Product Management Officer

Job Description

Early Childhood Development and Digital Programming

High-quality Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs provide the foundation for children’s future academic success, health, prosperity and wellbeing. A large body of scientific evidence emphasizes the need for increased investment in early childhood, particularly for children experiencing conflict, crisis and displacement; these children are extremely vulnerable to the long-lasting effects that prolonged stress has on the developing brain. With the generous support of the MacArthur Foundation’s inaugural 100&Change grant, the LEGO Foundation and the Bezos Foundation, the IRC and Sesame Workshop have partnered to provide quality early childhood development programs for refugee and host communities in the countries affected by the Syrian refugee crisis in the Middle East. Focusing on children in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria over the course of five years, the Ahlan Simsim, Play to Learn and Vroom projects combine a depth of in-person activities and digital content, aiming to reach 1.5 million children and caregivers across the region.

Digital programming is a strategic priority for Ahlan Simsim. In line with the progress and development of Ahlan Simsim digital products, AS is looking for a product manager to fill the gap and guide the success of multiple digital educational products and lead a cross-functional team. This role will involve crafting and executing a clear vision for each product, ensuring they meet the needs of our target audience. The Product Manager will be pivotal in prioritizing product features, defining product roadmaps, and working closely with developers, content creation, and marketing teams to deliver high-quality, impactful educational content. They will also be responsible for analyzing market trends, gathering customer feedback, and iterating products to ensure they remain relevant and effective. The ideal candidate will possess a passion for early childhood education, a strong background in digital product management, and the ability to inspire and lead diverse teams towards achieving common goals.

Product Management Officer - Ahlan Simsim Digital Programming:

The Product Management Officer will assist in developing and managing these products, working closely with cross-functional teams, and gaining valuable experience in a dynamic, international NGO setting.

Main Responsibilities:

1. Support in Product Development and Execution:

Assist in defining product vision and strategy in line with organizational goals.

Contribute to planning, execution, and monitoring of product development.

Support coordination among technical, content, and marketing teams.

2. Collaboration and Communication:

Work within a cross-functional team, facilitating communication and collaboration.

Engage with internal and external stakeholders under guidance.

3. Market Research and User Engagement:

Assist in market analysis and user research to understand audience needs.

Support the use of feedback and data for product iteration and enhancement.

4. Team Support and Learning:

Learn from and support team members across various functions.

Participate in training and professional development opportunities.

5. Quality Assurance:

Assist in ensuring product compliance with educational standards and guidelines.

Support testing and quality assurance processes.

6. Performance Tracking:

Help monitor product performance against key indicators.

Contribute to product optimization based on data analysis.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Digital Projects Coordinator– Ahlan Simsim

Other Internal and/or external contacts:

- Internal: ECD staff (regional and countries’ teams), Technical Advisors (region and HQ based), IRC support staff; - External: Vendors and consultants

Qualifications

- Bachelor's degree in Education, Technology, Computer Science, or related field. - Interest or experience (including internships) in product management, ideally in the education technology sector. - Basic understanding of software development and web technologies. - Familiarity with Agile methodologies and collaborative tools. - Interest in educational technology trends and diverse learning needs. - Strong organizational and communication skills. - Ability to work effectively in a team and adapt to changing environments. - Commitment to IRC's mission and values. - Fluency in English and Arabic

Working Environment: Standard office work environment. Position based in Jordan or remotely in a similar time zone, reporting to the Regional Digital Projects Coordinator.