Product Owner (IT Officer)

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a prominent global partnership consisting of five institutions dedicated to addressing the most pressing development challenges faced by countries around the world. Established with the mission to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity, the organization has grown to encompass 189 member countries and operates in over 130 offices globally. The World Bank Group is recognized as one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing nations, leveraging its extensive resources to invest in innovative projects that foster sustainable development. The organization is committed to utilizing data, research, and technology to devise effective solutions for urgent global issues, making it a pivotal player in international development.

Job Overview:
The Product Owner (IT Officer) position at the World Bank Group is a critical role within the Information and Technology Solutions (ITS) Vice Presidential Unit (VPU). This role is designed for an experienced and versatile individual who will be responsible for collaborating with users and business partners to identify their needs and translate them into actionable product requirements. The Product Owner will define the product vision, create a product roadmap, and oversee all stages of product development, from design to implementation. This position requires a strong focus on client-centric service delivery, ensuring that the solutions developed meet or exceed user expectations and deliver tangible business value. The candidate will engage in agile methodologies, utilizing data-driven decision-making to monitor and evaluate product progress, and will work closely with various stakeholders to ensure alignment and effective communication throughout the product lifecycle.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Product Owner include engaging with business stakeholders to fully understand their needs and challenges, translating these into viable product requirements and features. The individual will create and maintain the product vision and roadmap, prioritize the product backlog, and write effective user stories. They will drive product execution in collaboration with cross-functional teams, manage stakeholder relationships, and deliver regular status updates to clients. The Product Owner will also plan and execute updates and future releases, prepare estimates, oversee all stages of product development, and lead user acceptance testing. Additionally, they will actively engage with design and digital acceleration teams, assess the impact on end users, develop measurable product KPIs, and monitor client needs and industry trends.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in business, computer science, or a related field, along with a minimum of 5 years of product management experience. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree with 7 years of product management experience is acceptable. A strong understanding of business goals and the ability to translate them into product requirements is essential. Candidates should have at least 4 years of experience in developing and operationalizing product strategies and managing the full product lifecycle, as well as a minimum of 3 years of experience in Agile methodologies such as Scrum and Kanban. Familiarity with Agile planning tracking tools like Azure DevOps is also required. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully developing and launching technology products in large-scale environments and possess solid knowledge of IT development lifecycles and methodologies.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in business, computer science, or a related field. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree are also considered if they have sufficient relevant experience. The emphasis is on a strong academic foundation that supports the technical and managerial aspects of product ownership in the IT sector.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position includes a minimum of 5 years in product management for candidates with a Master's degree, or 7 years for those with a Bachelor's degree. Candidates should have substantial experience in developing and operationalizing product strategies, managing the full product lifecycle, and working within Agile frameworks. A minimum of 4 years of experience in product management roles is essential, along with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across teams and manage stakeholder relationships.

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

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity 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 employees regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The role is full-time and emphasizes a collaborative work environment that values innovation and adaptability.