Associate Senior Product Owner - Operations Procurement

Job #: req35935
Organization: World Bank
Sector: Information Technology
Grade: GG
Term Duration:  2 years 0 months
Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment
Location: Sofia,Bulgaria
Required Language(s): English
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date: 3/27/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 130 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org
ITS Vice Presidency Context 
The Information and Technology Solutions (ITS) Vice Presidential Unit (VPU) enables the World Bank Group to achieve its mission of ending extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet by delivering transformative information and technologies to its staff working in over 150+ locations. For more information on ITS, see this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=VTFGffa1Y7w
Role Overview 
The Product Manager is responsible for maximizing the value of products within the Information Technology Services (ITS) organization by defining and executing a clear product vision and strategy that aligns with organizational objectives and global best practices. This role ensures that products deliver measurable business value while adhering to ITS governance, security, and quality standards. The Product Manager leads cross-functional teams and applies Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) principles to enable incremental delivery through continuous planning and execution. 
In addition to core product management responsibilities, the role requires advanced knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI) concepts and applications, modern systems architecture including cloud-native and microservices design, and familiarity with Low Code / No Code platforms to accelerate solution delivery. The Product Manager will champion innovation, leveraging emerging technologies to optimize processes and enhance user experience. Acting as a strategic liaison between ITS leadership, business units, and technical teams, the incumbent fosters collaboration across Agile Release Trains (ARTs) and ensures transparency, compliance, and alignment with enterprise architecture and portfolio priorities. 
Job Description 
The Information and Technology Solutions Fiduciary Operations unit (ITSFD) is seeking a Product Owner – Operational Procurement to support the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of digital / agentic solutions that enable the World Bank Group’s Operational Procurement work program. 
In this role, the Product Owner is accountable for operationalizing procurement policy and business processes into scalable digital products. This includes translating procurement lifecycle activities such as planning, sourcing, evaluation, contract management, and compliance monitoring into prioritized product features that are secure, auditable, and aligned with fiduciary principles. The role focuses on ensuring that Operational Procurement users are supported through intuitive workflows, decision support capabilities, and automation that improve efficiency, transparency, and consistency across regions. 
The Product Owner serves as the primary interface between Operational Procurement business stakeholders and ITS delivery teams and plays a key role in maximizing product value through effective backlog management, stakeholder engagement, and Agile delivery practices. 
Duties and Responsibilities 
• Prioritize and execute product features and requirements to ensure alignment with Operational Procurement business objectives and institutional priorities 

• Translate procurement policies, operational needs, and stakeholder inputs into actionable and well prioritized product backlogs 

• Define and maintain the product vision and contribute to the development of product roadmaps reflecting operational priorities and modernization initiatives 

• Identify opportunities to improve procurement lifecycle processes through workflow optimization, automation, analytics, and system enhancements 

• Own, prioritize, and continuously refine the product backlog to maximize business value 

• Translate business, policy, and operational requirements into clear user stories, acceptance criteria, and non functional requirements 

• Ensure backlog items align with business outcomes, technical feasibility, security requirements, and compliance standards 

• Engage Operational Procurement specialists, policy owners, and end users to gather, analyze, and validate requirements 

• Facilitate backlog refinement sessions, product demonstrations, and feedback discussions 

• Collaborate closely with cross functional Agile teams, including developers, Scrum Masters, solution architects, and vendors 

• Participate in PI planning, sprint planning, reviews, and retrospectives 

• Ensure delivered solutions meet agreed requirements, quality expectations, and acceptance criteria 

• Ensure compliance with World Bank procurement principles, operational policies, and fiduciary controls 

• Incorporate security, privacy, audit, and risk considerations into product planning and delivery 

• Monitor product performance indicators and use data and feedback to inform prioritization and continuous improvement 

• Provide regular status updates and escalate risks and issues as needed 

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree in computer science/STEM  with 8 years relevant experience or bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 10 years relevant experience 

• Experience performing Product Owner or Product Management functions within enterprise systems 

• Experience supporting procurement, financial, or fiduciary business processes 

• Experience working in Agile delivery environments (Scrum, SAFe, or similar) 

• Experience collaborating with cross functional teams and diverse stakeholders 

• Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), SAFe Product Owner / Product Manager (POPM), or equivalent Agile product certification is desirable 

• Advanced Agile or product management certification such as SAFe POPM, SAFe Agilist (SA), PMI ACP, or equivalent will be plus 

• Continuous learning in digital product management, Agile delivery, or enterprise platforms is expected. 

• Strong knowledge of Operational Procurement processes, policies, and fiduciary controls will be plus 

• Ability to translate complex business and policy requirements into structured, outcome driven product backlogs 

• Familiarity with low code / no code platforms, particularly OutSystems, including use of visual workflows, reusable components, and rapid iteration 

• Ability to collaborate effectively with solution architects and developers to ensure low code solutions meet enterprise standards 

• Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills 
Core Competencies 
• Product and value orientation 

• Client orientation 

• Collaboration and teamwork 

• Sound judgment and decision making 

• Results focus 

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC including our values and inspiring stories.

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