Product Owner

Umuzi.org; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A global NGO is seeking a Product Owner to translate partner briefs into structured projects within a supportive, remote environment. You will work with cross-functional teams, coach young people, and manage multiple projects. Candidates should have extensive experience in product management, strong relationship skills, and the ability to translate technical requirements effectively.

Benefits

Medical aid

Retirement annuity

Fully remote-first culture

In-person team events

Qualifications

• 8-10 years' experience in a product, project, or delivery role (agile or hybrid environments).
• Strong grasp of technology to translate between technical and non-technical teams.
• Experience in turning complex ideas into actionable, teachable work packages.

Responsibilities

• Translate real-world partner briefs into structured, achievable projects.
• Break down technical requirements into clear deliverables and timelines.
• Coach and mentor young people as they gain experience on real gigs.
• Collaborate closely with operations, data, and partnership teams.

Skills

Product management

Stakeholder management

Systems thinking

Coaching

Communication skills

Job description

Location : South Africa

Work model : Remote (can be based anywhere in South Africa). Need to be able to legally work in SA to be considered.

Salary : R55k-R70k CTC neg

Why you’d want to work here

• Purpose-led work that builds real skills and creates social impact
• Fully remote-first culture designed with connection in mind
• In-person team jams, coworking catch-ups and a yearly in-person
• Supportive, kind people who care about purpose and performance

Solid benefits

• Medical aid and retirement annuity
• A culture that values learning, accountability and joy

About our client

Our client is a global NGO on a mission to reduce inequality by connecting talented young people to high-value digital careers. They do this through project-based learning, hands‑on experience, and partnerships with leading organisations.

They’re looking for a Product Owner to join a team that turns real partner briefs into learning experiences and paid gigs. This is a role for someone who’s comfortable living at the intersection of tech, people and impact.

You don’t need to be a coding wizard — but you do need to understand tech, speak its language, and be able to guide others through it with confidence and empathy.

What the job involves

• Translate real-world partner briefs into structured, achievable projects
• Break down technical requirements into clear deliverables and timelines
• Coach and mentor young people as they gain experience working on real gigs
• Bring together cross‑functional teams to deliver quality work, on time
• Be the go‑between for learners, tech mentors and industry partners
• Maintain oversight of multiple projects in motion — managing quality, progress and outcomes
• Design and implement scalable processes for scoping, briefing, tracking and reporting
• Use your tech know‑how to problem‑solve, guide delivery and make informed decisions
• Collaborate closely with operations, data and partnership teams to keep everything flowing smoothly

What you need to be considered

• 8–10 years’ experience in a product, project or delivery role (agile or hybrid environments)
• A strong grasp of technology — you may not code, but you “get it” and can translate between technical and non‑technical teams
• Excellent relationship and stakeholder management skills
• Experience turning complex ideas into actionable, teachable work packages
• Comfort leading with empathy and coaching young people through real‑world delivery
• Strong systems thinking and organisational skills
• High ownership, accountability and the ability to juggle multiple moving parts
• A collaborative working style with strong communication and presentation skills

Bonus points if you

• Have worked in edtech, social innovation, or digital delivery environments
• Are familiar with agile, scrum or lean methodologies
• Have coached junior tech talent or mentored young professionals
• Understand data dashboards, pipelines or digital product development
• Are energised by helping others grow while getting great work done