Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MInT)on behalf of the National ID Program invites eligible Individual Consultants to Junior Product Owner - Expert II at Ethiopian National ID Program

Bid Closing Date: Oct 12, 2023 2:30 PM

Bid Opening Date: Opening Date

Published On: Ethiopian Herald

Bid document price: 0

Bid bond: 0

Region: Addis Ababa

Request for Expression of Interest
(Consulting Services - Individual Selection)

Recruitment of Junior Product Owner - Expert II at Ethiopian National ID Program

Country: Ethiopia
Project: Ethiopia Digital Foundations Project
Project ID: P171034
Credit No. IDA-68560

Assignment Title: Recruitment of Junior Product Owner - Expert II at Ethiopian National ID Program

Reference No.: ET-MINT-383699-CS-INDV

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Ministry of Finance (MOF), has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Ethiopia Digital Foundations Project ("Digital Foundations"). The Ethiopian National ID Program is one of the beneficiaries of the project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for selecting of individual consultants.

National ID Program as part of the project is looking for an Individual Consultant to provide technical assistance that supports the program. Experienced individual consultants who have experience, passionate and innovative ideas for the position of Junior Product Owner - Expert II are invited to express their interest for the assignment.

The Junior Product Owner expected to focus in supporting Senior Product Owner and the overall services for the National ID Program in Ethiopia. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including software engineers, designers, data analysts, and government stakeholders to deliver high-quality and user-centric solutions.

The Junior Product Owner will have the overall responsibility of leading and coordinating the core system and any important extensions, development as well as testing, and maintenance relating to biometrics. Technology ownership and interoperability is one of the most crucial elements of owning the platform and hence is one of the major responsibilities expected in collaboration with other experts in the area. The role requires identifying, validating, and implementing biometrics standards and the best sustainable integration options for the core identification platform.

Specific responsibilities for the Junior Product Owner will include, but are not limited to, the following core activities:

1. Collaborate with senior product owners and stakeholders to understand product requirements and user needs.

2. Assist in developing and maintaining the product roadmap, ensuring alignment with the overall company vision and the National ID Program objectives.

3. Help define clear product requirements, user stories, and acceptance criteria, ensuring they are well-documented and communicated to the development team.

4. Work closely with cross-functional teams to prioritize and manage the product backlog, ensuring that development efforts are focused on delivering value to users.

5. Support the coordination of sprints, sprint planning, and backlog refinement sessions, ensuring that the development team has a clear understanding of the product vision and priorities.

6. Conduct user testing and gather feedback to inform product improvements,  working closely with the UX/UI team.

7. Monitor product performance metrics and gather user data to identify areas for improvement and optimization.

8. Assist in the preparation of product documentation, including user manuals, release notes, and training materials.

9. Stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in the digital identity and government sectors.

MinT on behalf of National ID Program now invites eligible Individual Consultants to indicate their interest to provide the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services for a period of one year with possibility of extension for additional period subject to outstanding performance of the consultant and availability of budget.

The shortlisting criteria include the following:

1.    Bachelors degree with a minimum of 2 years experience or a Masters degree in computer science, information technology, management, economics, law, natural or social-related fields.

2.    Prior experience as a Product Owner, Product Analyst, or similar role is a plus.

3.    Knowledge of product management principles, methodologies, and agile practices.

4.    Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a detail-oriented approach.

5.    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams.

6.    Familiarity with agile development methodologies, such as Scrum or Kanban. Basic understanding of software development processes and tools.

7.    Passion for technology, digital identity, and making a positive impact on citizens lives.

8.    Ability to adapt to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.

9.    Knowledge of the Ethiopian technology landscape and the National ID Program is a plus.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Banks "Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers" July 2016 ("Procurement Regulations"), setting forth the World Banks policy on conflict of interest. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Selection of Individual Consultant (Section V) method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

Expressions of interest (CV, cover letter specifically indicating the position and reference number of the position and documentary evidence for fulfilling the qualifications must be delivered by email through the addresses indicated below (all emails should be addressed) on or before October 12, 2023. Further information can be obtained by email at the below address during office hours from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Addis Ababa time:

Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia,
Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MINT)
Ethiopia Digital Foundations Project
Attn: Focal Person, Project Implementation Unit (PIU)
Address: Arada Sub-city, off Churchill Road, behind Lycée Guebre-Mariam, E-mail: tessedf@gmail.com , jermiyasy@gmail.com , blen@id.gov.et , info@id.gov.et 

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MINT)

Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MINT)
Ethiopia Digital Foundations Project