Associate Senior Product Owner - Operations Procurement

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. Established in 1944, it has grown to include 189 member countries and operates in more than 130 offices worldwide. The organization is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, working with public and private sector partners to invest in groundbreaking projects and utilize data, research, and technology to address urgent global challenges. The World Bank Group's mission is to help clients solve their greatest development challenges, making it a unique and impactful workplace.

Job Overview:
The Associate Senior Product Owner - Operations Procurement is a pivotal role within the Information Technology Services (ITS) organization at the World Bank Group. This position is responsible for maximizing the value of products by defining and executing a clear product vision and strategy that aligns with the organization's objectives and adheres to global best practices. The Product Owner will ensure that products deliver measurable business value while complying with governance, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and quality standards. This role requires advanced knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI) concepts, modern systems architecture, and familiarity with Low Code / No Code platforms. The Product Owner will champion innovation and leverage emerging technologies to optimize processes and enhance user experience, acting as a strategic liaison between ITS leadership, business units, and technical teams. The incumbent will also focus on operationalizing procurement policy and business processes into scalable digital products, ensuring that users are supported through intuitive workflows and automation that improve efficiency and transparency.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Senior Product Owner include prioritizing and executing product features and requirements to align with Operational Procurement business objectives. The Product Owner will translate procurement policies and operational needs into actionable product backlogs, define and maintain the product vision, and contribute to product roadmaps. They will identify opportunities for process improvements, own and refine the product backlog, and ensure that backlog items align with business outcomes and compliance standards. Engaging with stakeholders, facilitating backlog refinement sessions, and collaborating with cross-functional Agile teams are essential aspects of the role. The Product Owner will also monitor product performance indicators, provide regular status updates, and ensure compliance with World Bank procurement principles and fiduciary controls.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in computer science or a related STEM field with at least 8 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience. Experience in Product Owner or Product Management functions within enterprise systems is essential, along with a background in supporting procurement, financial, or fiduciary business processes. Familiarity with Agile delivery environments and collaboration with cross-functional teams is required. Certifications such as Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) or SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM) are desirable, along with advanced Agile or product management certifications. Continuous learning in digital product management and strong knowledge of Operational Procurement processes will be advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in computer science or a related STEM field, or a Bachelor’s degree with significant relevant experience. The emphasis is on candidates who have a strong foundation in technology and product management principles, particularly as they relate to enterprise systems and procurement processes.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position includes a minimum of 8 years for candidates with a Master’s degree or 10 years for those with a Bachelor’s degree. Experience should encompass roles in Product Ownership or Product Management, particularly within enterprise systems, and familiarity with Agile methodologies is crucial. Candidates should also have experience in procurement or fiduciary business processes, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex operational environments.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered beneficial but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 2 years. The role is full-time and involves working within the World Bank Group's framework, which emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The organization offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan, medical and life insurance, paid leave, and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. The World Bank Group is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce.