Technology for Impact Product Owner - Parental Leave Cover

Job Posting Organization:
Save the Children Australia is a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to advancing children's rights and improving their lives through various programs and initiatives. Established with a mission to transform the lives of children in need, Save the Children operates in over 50 countries, including Australia, and employs a diverse workforce committed to social impact. The organization focuses on harnessing technology to create meaningful change, ensuring that the most marginalized children receive the support they need. Save the Children Australia collaborates with various stakeholders, including government agencies, international organizations, and local communities, to implement effective programs that address the challenges faced by children globally.

Job Overview:
The Technology for Impact Product Owner position is a critical role within Save the Children Australia, aimed at driving digital innovation that directly impacts children's rights. This position is designed as a parental leave cover, providing an opportunity to lead strategic digital initiatives that align with the organization's mission and enhance program responsiveness, inclusivity, and sustainability. The Product Owner will oversee multiple digital initiatives throughout their lifecycle, ensuring that all products are user-centered and contextually appropriate. The role requires collaboration across various organizational units and external stakeholders to co-design tech-enabled solutions that address key development challenges. The successful candidate will champion the Technology for Impact strategy, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement while ensuring compliance with ethical technology practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Technology for Impact Product Owner include:

• Strategic Leadership: Champion the Technology for Impact strategy, ensuring alignment with programmatic goals and global development trends. Steward ongoing digital transformation initiatives and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Product Excellence: Oversee 3-5 digital initiatives from design to sustainability planning, ensuring user-centered, trauma-informed, and contextually appropriate products. Apply agile methodologies and human-centered design principles to create meaningful solutions.
• Collaborative Impact: Partner with operational teams, program experts, and external stakeholders to co-design tech-enabled solutions. Work with technical subject matter experts to address key development challenges and maintain comprehensive documentation for seamless knowledge transfer.
• Ethical Technology Leadership: Champion compliance with data protection, cybersecurity, and digital safeguarding standards. Promote ethical technology practices focused on equity, inclusion, data sovereignty, and harm minimization.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Technology for Impact Product Owner position include:

• Essential Experience: A minimum of 5 years in digital product management, preferably within development, non-profit, or social impact contexts. Expertise in agile/lean software development methodologies and human-centered design is essential. Knowledge of emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, and mobile innovations is required. A strong understanding of cybersecurity, data protection regulations, and privacy best practices is necessary, along with excellent stakeholder management and cross-cultural collaboration skills.
• Highly Valued: Experience in technology strategy development and implementation, familiarity with donor-funded programs (DFAT, UN Agencies), and expertise in data governance, analytics, and evidence-based decision-making are highly valued.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Technology for Impact Product Owner position should possess a relevant educational background, typically including a degree in fields such as Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related discipline. Advanced degrees or certifications in project management, digital product management, or related areas may be advantageous and demonstrate a commitment to professional development in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of 5 years in digital product management. Candidates should have a proven track record of successfully managing digital initiatives, particularly in contexts related to development, non-profit, or social impact. Experience with agile methodologies and human-centered design is crucial, as is familiarity with the challenges and opportunities present in international development.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication within the organization and with stakeholders. Additional language skills, particularly in languages relevant to the regions served by Save the Children, would be considered advantageous and beneficial for cross-cultural collaboration.

Additional Notes:
This position is a parental leave cover role, indicating a temporary contract duration. The organization prefers candidates who can attend the Melbourne office, although hybrid or remote work arrangements are possible. Save the Children Australia is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and a Working with Children Check, and they must adhere to the Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its recruitment process and workplace culture.