Are you ready to take on a leadership role at the forefront of global development and digital innovation? The World Bank Group (WBG) invites applications for the position of Practice Manager, Digital, Africa Eastern and Southern (AFE). This high-impact role, based in Nairobi, Kenya, offers an exceptional opportunity to shape digital transformation across 26 countries, bringing innovation, infrastructure, and inclusion to some of the world’s most dynamic yet challenging environments.
About the World Bank Group
The World Bank Group is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. We are a unique global partnership of five institutions working together for sustainable solutions to reduce poverty and build shared prosperity in developing countries. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, our mission is to end extreme poverty and promote inclusive economic growth.
We work closely with governments, private sector entities, academia, civil society, and development organizations to provide comprehensive development solutions. Our work spans various sectors including health, education, agriculture, finance, and digital development.
For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.
Context: Eastern and Southern Africa (AFE)
The AFE region is home to approximately 700 million people across 26 countries, stretching from the Red Sea to the Cape of Good Hope. Despite being rich in diversity and potential, the region continues to face development challenges, including fragility, conflict, gaps in education and health, and underdeveloped infrastructure.
However, these challenges also bring opportunities—particularly in the digital sector. There is a growing need to empower communities through technology and innovation, providing citizens with access to information, services, and economic opportunities that can transform lives and spur national development.
To learn more about our work in the region, visit: Eastern and Southern Africa – World Bank
Digital Transformation Vice Presidency (DTVP)
Established on July 1, 2024, the Digital Transformation Vice Presidency leads WBG efforts in advancing digital foundations and infrastructure. The DTVP supports countries in leveraging technology and innovation to address development challenges, enhance government services, build resilient digital economies, and ensure cybersecurity and data protection.
The DTVP is built on two engagement pillars:
- Digital Core: Digital infrastructure, data governance, AI and emerging technologies, cybersecurity, and data protection.
- Digital Use: Digital government, digital economy, digital society (e.g., health, education), and skills development.
Our cross-cutting approach supports goals related to jobs, gender inclusion, climate resilience, and stability in fragile settings.
Learn more about our work in digital development: Digital Development – World Bank
Job Title: Practice Manager, Digital, AFE
- Job #: req33404
- Organization: World Bank
- Sector: Digital Development
- Grade: GH
- Recruitment Type: International Recruitment
- Term Duration: 4 years
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Language Requirement: English
- Closing Date: June 20, 2025, at 11:59pm UTC
Role Overview
The Practice Manager (PM) will be based in Nairobi, leading a regional team spread across Eastern and Southern Africa as well as Washington DC. Reporting to the Regional Practice Director for the Middle East and North Africa (MNA), Africa West (AFW), and Africa East (AFE) regions, the PM will play a critical role in shaping and implementing the digital transformation strategy in the region.
The PM will collaborate with global and regional teams, country directors, program leaders, and private and public sector stakeholders to deliver innovative digital solutions. The role includes overseeing a portfolio of projects, talent management, resource planning, strategic partnerships, and knowledge sharing.
Key Responsibilities
1. Delivering Client Solutions and Results
- Lead the design and delivery of high-impact digital projects, lending operations, and analytical work.
- Build and maintain a diverse portfolio of demand-driven, cost-effective services.
- Collaborate across Global Practices, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) to drive cross-sector innovation.
- Foster public-private partnerships with governments, tech leaders, academic institutions, and donors.
2. People and Talent Management
- Exemplify WBG leadership values and foster a high-performing, inclusive, and diverse team.
- Provide mentorship, manage performance, and support staff development.
- Lead workforce planning to align talent with strategic priorities.
3. Knowledge and Partnership Development
- Position the Digital VPU as a thought leader in global development dialogues.
- Promote research and capture lessons learned to build internal and external knowledge bases.
- Establish strategic partnerships with digital networks, cybersecurity organizations, regulatory bodies, and donors.
4. Resource Management
- Ensure efficient allocation and management of budget and human resources.
- Set funding priorities to support strategic objectives.
- Oversee compliance, timely delivery, and quality assurance of all outputs.
Selection Criteria
- Educational Background: Master’s or PhD in a relevant field such as digital technology, public policy, economics, law, or private sector development.
- Experience:
- Minimum 12 years of progressively responsible professional experience.
- Proven technical expertise in multilateral development bank operations.
- Strong track record in managing diverse, multicultural, and virtual teams.
- Deep knowledge and experience in digital transformation areas (infrastructure, AI, digital government, etc.).
- Ability to influence and engage across sectors and stakeholders.
- Leadership Skills:
- Strategic thinking and ability to prioritize effectively.
- Commitment to innovation, results, and learning.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
WBG Leadership and Culture
The successful candidate will embody WBG’s core leadership values:
- Leadership of Self: Demonstrate courage, ownership, and alignment with WBG values.
- People Leadership: Inspire and support others to perform and grow.
- Collaborative Leadership: Work across teams and stakeholders to deliver shared outcomes.
- Client Solutions Leadership: Lead with knowledge and innovation to meet client needs.
- Decisive Leadership: Make informed, courageous decisions with transformative impact.
In addition, the WBG fosters a culture rooted in:
- Sense of Urgency
- Thoughtful Risk-Taking
- Empowerment and Accountability
To understand more about WBG leadership and managerial competencies, visit: WBG Managerial Competencies
Diversity and Inclusion
The World Bank Group is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in our workforce and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of gender, nationality, disability, or background. We are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and empowering work environment.
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities upon request.
Compensation and Benefits
The World Bank Group offers a competitive and comprehensive compensation package, which includes:
- Retirement and pension plans
- Medical, life, and disability insurance
- Generous paid leave, including parental leave
- Opportunities for professional development
- Flexible working arrangements and accommodations for personal needs
How to Apply
To join the World Bank’s mission to accelerate digital transformation in Eastern and Southern Africa:
Apply Now
Closing Date: June 20, 2025 at 11:59pm UTC
