Associate Senior Product Owner - Operations Procurement

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a unique global partnership of five institutions established with the mission to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. It is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, helping to solve the world’s greatest development challenges. The organization has 189 member countries and operates more than 120 offices worldwide, working with public and private sector partners to invest in groundbreaking projects and utilize data, research, and technology to bring about transformative change globally. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

Job Overview:
The Associate Senior Product Owner is tasked with co-creating, shaping, and managing the product vision and roadmap for the Financing product line within the World Bank Group. This role is crucial in ensuring that the product aligns with the organization's priorities, operational modernization agenda, and the evolving needs of clients. As a subject matter expert in Product and Portfolio Management, the Associate Senior Product Owner will focus on managing the team backlog and leading cross-functional collaboration to deliver innovative, high-quality products while optimizing them throughout their lifecycle. The role also involves monitoring product performance, identifying opportunities for improvement, and providing insights to inform decision-making and ensure successful execution of product strategies. This position is integral to the digital enablement of the Bank's business processes, which is increasingly critical in the context of sustainable development outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The specific responsibilities of the Associate Senior Product Owner include engaging with business stakeholders to understand their needs and challenges, translating these into viable product requirements and features. The role involves collaborating with the Product Manager and stakeholders to create a product vision and roadmap, maintaining and prioritizing the product backlog and user stories based on requirements. The Associate Senior Product Owner will drive product execution, manage relationships with stakeholders, deliver regular status updates, and plan future releases using a data-driven and agile approach. Additionally, the role requires preparing estimates, overseeing all stages of product development, leading user acceptance testing, and actively engaging with experience design and service delivery teams to incorporate user feedback and industry trends into the product. The Associate Senior Product Owner will also develop measurable product KPIs aligned with business goals and user objectives, and monitor client needs and industry trends.

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, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrated expertise in product ownership for complex products, including backlog management, performance monitoring, and team health is essential. Proven experience in stakeholder engagement, product performance management, value proposition development, data-driven decision-making, and product development lifecycle is required. Candidates should also have expertise in emerging technologies, systems thinking, change management, and innovation methodologies such as AI and design thinking. Experience in large, complex organizations or international development settings is preferred, along with strong executive communication and presentation skills.

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. Candidates should have a strong foundation in product management principles and methodologies, particularly in the context of technology and digital solutions.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position includes a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience for candidates with a Master’s degree, or at least 10 years for those with a Bachelor’s degree. Experience should encompass product ownership in complex environments, stakeholder engagement, and delivering solutions in a global delivery model. Familiarity with the World Bank’s financing operations and operational policies is preferred.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English. While no additional languages are specified as preferred, proficiency in other languages may be beneficial in a global organization like the World Bank Group.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment role with a term duration of 2 years. The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to being an equal opportunity and inclusive employer, ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The role is full-time and involves working within a dynamic and diverse organizational culture.