World Bank Hiring Senior Technical Lead to Drive Geospatial and AI Solutions in Bulgaria

Sofia, Bulgaria | Global IT & Geospatial Careers

The World Bank Group has opened applications for a Senior Technical Lead for Geospatial Solutions, a senior-level technology role within its Information and Technology Solutions (ITS) Vice Presidential Unit. Based in Sofia, Bulgaria, the position is offered under local recruitment with a two-year fixed-term contract at the GG grade level.

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The application deadline is 22 February 2026 at 11:59 PM UTC.

Powering Development Impact Through Geospatial Technology

As the World Bank accelerates its mission to end poverty on a livable planet, geospatial intelligence, AI, and digital platforms are becoming central to how development impact is designed, monitored, and scaled.

This role sits within the ITS Country Engagement (ITSCE) unit, which delivers digital solutions for country programs, supports the World Bank’s evolving Country Engagement model, and leads geospatial innovation, including project geo-tagging, spatial analytics, and AI-powered business solutions.

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The Senior Technical Lead will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering next-generation geospatial platforms that enhance spatial visibility, performance tracking, and evidence-based decision-making across World Bank operations worldwide.

Leading Strategic Geospatial and AI Platforms

The selected candidate will serve as the primary technical authority for major geospatial initiatives, overseeing architecture, delivery, and long-term scalability.

Key platforms and initiatives include:

• Enhanced spatial indicators for the Geospatial Poverty Portal
• A Digital Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (dMRV) Observatory supporting carbon markets
• Modernization of internal and external geospatial platforms
• Piloting Digital Twins for World Bank operational projects
• Building partnerships with other International Financial Institutions (IFIs) to promote reusable geospatial solutions

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership and Architecture

• Lead the end-to-end technical delivery of geospatial capital assets
• Make critical architectural decisions and set technical direction for products and platforms
• Design and review system architectures, coding standards, and best practices
• Mentor junior and mid-level developers and technical specialists

Innovation, AI, and Platform Modernization

• Evaluate emerging technologies and conduct technical risk assessments
• Embed AI-enabled features responsibly to improve user experience and operational efficiency
• Support cloud-native, scalable, and high-performance system designs
• Oversee platform modernization and Digital Twin pilots

Collaboration and Delivery

• Translate complex business requirements into actionable technical solutions
• Collaborate with product managers, stakeholders, and global teams
• Serve as escalation point for complex technical challenges
• Lead cross-functional technical teams across multicultural environments

Ideal Candidate Profile

The World Bank is seeking a senior technologist with:

• A Master’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or related field
• 8+ years of professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Deep expertise in software development, system design, and enterprise architecture
• Proven leadership of multidisciplinary technical teams
• Experience with AI technologies, including responsible AI considerations
• Strong understanding of cloud-native platforms and modern development frameworks

Exceptional communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to operate in fast-moving global environments are critical for success in this role.

Language and Location

• Duty Station: Sofia, Bulgaria
• Required Language: English
• Preferred Language: Bulgarian

Why This Role Matters

Geospatial technology is transforming how development challenges are understood and addressed—from poverty mapping to climate monitoring and carbon markets. This role places the successful candidate at the intersection of technology, AI, and global development, with direct influence on how the World Bank designs and measures impact across countries and regions.

For senior technologists passionate about innovation, spatial intelligence, and global public good, this position offers both scale and purpose.

Job Snapshot

• Position: Senior Technical Lead for Geospatial Solutions
• Job Number: req35545
• Organization: World Bank Group
• Sector: Information Technology
• Grade: GG
• Location: Sofia, Bulgaria
• Contract Duration: 2 years
• Recruitment Type: Local
• Application Deadline: 22 February 2026