity, although gaps in connectivity and skills risk limiting their benefits. The World Bank Group has a major role in the region through financing, analytical and advisory services, and support across infrastructure, human development, private sector development, climate and natural resources, and institutional reform. The World Bank Group is seen as a premier development institution in the Region, with a leadership role on analytical and advisory services as well as financing.

East Asia and the Pacific Region: https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/region/eap

Digital and AI Vertical:

The Digital and AI Vertical was established on July 1, 2024, and is guiding World Bank Group efforts to establish the foundations of a digital economy. Central to the VPU's mandate is the WBG Digital and AI Strategy. The strategy is built around four pillars: Access, Affordability, Ecosystem, and AI Readiness and Adaptation. The Digital and AI Vice Presidency delivers on this agenda through the @A Billion Implementation Plan (FY26-30), anchored in ten scalable solutions spanning connectivity, device affordability, digital public infrastructure, local digital industry development, digital skills, and AI adoption.

Digital and AI Vertical: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/digital

Duties and accountabilities:

The Digital and AI EAP Unit is seeking an ET Consultant (Digital Specialist) based in Dili, Timor-Leste to support the Unit’s work program in Timor-Leste.

The ETC will be responsible for:

• Leading and contributing to the preparation and implementation of World Bank advisory, analytical, and operational engagements related to digital transformation, particularly on digital identity and other digital public infrastructure, broadband networks and data centers, digital government, and digital economy.
• Supporting ongoing technical assistance and policy dialogue with government counterparts, including coordination of meetings, workshops, consultations, missions, and follow-up activities.
• Building and maintaining strong working relationships with government agencies, development partners, private sector stakeholders, academia, and civil society organizations involved in digital transformation.
• Conducting analytical work, research, data collection, and assessments to support policy advice, technical assistance, and project preparation activities.
• Preparing technical notes, briefing materials, presentations, reports, aide-mémoires, and other knowledge products for government counterparts and World Bank teams.
• Supporting and coordinating with digital transformation initiatives across sectors, including land administration, health, social protection, financial inclusion and digital financial services, education, agriculture, and public services.
• Monitoring implementation progress, identifying risks and bottlenecks, and supporting problem-solving and coordination among stakeholders.
• Supporting stakeholder engagement and communications, including preparation of briefings, summaries, and knowledge products for internal and external audiences.
• Contributing to internal planning processes, such as work program updates, portfolio reviews, and the preparation of inputs for country strategies (e.g., SCDs, CPFs).

Note: The selected candidate will be offered an initial half-year appointment, renewable at the discretion of the World Bank Group, and subject to satisfactory performance and a lifetime maximum ET Appointment of three years. If an ET appointment ends before a full year, it is considered as a full year toward the lifetime maximum. Former and current ET staff who have completed all or any portion of their second-year ET appointment are not eligible for future ET appointments.

Selection Criteria

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in economics, public policy, engineering, digital economy, telecommunications, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in public administration, consulting, or development, ideally including exposure to international organizations or development partners.
• At least three years of relevant experience and demonstrated knowledge in digital transformation.
• Experience supporting or leading project preparation, coordination, or advisory engagements for government or development partners.
• Technical knowledge and prior working experience related to digital identity, digital infrastructure (including broadband, telecommunications, and data centers), digital government and digital economy is highly advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams, coordinate across stakeholders, and manage multiple tasks with attention to detail.
• Fluency in English and Tetum, with strong writing and communication skills.

Sector Competencies:

• Knowledge of digital development policies and regulation, including digital services and digital public infrastructure.
• Understanding of digital economy and governance frameworks, including institutional, regulatory, and policy dimensions.
• Familiarity with policy and data analysis tools, including the ability to collect, interpret, and visualize quantitative and qualitative data for decision-making.
• Experience contributing to analytical and advisory activities, including background papers, technical notes, or sector assessments.
• Ability to synthesize complex information clearly, preparing concise briefs, presentations, and knowledge materials for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, including ability to engage with government counterparts, private sector stakeholders, and development partners.
• Commitment to learning and innovation, keeping abreast of emerging technologies and digital policy trends in the region.

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

As per WBG policy, an Extended Term (ET) appointment is subject to a lifetime maximum of three (3) years. Former and current ET staff who have completed or are in the process of completing their third-year ET appointment are not eligible for future ET appointments.

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.

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