IT Officer, Business Solutions I - Product Owner

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group (WBG) was established in 1944 and is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. It is a unique global partnership consisting of five institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Development Association (IDA), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). The WBG has 189 member countries and operates more than 120 offices worldwide, collaborating with public and private sector partners to invest in innovative projects and utilize data, research, and technology to address urgent global challenges. The Information and Technology Solutions (ITS) division plays a crucial role in helping the WBG achieve its mission of ending extreme poverty by 2030 and promoting shared prosperity sustainably. ITS is one of three Vice Presidencies that have been integrated to provide enhanced corporate services and enable the institution to function as a cohesive entity. The division is committed to transforming how the Bank Group fulfills its mission through the strategic use of information and technology, adapting its strategies based on changing business priorities and leveraging new technologies to achieve significant business outcomes.

Job Overview:
The IT Officer, Business Solutions I - Product Owner position is situated within the Information and Technology Solutions Fiduciary Operations unit (ITSFD) of the World Bank. This role is pivotal in leading the development and maintenance of applications and services that support the World Bank’s Operations Procurement work program. The Product Owner will be responsible for creating a clear product vision and roadmap that aligns with the organizational objectives and operational needs. This includes engaging with clients to understand their challenges and needs, overseeing the entire product lifecycle from ideation to implementation, and ensuring that the development team is aligned with the product goals. The role requires a strong understanding of agile software product management and the ability to translate client requirements into actionable product features. The selected candidate will also be expected to monitor and incorporate client needs, industry trends, and user feedback into the work program, ensuring that the products developed deliver significant business value and meet the needs of stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the IT Officer, Business Solutions I - Product Owner include: developing a clear product vision and roadmap that aligns with organizational objectives; leading client engagement to understand their pain points and needs; creating Product Vision Boards and developing roadmaps; overseeing the end-to-end product lifecycle; delivering regular status updates to clients; managing and prioritizing the product backlog; overseeing all stages of product development; developing and tracking Key Performance Indicators (KPIs); actively monitoring client needs and industry trends; representing the department to business partners; conducting research to define use cases; adapting to competing demands; and ensuring data availability for analytics and reporting. The role also requires excellent communication skills to engage stakeholders effectively and deliver impactful presentations.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the IT Officer, Business Solutions I - Product Owner position include a master’s degree in business, Computer Science, or a related field with at least 5 years of relevant experience, or a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 7 years of product management experience. Candidates should have a minimum of 4 years’ experience in developing and implementing product strategies and managing the full product lifecycle. Proven experience in delivering technology-centric or AI-enabled products, strong stakeholder engagement skills, and proficiency in data analytics are also essential. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required, along with the ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic environment.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the IT Officer, Business Solutions I - Product Owner position should possess a master’s degree in business, Computer Science, or a related field. Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree with significant product management experience is acceptable. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in both technical and business aspects relevant to product management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience for candidates with a master’s degree, or at least 7 years for those with a bachelor’s degree. Candidates should have a minimum of 4 years’ experience specifically in developing and implementing product strategies and managing the full product lifecycle. Experience in delivering technology-centric or AI-enabled products is crucial, as is a strong background in translating business goals into actionable product requirements.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered a plus, although specific preferred languages are not mentioned in the job description.

Additional Notes:
The position is a local recruitment role with a term duration of 2 years. The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to being an equal opportunity and inclusive employer, ensuring that there is no discrimination based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The work environment is designed to support a diverse workforce and promote a culture of empowerment and accountability.