Product Manager - Data, Models, and Tools

Position

The position is open to candidates of all nationalities.

All nationals demonstrating 10 years of international work experience in at least 5 countries across 2 UN geographic regions (from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, and Oceania) would be considered for international positions (international hire).

Objective of the position

CDRI has developed a publicly available, fully probabilistic risk assessment platform to estimate the risk to infrastructure sectors from geological and hydrometeorological hazards, called GIRI (Global Infrastructure Risk Model and Resilience Index). CDRI is also developing tools such as impact forecasting for decision support systems, econometric models to assess fiscal risks, and the Resilience Cost Benefit Analysis Tool to evaluate infrastructure project budgets under different resilience scenarios. CDRI seeks an experienced professional in the role of Product Manager to lead CDRI’s products, such as GIRI and other tools, develop the roadmap for these, understand user and market needs, and continually support and improve these offerings. 

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the roadmap, requirements, and functional and technical specifications, including user stories and features for CDRI geospatial and infrastructure risk and resilience products, platforms, and tools, in alignment with CDRI’s data and technology strategy.
• Expand the strategy, roadmap, and functionality of these offerings to meet member country needs as CDRI’s mandate evolves.
• Develop Terms of reference for the engagement of consultants or procurement of services, including but not limited to the following aspects: hazard modelling, vulnerability and risk analysis, data procurement, development of web/mobile applications, data analysis, and procurement of innovative technology products.
• Review and provide input to the vendor engagement, including bidding documents, review/evaluation of bids, and negotiations with the vendors where required.
• Work with external modelling consultants, developers, and CDRI stakeholders by prioritizing features, participating in user feedback and research, and ensuring the products, tools, and offerings align with the needs of users by analyzing usage data.
• Conduct regular product progress meetings with the vendors.
• Manage a product backlog, prioritizing features and managing bug lists.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with other teams such as the CDRI Research, Knowledge Management & Capacity team, the GIRI Biennial Report team, the IRIS program team, the senior leadership of CDRI, as well as external consultants and developers, to support the use and adoption of CDRI’s products and tools.
• Be an expert on CDRI’s products and tool offerings.
• Educate and evangelize CDRI products to its member countries and organizations.
• Mobilizing technical experts from coalition member countries and partners to address specific needs in member countries. Engage with internal CDRI program teams to provide inputs and support to member countries and partners to foster interest in these products and in upgrading their existing tools to strengthen resilience.

Skills

• Demonstrated expertise in the running and applications of catastrophe/climate/other risk models.
• Demonstrated expertise in areas related to resilient infrastructure, such as disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and risk analysis.
• Experience in undertaking multi-stakeholder engagement.
• Experience with users’ needs assessment.
• Strong understanding of product management processes.
• Proven ability to work effectively in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to convey complex processes and challenges in a clear, engaging, and visually intuitive manner for diverse audiences.
• Analytical and strategic planning skills and the ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Familiarity with international frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the Paris Agreement.

Qualifications

• Master's or equivalent, in climate-related fields such as climate science, meteorology, disaster risk management, or an engineering field such as civil/structural/geology/environmental/transportation engineering, or urban planning. Candidates with international education are desirable.

Experience

• 10+ years of relevant work experience, including at least 4 years in a leadership role at the national or international level and at least 5 years working with catastrophe, climate risk, or related analytical models. The candidate will also have experience in product management - in the formulation and implementation of product vision, product strategy, and roadmaps.
• Experience working in an international organization and with a diverse number of partners comprising Governments, the UN, multi-lateral systems, industry, financial institutions, and knowledge and research institutions in multi-country locations. 

Reporting Line

• The incumbent will report to the concerned director or the appropriate role per the approved organizational structure.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English, both oral and written.
• Knowledge of any of the UN's official languages will be an asset.

How to Apply

If you have experience working in a similar capacity and want to make an active and lasting contribution to a global initiative spearheaded by India, please apply through the online application form only.