Associate Product Owner

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a prominent global partnership consisting of five institutions dedicated to addressing the world's most pressing development challenges. Established with the 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 developing countries, leveraging its extensive resources to invest in innovative projects that utilize data, research, and technology to create sustainable solutions. The organization is committed to fostering collaboration between public and private sector partners to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Associate Product Owner position at the World Bank Group is a pivotal role within the Information Technology Solutions (ITS) Vice Presidential Unit (VPU). This role is designed for individuals who are passionate about leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency and decision-making processes within the organization. The Product Owner will be responsible for implementing the AI Sector strategy across various sectors, collaborating with sector experts to integrate domain knowledge into AI systems. This position requires a deep understanding of operational needs and the ability to translate these into effective AI-driven solutions. The Product Owner will lead the design, development, and continuous improvement of Sector Agents, ensuring that these tools provide measurable value to task teams and operational leadership while aligning with the broader Knowledge for Operations strategy and ITS modernization agenda.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Product Owner include identifying high-value AI opportunities by analyzing workflows and operational bottlenecks, defining the long-term AI vision and roadmap in collaboration with the Product Manager, and working closely with development teams to establish requirements for model selection and retrieval sources. The Product Owner will monitor agent performance through analytics, lead product marketing efforts for AI solutions, drive adoption and change management initiatives, and translate sector team needs into clear product requirements. Additionally, the role involves developing measurable product KPIs, managing vendor engagements, and actively monitoring client needs and industry trends to ensure the product remains relevant and effective.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Associate Product Owner position must possess a Master's degree in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) along with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree with 7 years of product management experience. They should have demonstrated expertise in Artificial Intelligence, including knowledge of machine learning and natural language processing, and the ability to translate complex business requirements into impactful product features. Familiarity with responsible AI frameworks and experience in developing adoption strategies for AI products are also essential. Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams are crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in a relevant STEM field, such as Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics. Alternatively, candidates with a Bachelor's degree in these fields combined with extensive product management experience will also be considered. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the technical aspects of AI and product development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience for candidates with a Master's degree, or 7 years for those with a Bachelor's degree. This experience should include a proven track record in product management, particularly in the context of AI and technology solutions. Candidates should demonstrate their ability to successfully develop and launch technology products in large-scale environments, as well as experience in managing vendor engagements and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the World Bank Group. While additional languages are not specified as required, having proficiency in other languages may be considered an asset, particularly in a multicultural work environment.

Additional Notes:
The Associate Product Owner position is a local recruitment role 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, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The role emphasizes a culture of urgency, thoughtful risk-taking, and empowerment, aligning with the World Bank Group's core competencies.