IT Officer, Business Solutions I

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a prominent global partnership established to provide funding and knowledge to developing countries. Founded in 1944, it comprises five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and over 130 offices worldwide, the organization collaborates with public and private sector partners to invest in innovative projects, utilizing data, research, and technology to address urgent global challenges. The World Bank Group's mission is to create a world free of poverty and to foster shared prosperity, making it a vital player in international development.

Job Overview:
The IT Officer, Business Solutions I position at the World Bank is integral to the Information and Technology Solutions (ITS) Vice Presidential Unit (VPU). This role is focused on delivering transformative information and technologies to support the World Bank Group's mission of ending extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity. The selected candidate will be responsible for leading and contributing to the development and maintenance of applications and services that facilitate the implementation of the World Bank’s Operations Procurement work program. This includes collaborating with various stakeholders to define product vision, strategy, and business processes that align with organizational objectives. The role requires a strong understanding of agile software product management, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with technical teams and external vendors. The IT Officer will also be expected to manage the product lifecycle, prioritize features based on value, and ensure that the products developed meet the needs of the users while adhering to the highest standards of quality and efficiency.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the IT Officer include:

• Communication & Collaboration: Clearly communicate the product vision and roadmap to stakeholders and teams; facilitate collaboration between business, technical teams, and external vendors; work closely with Scrum Masters, Business Analysts, and development teams; manage dependencies and risks; document and distribute meeting minutes and weekly status reports.
• Product Development & Agile Execution: Translate business needs into actionable user stories and technical specifications; define and refine User Stories and Enablers; prioritize MVP features and backlog items; manage the product lifecycle using agile methodologies; participate in PI Planning, Iteration Planning, Reviews, and Stand-ups; lead technical discussions with architects and developers; oversee product development and User Acceptance Testing (UAT).
• Data & Metrics: Make informed decisions on technical trade-offs; validate data accuracy and consistency; use business and technical metrics to prioritize backlog items; continuously build data literacy skills.
• Technical Agility & Growth: Quickly learn new technical and domain knowledge to adjust product strategies. Key deliverables include refined and prioritized Product Backlog, User stories and Acceptance Criteria, Product Vision Boards, Roadmaps, and regular progress reports to stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires 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 must have a minimum of 4 years’ experience in developing and implementing technical product strategies and managing the full product lifecycle. A strong understanding of Low Code No Code Application Platforms and the ability to translate business needs into feasible technical solutions is essential. Proven experience in delivering technology-centric or AI-enabled products, as well as strong stakeholder engagement skills, is also required. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, proficiency in data analytics, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic environment are crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates must 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 principles, enabling the candidate to effectively bridge the gap between technical teams and business stakeholders.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of relevant experience if holding a master’s degree, or 7 years if holding a bachelor’s degree. This experience should include a minimum of 4 years in developing and implementing technical product strategies and managing the full product lifecycle. Experience working directly with developers and architects to shape technical solutions is essential, as is a proven track record of successfully delivering technology-centric or AI-enabled products.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English. Proficiency in additional languages is considered a plus, as it may enhance communication with diverse stakeholders and clients.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment role with a term duration of 2 years. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunity for all candidates regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The role is full-time and based in Sofia, Bulgaria.