Digital Product Manager

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.

The Digital Project Manager will be responsible for the following key objectives:

1.     Strategic Product Leadership: Develop and articulate a comprehensive vision and strategy for Ahlan Simsim's digital educational products, ensuring they align with the organization's mission and broader educational goals. This includes overseeing the entire product lifecycle, from conception and development to launch and continuous improvement.

2.     Cross-Functional Team Management and Collaboration: Lead and motivate a cross-functional team comprising devevelopers, content creation, and marketing professionals. Foster a collaborative, innovative environment and ensure efficient communication and coordination among team members and with external stakeholders to meet product development timelines and objectives.

3.     Market Analysis, User Engagement, and Impact Assessment: Continuously analyze market trends and user feedback to adapt the product offerings for maximum educational impact. Define and implement metrics to measure user engagement and the educational effectiveness of the products, and use this data to guide iterative development and enhancement of the products.

Main Responsibilities:

1. Vision and Strategy Development:
• Define the long-term vision and strategic direction for digital educational products.
• Align product strategy with Ahlan Simsim’s overall mission and educational objectives.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and educational needs to ensure relevance and innovation.
2. Product Planning and Execution:
• Lead the planning, execution, and launch of new products and features.
• Prioritize product features and milestones, creating detailed roadmaps and timelines.
• Coordinate with the engineering team to ensure technical feasibility and timely execution.
3. Team Leadership and Management:
• Lead and inspire a cross-functional team, promoting a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Facilitate communication and decision-making between engineering, design, content, and marketing teams.
• Provide mentorship and support for team development and career growth.
4. User Research and Market Analysis:
• Conduct user research to understand the needs, behaviors, and pain points of the target audience.
• Analyze market trends to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.
• Incorporate user feedback and market insights into product development.
5. Stakeholder Engagement:
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to gather requirements and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Communicate progress and challenges to stakeholders, including executive teams.
• Build and maintain relationships with partners and vendors.
6. Quality Assurance and Compliance:
• Ensure products meet high-quality standards and comply with relevant educational regulations and guidelines.
• Oversee testing and quality assurance processes to identify and resolve issues before launch.
7. Performance Measurement and Optimization:
• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) for each product and track product performance against these metrics.
• Use data-driven insights to make informed decisions and optimize products post-launch.
• Continuously iterate and improve products based on user feedback and performance analysis.
8. Budget and Resource Management:
• Manage the budget for product development and monitor resource allocation.
• Ensure efficient use of resources and adjust plans as needed to meet organizational priorities.
9. Advocacy and Evangelism:
• Act as a product evangelist both internally and externally, promoting the product’s value and benefits.
• Participate in conferences, workshops, and other events to represent Ahlan Simsim and its products.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to:  Digital Projects Coordinator– Ahlan Simsim

·       Position supervises: Product Management Officer

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