Associate Scrum Master

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a prominent global institution established to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries. With a mission to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity, the organization operates in 189 member countries and has over 130 offices worldwide. The World Bank Group is recognized as one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for development, leveraging partnerships with both public and private sectors to invest in innovative projects that address pressing global challenges. The organization emphasizes sustainable development and utilizes data, research, and technology to create impactful solutions. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

Job Overview:
The Associate Scrum Master position at the World Bank is a pivotal role within the Information and Technology Solutions (ITS) Vice Presidency. This role is designed to support the World Bank's Knowledge Agenda by ensuring the effective delivery of AI-driven, knowledge-centric products and platforms. The Scrum Master will serve as a servant leader and coach to Agile teams, facilitating their self-organization and self-management while promoting Lean-Agile methodologies. The position requires a focus on enhancing operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making, which are critical to the success of the Bank's operations. The Scrum Master will work closely with the Knowledge 360 platform and sector agents, ensuring alignment with SAFe principles and the broader vision of the Knowledge Bank. The role is integral to empowering operational staff, team leaders, and sector experts to access and utilize institutional knowledge effectively, thereby contributing to the overall mission of the World Bank Group.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Scrum Master will be responsible for a variety of duties aimed at enhancing team performance and operational efficiency. Key responsibilities include:

• Coaching the Agile Team: Helping teams to self-organize and self-manage while delivering through effective Lean-Agile methods. Fostering an environment that promotes high-performing team dynamics, continuous flow, and relentless improvement. Facilitating Agile/SAFe ceremonies to ensure effective collaboration and communication across teams.
• Team Performance Improvement: Monitoring team progress and utilizing metrics to identify areas for enhancement. Assisting in identifying and resolving impediments that affect the Agile team's productivity. Facilitating cross-team collaboration to improve overall team performance.
• Program Increment (PI) Planning Facilitation: Guiding the preparation process for PI planning and drafting PI plans in coordination with the Agile team. Assisting the product owner in refining and prioritizing the product backlog to align team efforts with strategic objectives. Identifying, tracking, and managing dependencies to ensure that sprints are executed as planned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Associate Scrum Master position typically require a Master’s degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Additionally, candidates must possess a SAFe Scrum Master certification, which demonstrates their understanding of Agile methodologies and their application in a Scrum environment. The ideal candidate will also exhibit strong leadership qualities and the ability to foster a collaborative team environment.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Associate Scrum Master position includes a Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as Information Technology, Business Administration, or Project Management. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree in a similar field combined with extensive experience in Agile project management may also be acceptable. The emphasis is on having a solid understanding of Agile principles and practices, as well as experience in leading teams in a dynamic environment.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have significant experience in Agile project management, typically 5 years with a Master’s degree or 7 years with a Bachelor’s degree. This experience should include a proven track record of successfully leading Agile teams, facilitating Scrum ceremonies, and implementing Lean-Agile methodologies. Candidates should also have experience in program increment planning and managing dependencies within Agile frameworks, demonstrating their ability to enhance team performance and operational efficiency.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, which is essential for effective communication within the organization and with stakeholders. While no additional languages are specified as preferred, proficiency in other languages may be beneficial in a multicultural work environment, especially given the global nature of the World Bank's operations.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 3 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 employees regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The role is full-time and is based in Sofia, Bulgaria.