Ubongo | Chief Product/Content Officer
Ubongo | Chief Product/Content Officer

Ubongo | Chief Product/Content Officer

Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead product development and create engaging educational content for kids across Africa.
  • Company: Join Ubongo, the largest edutainment organization in Africa, dedicated to transforming children's learning experiences.
  • Benefits: Work remotely or relocate to vibrant cities like Dar-es-Salaam or Johannesburg with a dynamic team.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on children's education while fostering creativity and fun in learning.
  • Qualifications: Over six years in edutainment or education sectors, with strong leadership and product management skills.
  • Other info: Applications are rolling; early submissions are encouraged for this exciting opportunity.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

About Ubongo

Ubongo is a non-profit social enterprise with the mission of using top quality, localized edutainment to help Africa’s 500 million kids learn, and leverage their learning to change their lives. It is the largest edutainment organization in Africa. Ubongo\’s long term vision is to equip Africa’s next generation with the educational foundation, critical skills and positive mindsets to change their lives and communities for the better.

Location

Ideally, we are looking for candidates who can be based in either Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, or Johannesburg, South Africa (either already located there or willing to relocate). However, if relocation is not possible, we are open to candidates who are able to travel frequently to these locations.

Key Responsibilities

  • Extensive product landscape analysis: Assessing need for current and future products as well as articulating product visions with plans for achieving them.
  • Leading and developing Ubongo teams to plan, design, and produce existing and new content in line with organisational strategic priorities.
  • Using data, identifying opportunities for (doers at) scale with external product partnerships
  • Using data to identify opportunities for product innovation.
  • Hiring and developing leaders in creative, technical, and management positions when and if required.

Shared Key Responsibilities

  • Co-owning Ubongo’s vision, mission, and strategy with other C-suite members and Board, including maintaining the organisation’s strong ‘Utu’ culture across teams.
  • In collaboration with the C-Suite, setting the strategic direction for Ubongo’s portfolio of products.
  • Collaborating with Ubongo teams like Distribution, Impact, and Marketing and Comms. to ensure cohesion in product delivery, measurement, and communication.
  • Developing and implementing product and production budgets in collaboration with the COO and CFO.

Desired Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

  • Passion for Ubongo’s mission and vision.
  • Passion for the creative space and a love of fun (keeping your inner child alive and well)!
  • Passion for contributing to quality education content for children across Africa
  • and helping them find the fun in learning.
  • Over six years’ experience working in the edutainment, children’s media, and/or education sectors (experience working at nonprofits is a plus).
  • Ability to stay up to date on sector trends and developments that might influence the success and impact potential of Ubongo products, and respond accordingly.
  • Ability to use data to drive continuous improvement in all product-related functions.
  • Ability to communicate fluently in English (proficiency in other local languages is a plus) and work with distributed teams.
  • Ability to remain action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative.
  • Experience developing and/or contributing to organisational strategy, and setting and achieving strategic objectives collaboratively.
  • Over five years’ experience in product management, including managing all aspects of the programme/product lifecycle.
  • Excellence in team management with the ability to coach, manage, and develop high-performing teams.
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to effectively articulate, and facilitate buy in for, product strategy across the organisation and key stakeholders.
  • Experience in road-mapping and prioritisation for multiple products across an organisation.
  • Comprehensive understanding of human-centered design and universal design.

Shortlist (www.shortlist.net) is our exclusive recruitment exclusive partner for this role. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is closed, though early applications are strongly encouraged.

To apply, click the \”Easy Apply\” button or share your cover letter and resume/LinkedIn profile using the contact details below. If you would like to refer someone from your network or have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us.

Ashbira Singh

Associate Partner

ashbira@shortlist.net

Alisha Coelho

Talent Consultant

alisha@shortlist.net

Ubongo | Chief Product/Content Officer employer: Ubongo

Ubongo is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of Africa's children through innovative edutainment. With a vibrant work culture that emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and a strong sense of community ('Utu'), employees are empowered to grow professionally while contributing to a noble mission. Located in the dynamic cities of Dar-es-Salaam or Johannesburg, Ubongo offers unique opportunities for personal and professional development in a supportive environment that values passion for education and fun.
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Contact Detail:

Ubongo Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Ubongo | Chief Product/Content Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarize yourself with Ubongo's mission and vision. Understanding their focus on localized edutainment for African children will help you align your experience and passion with their goals during discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the edutainment and education sectors, especially those who have experience in nonprofits. This can provide valuable insights into the industry and potentially lead to referrals.

✨Tip Number 3

Stay updated on current trends in children's media and education. Being knowledgeable about the latest developments will demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in product management.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your experience in team management and product lifecycle management. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led teams or projects that align with Ubongo's strategic priorities.

We think you need these skills to ace Ubongo | Chief Product/Content Officer

Product Management
Team Leadership
Strategic Planning
Data-Driven Decision Making
Creative Content Development
Budget Management
Human-Centered Design
Communication Skills
Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams
Adaptability
Entrepreneurial Mindset
Understanding of Edutainment Sector
Experience in Nonprofit Organizations
Fluency in English and Local Languages

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand Ubongo's Mission: Before applying, take some time to understand Ubongo's mission and vision. Reflect on how your personal values align with their goal of providing quality education through edutainment for children in Africa.

Tailor Your Cover Letter: Craft a compelling cover letter that highlights your passion for education and edutainment. Be sure to mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead product development and manage teams effectively.

Showcase Relevant Experience: In your resume, emphasize your experience in the edutainment or education sectors, particularly any roles that involved product management or team leadership. Use quantifiable achievements to illustrate your impact in previous positions.

Highlight Data-Driven Decision Making: Ubongo values the use of data to drive product innovation. Include examples in your application that showcase how you've used data to inform decisions, improve products, or identify new opportunities in your past roles.

How to prepare for a job interview at Ubongo

✨Show Your Passion for Edutainment

Make sure to express your enthusiasm for Ubongo's mission and vision during the interview. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to quality education content for children, especially in the African context.

✨Demonstrate Data-Driven Decision Making

Prepare examples of how you've used data to drive product innovation and improvements in your previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific metrics or outcomes that resulted from your data-driven strategies.

✨Highlight Team Management Skills

Discuss your experience in leading and developing high-performing teams. Provide examples of how you've coached team members and fostered a collaborative environment that aligns with Ubongo's 'Utu' culture.

✨Understand Human-Centered Design

Familiarize yourself with human-centered design principles and be prepared to discuss how you have applied these concepts in your past work. This will demonstrate your ability to create products that truly meet the needs of children and their learning experiences.

Ubongo | Chief Product/Content Officer
Ubongo
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  • Ubongo | Chief Product/Content Officer

    Full-Time
    43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-01-21

  • U

    Ubongo

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