Short Term Consultant: Digital Transformation and AI Advisor for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Distribution (Washington)

At 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

At the International Finance Corporation (IFC), 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. In fiscal year 2026, IFC committed a record $105.6 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries. For more information, visit .

Objective of the assignment:

The consultant will strengthen the DigiPharma methodology by integrating practical applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors, focusing on manufacturing operations, operational efficiency, and value chain integration. The role includes supporting client engagements, enhancing methodologies and tools, and developing knowledge products related to AI adoption in the pharmaceutical sector.

Roles & Responsibilities:

(i) Client Engagement

• Provide technical expertise on AI, advanced analytics, and digital transformation initiatives for pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors.

• Support digital maturity and AI readiness assessments, workshops, executive discussions, and roadmap development.

• Advise on AI use cases across manufacturing, supply chain, distribution, pharmacovigilance, and commercial operations.

• Review recommendations, business cases, implementation roadmaps, and investment priorities.

• Participate in client workshops and project discussions as an AI subject matter expert.

(ii) Methodology and Product Development

• Enhance the DigiPharma methodology by incorporating AI assessment frameworks, maturity criteria, implementation guidance, and use-case prioritization approaches.

• Benchmark leading pharmaceutical digital transformation frameworks considered market golden standards and identify opportunities to strengthen DigiPharma on digital and AI.

• Lead AI-focused discussions in workshops, and develop facilitation guides, use-case libraries, and training materials.

• Update digital maturity assessment tools and integrate AI-related dimensions.

• Strengthen materials related to digital strategy, organizational transformation, change management, implementation planning, and value realization.

• Contribute to advisory products, templates, operational manuals, and client deliverables

• Identify emerging trends, evidence, innovations, and best practices in AI, generative AI, advanced analytics, automation, and digital health technologies for pharma sector and integrate them into IFC methodologies.

(iii) Digital Solutions and Market Intelligence

• Review and update a repository of pharmaceutical technology vendors, platforms, and solution providers.

• Conduct market scans and technology assessments of AI-enabled pharmaceutical solutions.

• Evaluate and prioritize digital and AI solutions aligned with client needs.

• Identify value drivers, including revenue growth, operational efficiencies, and cost reduction opportunities.

• Define Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and value realization metrics to measure implementation progress and benefits.

• Support the evaluation and prioritization of digital and AI solutions that address client needs and strategic objectives

• Identify the key value levers of the digital and AI solutions suggested including financial and non-financial rational and outcomes such as revenue growth, business efficiencies and cost reductions.

• Support the definition of initiatives KPIs to track implementation and/or benefits from using digital and AI solutions

(iv) Knowledge Management

• Conduct webinars and develop case studies, toolkits, guidance notes, and thought leadership materials on AI adoption in the pharmaceutical sector.

• Capture lessons learned and best practices from client engagements.

• Support internal capability building through training and knowledge-sharing activities.

• Monitor developments in AI, digital technologies, regulations, and industry practices relevant to pharmaceutical companies.

Expected Deliverables

1. DigiPharma AI Methodology, including assessment framework, maturity criteria, scoring guidance, and integration into the existing DigiPharma methodology.

2. AI Use-Case Library and Prioritization Framework for pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution.

3. Client Engagement Support through technical contributions to diagnostics, workshops, recommendations, roadmaps, and business cases.

4. Market Intelligence and Vendor Mapping covering AI solution categories, relevant vendors, and applicability in emerging markets.

Selection Criteria

Education

• Master's degree or higher in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Engineering, Health Informatics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information Systems, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Relevant certifications in AI, machine learning, data analytics, digital transformation, or pharmaceutical operations are desirable.

Professional Experience and Technical Expertise

• Demonstrated experience leading AI-enabled or technology-driven transformation projects in pharmaceutical manufacturers and/or distributors and/or pharmacy chains and last mile distribution in general.

• Proven track record designing and implementing AI use cases across manufacturing, supply chains, operations, or commercial functions.

• Familiarity with responsible AI principles, data analytics and governance, cybersecurity, privacy, and regulatory considerations.

• Experience working in emerging markets is desirable.

Core Competencies

• Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable business recommendations.

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.

• Proven ability to manage multiple assignments and deliver high-quality outputs under tight timelines.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Fluency in Spanish, Portuguese, or French is a strong advantage.

• Commitment to the mission, strategy, and values of the World Bank Group.

Application & Contract

Please send your CV and a Cover Letter to Yulia Afrakova (View email address on apply.placed-app.com) by October 5, 2026. The subject line of your email must be “ FULL NAME - Short Term Consultant – Digital Transformation and AI Advisor .”

The selected candidate will be awarded a contract (starting November 2, 2026) for up to 25 days in 2026.

Disclaimer • This is a temporary position. The envisaged start date is November 2, 2026, and the end date is December 31, 2026. Mid-Senior level C3/C4.

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of Urgency – Anticipating and quickly reacting to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.

2. Thoughtful Risk Taking – Taking informed and thoughtful risks and making courageous decisions to push boundaries for greater impact.

3. Empowerment and Accountability – Engaging with others in an empowered and accountable manner for impactful results.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and we do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories, at