New Vacancies at The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional group of fifteen West African countries. Founded on 28 May 1975, with the signing of the Treaty of Lagos, its mission is to promote economic integration across the region.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Principal Programme Officer, Quality And Standards
Location: Abuja
Institution: ECOWAS Commission
Grade: P5
Status: Permanent
Directorate: Industry
Department: Industry & Private Sector Promotion
Division: Quality & Standards
Line Supervisor: Director, Industry
Supervising: PO, Accreditation & Certification
Role Overview
- Under the supervision of the Director of Industry contribute to industrial development and growth of ECOWAS through the promotion of standardization, quality assurance, accreditation and metrology and the overall quality infrastructure in the region.
Role and Responsibilities
- Implement the ECOWAS Quality Policy (ECOQUAL) and its strategy framework;
- Implement ECOWAS Standards Harmonization Model (ECOSHAM);
- Facilitate the availability of scientific metrology services in the region in collaboration with National Metrology Institutes and coordinate the harmonization of appropriate legal framework for a functional metrology system;
- Encourage harmonization of scientific, legal and industrial metrology and related laws to enhance metrology services development in ECOWAS;
- Support traceability of National Measurement Standards and uniformity of measurement units in the region;
- Promote Quality Culture and awareness raising in ECOWAS;
- Support the development of education, training and human resource development on quality and standards;
- Provide support towards enhancing collaboration with development partners to mobilize financing resources for the development of quality infrastructure in the region;
- Collaborate with National Standards Bodies (NSBs) in Member States to harmonize standards in the region;
- Facilitate active involvement of stakeholders in the initiation and development of standards;
- Develop and encourage the enforcement of technical regulations in ECOWAS;
- Collaborate with relevant stakeholders and institutions to establish Conformity Assessment Infrastructure in ECOWAS;
- Facilitate the establishment of internationally recognised Regional Accreditation Body that will offer efficient services to the national Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs);
- Encourage the linkage of the Regional Accreditation Body to affiliate to continental and global accreditation bodies;
- Foster and strengthen partnerships with international organizations responsible for quality development and support Member States membership of International Quality Organizations;
- Carry out other responsibilities that may be assigned by the Director of Industry.
Academic Qualifications and Experience
- Master's degree (or equivalent) in Science (Physics, Chemistry & Microbiology), Engineering, Quality Management or in a related field from a recognized University.
- 10 years of professional experience in industry, private sector or in an international organization in the area of industry and private sector promotion; including 5 years’ experience at supervisory level;
- Knowledge of quality assurance, standards development & harmonization and any other, such as conformity assessment, accreditation, technical regulations & metrology;
- Knowledge of industrial competitiveness of the region through provision of quality infrastructure system as well as protection of consumers and the environment for sustainable deveopment.
- Knowledge of institutional capacity building initiatives and experience in program planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation ;
- Experience in establishing linkages to improve services along the value chains;
- Understanding of the development sector.
Age Limit:
- Be below 50 years old. This provision does not apply to internal candidates.
ECOWAS Key Competencies:
- Ability to lead in assigned programmes and projects by providing the necessary managerial and operational expertise required for the fulfillment of the organization’s mandate;
- Ability to develop and implement stakeholder management plans, programs and initiatives to obtain buy-in on new initiatives, to better understand dissenting views, to obtain resources and to increase perceptions of success.
- Ability to create a diverse and inclusive interactive environment that benefits from diverse strengths bringing together innovative practices;
- Ability to remain objective in managing conflict regardless of cultural differences /positions, gender differences, and encourage other staff to overcome cultural and gender bias and differences;
- Ability to serve the interest of culturally diverse multinational teams/organizations/communities and persons with disability without prejudice and bias.
- Understanding of the ECOWAS organizational structure, associated dynamics and expectations as required to collaborate, participate, contribute and lead effectively;
- Knowledge of the ECOWAS mandate, strategic plan/priorities as well as the economic, political and social situation and trends in member states, as pertains to own scope of work;
- Knowledge of ECOWAS best practices, program management approaches and research techniques to lead and/or contribute to the development or assessment of programs, projects or initiatives;
- Ability to communicate with impact, clearly and concisely in a succinct and organized manner conveying credibility & confidence when making presentations, setting expectations and explaining complex issues;
- Ability to listen intently and correctly interpret messages from others and respond appropriately;
- Accomplished technical writing and editing skills;
- Ability to lead by example and organize teamwork to encourage cooperation to achieve targeted results, champion and build momentum for change and to bring about employee engagement; develops and implements internal controls for pilot program to manage potential barriers to implementation;
- Ability to bring together complementary skills/expertise, assess individual contributions and recognize/address accomplishments and shortcomings in a manner that brings continued success to the organization;
- Ability to manage and co-ordinate client management initiatives and make recommendations;
- Ability to develop and implement best practices in client services;
- Ability to give constructive feedback, provide recognition, address shortcomings and motivate direct reports to work at peak performance;
- Ability to use participatory approach in project planning and identify gaps affecting the achievement of program/project expectations and to design and implement intervention plans required to build the desired task;
- Ability to implement rigorous monitoring and evaluation practices and to set in place regular reporting schedules relevant to key outputs;
- Ability to plan, organize, control resources, and to comply with policies, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.
- Knowledge of the ECOWAS rules and procedures in order to appropriately interpret and apply directive text, provide technical advice, coach others and assess performance.
- Ability to analyze a situation by way of indicators to assess the costs, benefits, risks, and chances for success, in making decisions;
- Ability to break down very complex situations/information into simple terms to explain recommendations and conclusions aimed at solving problems or improving operations/programs/projects;
- Ability to develop new insights into situations, apply innovative solutions to problems and to design new methods of addressing issues or disconnects where established methods and procedures are inapplicable or no longer effective.
- Proficiency in information communication technologies(ICT);
- Fluency in oral and written expressions in one of the ECOWAS official languages of the Community (English, French & Portuguese). Knowledge of an additional one will be an added advantage.
- Organizational and project/program management skills with significant experience identifying timelines, targets, costs and resources necessary to deliver on operational/program/project outputs in line with result based management approach;
- Ability to set effective goals and targets for self, others, and the work unit and adjusting work or project priorities in response to changing circumstances;
Annual Salary
UA66, 123.98, USD104, 330.42
Job Title: Program Officer, Payment Systems
Location: Abuja
Institution: ECOWAS Commission
Grade: P3 / P4
Status: Permanent
Directorate: Private Sector
Department: Industry And Private Sector
Division: Investment Promotion/Financial Markets Development
Line Supervisor: PPO Investment Promotion & Payment Settlement
Role Overview
- Under the supervision of the PPO, Investment Promotions and Payment /Settlement Systems, the incumbent will support the formulation and implementation of programs and action plans to facilitate the emergence of an integrated financial markets in the region.
Role and Responsibilities
- Develop short, medium and long-term work programs and action plans to facilitate the integration and development of financial markets in the region
- Facilitate networking among financial sector participants in the region and develop linkages to the global financial market to increase investment and access to finance;
- Facilitate interconnectivity of financial markets infrastructure in member-states to engender free flow of capital across borders and promote financial inclusion;
- Support implementation of short, medium and long-term work programs and action plans for regional investment facilitation through enhancement of financial intermediation in the region;
- Facilitate the harmonization of regulations on capital issues, listing and trading requirements on the stock exchanges in the region;
- Collaborate with associations and institutions in the regional and international financial sector to facilitate the adoption of best practices on the stock exchanges and other segments of financial markets in the region;
- Collaborate with financial markets stakeholders to promote cross listings and the establishment of a regional stock exchange with diversified linkages in members states;
- Promote activities that will increase the use of diverse financial market instruments and institutions in raising capital for business in the region;
- Collaborate with stakeholders in the insurance industry to promote a regional risk mitigation and management framework and instruments for cross border business risks management in the region.
- Collaborate and organize meetings with experts and donors as necessary to promote the Regional financial markets;
- Perform other related duties as may be assigned by the PPO Investment Promotion and Financial Markets Development.
Academic Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Business Administration / Management, Economics, Finance, Banking or in a related field from a recognized University.
- 5 years of professional experience in industry, private sector or in an international organization in the area of industry and private sector promotion;
- Understanding of the functioning and operation of financial markets and respective financial markets infrastructure;
- Understanding of best practice financial markets and financial markets infrastructure governance and regulatory frameworks in a regional environment;
- Knowledge of institutional capacity building initiatives and experience in program planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation;
- Experience in establishing linkages to improve access to finance, employment and business advisory services in a regional environment;
- Understanding of the development sector;
- Technical capacity to lead formulation and implementation of comprehensive policy framework for financial markets governance in a regional environment;
- A professional qualification in finance, banking and allied professions will be an added advantage.
Age Limit:
- Be below 50 years old. This provision does not apply to internal candidates.
ECOWAS Key Competencies:
- Ability to persuade/influence others to consider a certain point of view, adopt a new idea or implement new methods and practices;
- Ability to lead a team of trainees/junior staff and instill a spirit of teamwork to engage employees and achieve a well-defined set of activities;
- Ability to respect chain of command in an appropriate manner;
- Ability to resolve challenges that occur with minimal direction and/or to recommend and explain solutions or alternatives for approval;
- Ability to utilize the Code of Ethics to manage self, others, information and resources;
- Ability to mentor others and create feedback loops with supervisors, colleagues and the subordinates to build strong working relationships and improve performance.
- Contribute to maintaining organizational unit’s performance goals and standards.
- Interpersonal skills with ability to keep a client informed of progress or setbacks in projects of relevance to timeline, quality and quantity;
- Ability to proactively interact with clients and build strong trusting relationships based on mutual respect and regular discussions;
- Ability to establish and sustain professional credibility with clients/stakeholders in a manner that anticipates their need, mitigates issues and that carefully balances professional obligations with the need to be sensitive and responsive to their needs;
- Ability to counsel, advise, consult and guide others on matters pertaining to assigned client service responsibilities and establishedclient service standards;
- Demonstrate respect for cultural differences, fairness and ability to relate well with people from varied backgrounds, nationality, gender, ethnicity, race and religion;
- Understanding of diverse cultural views especially within West Africa, with sensitivity to group differences; ability to challenge bias and to practice tolerance and empathy;
- Ability to listen actively, consider people’s concerns and apply judgement, tact and diplomacy;
- Ability to work in a diverse and inclusive interactive environment that benefits from diverse strengths;
- Ability and responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring equal participation of women and men in all areas of work;
- Ability to encourage, empower, and advocate for people in an unbias and transparent manner.
- Knowledge of ECOWAS institutions, sectors, programmes and policies;
- Knowledge of ECOWAS internal operational requirements of programs, projects, services and systems required to achieve work assignments and meet performance goals;
- Knowledge of rules and procedures of ECOWAS associated assigned responsibilities and ability to explain these clearly to others;
- Knowledge of ECOWAS culture, structures and performance issues and priorities impacting assigned responsibilities;
- Knowledge of member states development trends, indicators, challenges and opportunities as it relates to project/programme assigned to own position.
- Ability to study data/information from a variety of sources, identify anomalies, trends and issues, present findings, and makerecommendations;
- Ability to break down problems or processes into key parts to identify and solve gaps in service, quality assurance, compliance and performance targets;
- Knowledge of and ability to apply techniques to generate creative ideas and new approaches to meeting goals;
- Ability to use evidence and research to inform policies and programs and identify relevant and appropriate sources of information, including stakeholders, regional institutions and/or internal committees.
- Demonstrate operational computer proficiency using appropriate tools;
- Ability to make sound use of graphics and tables to effectively present numerical data to write semi-complex technical reports/proposals and edit/check templates, letters, etc.
- Ability to convey information clearly and concisely in a succinct and organized manner through both writing and verbal means, ;
- Exhibit interpersonal skills, make presentations, express opinions and debate ideas with others in a constructive manner;
- Fluency in oral and written expressions in one of the ECOWAS official languages of the Community (English, French & Portuguese). Knowledge of an additional one will be an added advantage.
- Ability to develop, implement an individual action plan for achieving specific work goals;
- Identify ,organize and monitor tasks throughout to facilitate execution;
- Ability to contribute and/or lead on projects as per accepted project management standards and techniques, to co-ordinate contributions by others to set and meet deadlines;
- Ability to organize work, set priorities, and work within timelines, giving attention to details, stakeholders, indicators and risks;
- Ability to identify, collect and assess indicators to monitor performance and to take proactive remedial action as required.
Annual Salary
UA49,106.81, USD77480.72 / UA56,591.37, USD89,289.87
Job Title: Principal Officer, Salary Policy & Pension Administration
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Grade: P5
Department: Human Resources
Directorate: Human Resources
Division: Salary Policy & Pension Administration
Line Supervisor: Director, Human Resources
Supervising: Salary Policy Officer; Employee Data Management & Reporting Officer; Pension & Staff Insurance Administration Officer
Role Overview
- Under the supervision of the Director, Human Resources, the incumbent oversees salary policy, Pension Administration, Insurance Management and Staff Data Management/Archiving
- The position is responsible for monitoring all tasks necessary to accomplish the organization’s payroll processing objectives, including relationships with internal/external auditors and all relevant stakeholders. The role manages payroll process and performs accounting-related tasks.
Role and Responsibilities
- Supervise human resources data management, archiving/payroll, pension management and staff insurance;
- Supervise Staff attendance management;
- Survey industry and/or community to determine organization’s competitive position in employee benefits;
- Study payroll systems to achieve alignment with HR benefits and other related and to ensure effective accounting support in line with best practices;
- Facilitate management and employee understanding of payroll procedures;
- Oversee the preparation of staff salaries and other emoluments on a monthly basis;
- Perform various variations analysis and reconciliations;
- Review and approve for processing, expenditures such as educational expense refunds and other staff related expenses;
- Supervise the preparation of payroll returns such as provident deductions and other payroll deductions and ensure the prompt payments of such returns;
- Implement budgetary control procedures and ensure that expenditures approved for payments have been provided for in the budget;
- Oversee the maintenance of all payroll records and ensure they are up to date;
- Review salary annually process in terms of annual increments;
- Maintain payroll pensions, benefits, allowances data in the ECOLink system;
- Facilitate smooth operation of pension schemes;
- Assure company compliance with provisions of Employee Retirement Income Security Act;
- Supervise the development of benefits information and statistical and census data for actuaries, insurance carriers and management;
- Oversee Staff Insurance such as Group Life and Group Accident Insurance;
- Supervise staff data and archiving management both electronically and physically;
- Audit and Oversee employee records management;
- Prepare reports (gross payroll, hours worked, vacation accrual, pension deductions, benefit deductions, etc.) for management quarterly, year-end and when required;
- Analyze and supervise preparation and input of payroll data. Typically uses ECOLink/HCM system to produce accurate and timely payroll. Ensures compliance with all applicable regulations;
- Perform any other tasks that may be assigned by the Director Human Resources.
Academic Qualifications and Experience
- Master's Degree (or equivalent) in Human Resources, Finance, Social Sciences or Humanities from a recognized University.
- 10 years of professional experience in Human Resources Management, including 5 years at a supervisory level;
- Broad knowledge of human resources management with in-depth knowledge of practices, procedures and processes in several of the following sub-functions: recruitment and promotion, training and executive development, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, HR information systems, analytics, reporting, monitoring, strategic and workforce planning, talent management, salary administration and financial planning, pension and organizational design/position administration ;
- Demonstrated practical knowledge of relevant employment laws, rules, regulations, and principles with deep understanding of opportunities and challenges unique to public sector management and international organizations;
- Knowledge of change management and organizational development, preferably in diversified and geographically dispersed public-sector and/or international organizations;
- Ability to lead on policy and program development initiatives, carry out consultations, produce options and research impacts/risks.
Age Limit:
- Be below 50 years old. This provision does not apply to internal candidates.
Ecowas Key Competencies:
- Ability to lead in assigned programmes and projects by providing the necessary managerial and operational expertise required for the fulfillment of the organization’s mandate;
- Ability to lead by example and organize teamwork to encourage cooperation to achieve targeted results, champion and build momentum for change and to bring about employee engagement;
- Ability to respect chain of command in an appropriate manner;
- Excellent self-management skills, demonstrating ethics and integrity, confidentiality and displaying due regards for internal controls of rules, delegations and transparency;
- Ability to bring together complementary skills/expertise, assess individual contributions and recognize/address accomplishments and shortcomings in a manner that brings continued success to the organization;
- Knowledge of program management at the level usually acquired from a certification in program management.
- Ability to research benchmarks and trends to bring about the best recommendations for the development and improvement of programs/projects that will best serve the community/organization;
- Well-developed networking and interpersonal skills to seek feedback, information and data from a network of professionals from multiple countries/sectors/organizations and to identify and prioritize the most critical community requirements;
- Ability to manage and co-ordinate client management initiatives and make recommendations;
- Ality to develop and implement best practices in client services;
- Ability to develop and implement stakeholder management plans, programs and initiatives to obtain buy-in on new initiatives, to better understand dissenting views, to obtain resources and to increase perceptions of success.
- Ability to be diplomatic, tactful and respectful of other people from varied backgrounds, understanding diverse cultural views especially within West Africa with the ability to convert diversity into opportunities to improve program/operational outcomes;
- Ability to create a diverse and inclusive interactive environment that benefits from diverse strengths bringing together innovative practices;
- Ability to remain objective in managing conflict regardless of cultural differences /positions, gender differences, and encourage other staff to overcome cultural and gender bias and differences;
- Ability and responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work;
- Ability to serve the interest of culturally diverse multinational teams/organizations/communities and persons with disability without prejudice and bias understanding of the ECOWAS organizational structure, associated dynamics and expectations as required to collaborate, participate, contribute and lead effectively;
- Knowledge of the ECOWAS mandate, strategic plan/priorities as well as the economic, political and social situation and trends in Member States, as pertains to own scope of work;
- Knowledge of ECOWAS best practices, program management approaches and research techniques to lead and/or contribute to the development or assessment of programs, projects or initiatives;
- Knowledge of the ECOWAS rules and procedures in order to appropriately interpret and apply directive or text, provide technical advice, coach others and assess performance.
- Ability to analyze a situation by using indicators to assess the costs, benefits, risks, and chances for success in making decisions;
- Ability to pull together information from different sources to identify the cause of problems, consequences of alternative causes of action, potential obstacles and ways to avoid the problem in the future;
- Ability to break down very complex situations/information into simple terms to explain recommendations and conclusions aimed at solving problems or improving operations/programs/projects;
- Ability to develop new insights into situations, apply innovative solutions to problems and to design new methods of addressing issues or disconnects where established methods and procedures are inapplicable or no longer effective.
- Ability to communicate with impact, clearly and concisely in a succinct and organized manner conveying credibility & confidence when making presentations, setting expectations and explaining complex issues;
- Ability to listen intently and correctly interpret messages from others and respond appropriately;
- Accomplished technical writing and editing skills;
- Exhibit active listening skills to encourage stronger communication amongst team members and to drive employee engagement in all institutions and agencies;
- Ability to give constructive feedback, provide recognition, address shortcomings and motivate direct reports to work at peak performance;
- Proficiency in information communication technologies(ICT);
- Fluency in oral and written expressions in one of the ECOWAS official languages of the Community (English, French & Portuguese). Knowledge of an additional one will be an added advantage.
- Organizational and project/program management skills with significant experience identifying timelines, targets, costs and resources necessary to deliver on operational/program/project outputs in line with result based management approach;
- Ability to set effective goals and targets for self, others, and the work unit and adjusting work or project priorities in response to changing circumstances;
- Ability to use participatory approach in project planning and identify gaps affecting the achievement of program/project expectations and to design and implement intervention plans required to build the desired task;
- Ability to implement rigorous monitoring and evaluation practices and to set in place regular reporting schedules relevant to key outputs;
- Ability to plan, organize, control resources, and to comply with policies, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.
Annual Salary
- UA66,123.98, USD104,330.42.
Job Title: Economic Advisor
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Grade: P5
Status: Permanent
Institution: Commission
Department: Office of the President
Line Supervisor Permanent Representative, Head of Bureau
Directorate: ECOWAS Permanent Representative’s Office in the Brussels
Role Overview
- Contribute to the realisation of the mandate of the ECOWAS Representative’s Office in Brussels through in particular, strengthening partnerships between ECOWAS and the different ACP-EU cooperation stakeholders – EU, ACP, Member States’ diplomatic missions, etc.
- He/She will also provide technical support for the Office’s mission and participate, under the supervision of the Representative, in activities for coordinating and monitoring commitments.
Role and Responsibilities
- Assist the Representative and represent him, as the need arises
- Participate in the coordination of activities of the Office and in daily administration
- Design and put in place strategies for enhancing cooperation and mechanisms for effective coordination with cooperation stakeholders
- Contribute to the meetings of the Group of Ambassadors of West Africa, by providing technical support for the formulation and consideration of the region’s interests and positions in the partnerships
- Monitor the implementation of the different EU financial commitments and instruments for West Africa including the monitoring of intra-ACP cooperation, institutional relations with the ACP Group
- Establish functional relations with Member States’ representations in Brussels, as well as stakeholders of the EU Commission and the ACP Secretariat
- Ensure functional relations and channels of information exchange between the Representation and the Commission’s technical departments
- Organise and implement, under the authority of the Representative, any activity aimed at promoting ECOWAS’s visibility in Brussels
- Contribute to the production of analysis and summary documents regarding issues under his/her purview
- Contribute to the preparation and organisation of the Commission’s working visits to Brussels
- Any other task that may be assigned by the Representative.
Academic Qualifications and Experience
- Master’s in Economics, International Relations or any related field from a recognized University.
- 10 years’ progressive professional experience, in related areas of development cooperation/trade cooperation/multilateralism, of which two years in a supervisory and managerial position
- Good knowledge of institutional and functional environment of international organisations such as EU, the ACP, AU, WTO, etc.
- Knowledge of instruments of development cooperation and multilateral rules
- Good knowledge of diplomatic rules
- Proven professional technical expertise in monitoring, coordination, data collection and analysis
- Organisational and project/programme management skills, experience in programming would be an advantage
- A certification in International Trade & Developing Economy will be an advantage
Age Limit:
- Be below 50 years old. This provision does not apply to internal candidates.
Ecowas Key Competencies:
- Ability to conduct activities by bringing necessary operational competences in use to properly accomplish the mandate of the Representation
- Good self-management skills, ethical conduct, integrity, confidentiality, transparency and compliance with rules and procedures
- Ability to respect to the chain of command
- Ability to represent ECOWAS before stakeholders
- Proactiveness, ability to respond to the expectations of stakeholders for continued and improved quality of cooperation relations
- Ability to network using well developed interpersonal relations, for the attainment of the goals of the Representative’s Office.
- Ability to manage and coordinate the initiatives of cooperation stakeholders and make recommendations
- Diplomatic skills and ability to work in a multicultural environment and transform vast opportunities, for achieving the goals of the Representative’s Office.
- Good understanding of ECOWAS organisational structure and functional relations, associated dynamics and expectations for effective collaboration, participation, contribution to the realisation of the Representation’s mandate
- Good knowledge of ECOWAS rules and procedures
- Good knowledge of the regional integration process, particularly ECOWAS strategic priority programmes as well as Member States’ socio-economic and development policy.
- Ability to gather, analyse and summarise information from different sources, logical dissemination thereof and making of appropriate recommendations to the stakeholders
- Proven analytical, drafting, summarising skills
- Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and organised manner, to give credibility and inspire confidence with presentations, identification of expectations and explanation of complex problems
- Good oral and written skills in one of the official languages of ECOWAS (English, French, and Portuguese).
- Proven technical skills in drafting and editing
- Knowledge of computer software and information technology and communication tools.
- Ability to define goals and targets for the attainment of the objectives of the Representation and adjust priorities in the light of the changing circumstances
- Ability to use monitoring and evaluation instruments and produce regular monitoring reports of Representation’s activities.
Annual Salary
UA58, 475.23, USD92, 262.23
Job Title: Director, Trade
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Grade: D1
Status: Permanent
Department: Trade, Customs And Free Movement Of Persons
Directorate: Trade
Line Supervisor: Commissioner , Trade, Customs And Free Movement Of Persons
Supervising: Ppo Trade Facilitation and Development; Ppo Trade Policy, Negotiations And Promotion; Office Manager; Office Aide
Role Overview
- Under the supervision of the Commissioner, Trade, Customs & Free movement of Persons, the incumbent will be responsible for developing and supervising trade negotiations, policies, programmes and instruments.
Role and Responsibilities
- Communicate the President’s and Commissioner’s vision to staff, explaining how the Directorate’s activities align with them and how the Director expects the Directorate to carry-out set tasks on it;
- Stay on top of fast-moving technical, political, social or economic changes;
- Be in regular contact with the other Directors in the Institution to ensure that the work is harmonized with that of other Directorates as needed;
- Maintain a network of peer technical specialists and decision-makers in Member States, needed to ensure the smooth introduction of ECOWAS programmes;
- Plan annual goals, objectives, activities and budget tied to the Commission’s overall plans; measuring and monitoring goal achievement; negotiating suitable adjustments to goals and budgets;
- Implement performance-based budgeting within the Directorate;
- Organise the Directorate in an efficient way with clear reporting lines, minimal bureaucracy and optimal delegation of responsibilities and authority;
- Work with the relevant Directorate to ensure efficient and effective services such as recruitment, action on performance decisions, promotions and related matters;
- Set standards of work and creating mechanisms to monitor staff output and ensure that standards are maintained and deadlines met without compromising quality of work;
- Manage the system of setting individual performance planning and standards through available Performance Planning and Evaluation systems;
- Provide regular and prompt performance feedback to direct reports;
- Engage in the development of staff to ensure skills are built to match plans, goals and existing structures;
- Create productive working atmosphere within the Directorate to encourage staff participation;
- Contribute to the formulation of the Department’s and Directorate’s overall strategies and policies;
- Undertake or oversee the programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Directorate, including preparation of budgets, assigning and monitoring of performance parameters and critical indicators, reporting on budget/programme performance, evaluation of staff performance, interviews of candidates for job openings and evaluation of candidates;
- Manage, guide, develop and train staff under his/her supervision; foster teamwork and communication among staff in the Directorate;
- Chair meetings, seminars, etc., on substantive-related issues; and represents the Organization at international, regional, inter-agency meetings, seminars and conference;
- Direct technical guidance on programme design or implementation in an area where he or she has high-level technical expertise;
- Represent ECOWAS in professional meetings or working groups; make speeches, negotiate agreements, mediate disputes;
- Lead or participate in technical missions to develop projects and programmes;
- Advise President, Vice President and Commissioner on issues relating to the Director’s area of technical expertise;
- Work with the relevant specialized Parliamentary Committee on regional legislation, as needed;
- Develop and manage the network of trade teams based around the region, ensuring that all trade quotas and performance targets are achieved;
- Develop a Regional Trade policy framework for ECOWAS to deliver and achieve stretching quotas and bilateral/multilateral trade agreements within member states, including a trade plan and events calendar;
- Ensure integration of trade and investment activities within ECOWAS, maximizing the synergies offered by integration and cooperation;
- To ensure ECOWAS Trade activity is in line with national and regional policies and that trade within ECOWAS member states is fully benefiting from national initiatives;
- Undertake analysis of performance and progress against quotas and agreements and as a result liaise with ECOWAS, AU and relevant regional partners, ensuring incorporation of effective measures of the value to the regional and national economy of trade support activities;
- Build close working relationships with stakeholders: AU, UN, NEPAD, WTO, UNCTAD, EC and other sub-regional and international bodies;
- Perform other related duties as requested by the President.
Academic Qualifications and Experience
- Master's Degree (or equivalent) in Business Administration, Economics, International Trade Law / Economics, Statistics, Public Administration or in any related field in Trade from a recognized University.
- 12 years progressively responsible experience in applying the principles of economic and social development normally gained through programme development and management experience in an international organization preferably in the context of West-Africa; practical experience in the area of regional integration, trade, infrastructure and natural resources management;
- In-depth knowledge of economic and social policy development in key areas of regional integration, trade, investments, infrastructure development; land policy; agricultural development and industrialization;
- Demonstrated knowledge of West-African regional cross-border cooperation, West African migrations and migration policies protocol on free movement, the Right of Residence and Establishment and the related decisions, boundary delineation and demarcation;
- Knowledge of ECOWAS regional rules and regulations on customs tariff classification of goods and origin of goods and Customs tariffs and taxes compliance policies.
Age Limit:
- Be below 50 years old. This provision does not apply to internal candidates.
Ecowas Key Competencies:
- Senior leadership experience in establishing strategic partnerships, working collaboratively and building consensus with multiple internal and/or external stakeholders on complex issues in a multi-disciplinary governmental or international organizations;
- Knowledge of the ECOWAS mandate, strategic plan/priorities as well as the economic, political and social state/trends of member states, as pertains to own scope of work;
- Exhibit consistency on actions, values, methods, confidentiality, ethics, measures, principles, expectations and outcomes which connotes a deep commitment to do the right thing for the right reason, regardless of the circumstances;
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Heads of Institutions, elected officials and statutory employees to facilitate compliance, build engagement, resolve conflicts and obtain support for change;
- Ability to respect chain of command in an appropriate manner;
- Ability to promote a culture where people hold themselves personally accountable for results;
- Ability to provide leadership, management, and technical oversight for all project activities and program deliverables in accordance with ECOWAS legal and administrative practices and standards;
- Ability to conduct periodic reviews of staff performance in keeping with the ECOWAS performance management system and to mentor staff to ensure high levels of motivation, commitment, capacity, and teamwork;
- Ability to oversee project management, internal controls and stewardship of financial resources and to address issues in a confident and capable manner whilst making decisions that exemplifies impartial and non-partisan decision-making.
- Ability to exercise the initiative and resourcefulness necessary for simultaneously addressing a variety of stakeholder needs, pursuing multiple tasks and achieving positive outcomes;
- Ability to create synergies with client groups and others to achieve objectives in setting and monitoring service standards and indicators;
- Ability to motivate and engage others in promoting or adopting best practices in client services;
- Ability to identify and improve services and client interactions through appropriate networks and to create innovative ways of addressing these in an accountable and transparent manner.
- Knowledge of anti-discriminatory/human rights regulatory environment and ability to advance strategies to foster an inclusive working environment and healthy organization respectful of cultural diversity and gender equality and free from harassment and discrimination;
- Understanding of diverse cultural views especially within West Africa, being sensitive to group differences, gender issues and ability to contribute to, advocate for, and/or develop policies which are gender sensitive and responsive to various cultures;
- Ability to foster a diverse and inclusive interactive work environment that can effectively bring together a wide spectrum of ideas and experiences to solve problems, develop projects/programs and improve results;
- Ability and responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work;
- Ability to remain objective in managing conflict regardless of cultural differences /positions, gender differences, and encourage other staff to overcome cultural and gender bias and differences.
- Understanding of the ECOWAS organizational structure, workplace culture and dynamics;
- Ability to apply knowledge of ECOWAS legal framework, strategic priorities and operational standards to develop/modernize policies and programs and/or to implement policies and programs in a sustainable and effective manner;
- Well-developed business, social and political acumen, demonstrating a strong commitment to the vision and mandate of ECOWAS coupled with a broad knowledge of the economic, political and social situations and trends in member states;
- Sound judgment and decision-making skills on matters relating to policy and strategy development important to the realization of the ECOWAS mandate and the improvement of outcomes for member states.
- Ability to analyze reports as well as socio-economic and institutional dynamics and recognize areas of potential obstacles or challenges and develop innovative solutions or alternatives to address barriers and achieve strategic/operational priorities;
- Ability to anticipate and interpret the effects of environmental changes (social, economic and political),and its impact and make recommendations;
- Ability to identify/address strengths and weaknesses, stimulate creativity, reduce resistance to change and improve the achievement of strategic objectives;
- Ability to make prudent decisions relating to the management of human, financial and material resources.
- Ability to actively listen and understand perspectives of others to make informed assertions, decisions or recommendations;
- Ability to build multiple external collaborative relationships to support strategic and operational objectives; identify the key issues and accommodate the key players with well thought out communication and stakeholder management plans;
- Ability to communicate with clarity and conviction, make compelling presentations which promotes new insights, ideas and perspectives and a better understanding of issues and challenges;
- Exhibit active listening skills to encourage stronger communication amongst team members, to show care and make them feel valued and to drive employee engagement in all institutions and agencies;
- Excellent negotiation and conflict management skills focusing on building and nurturing effective and collaborative relationships;
- Proficiency in information communication technologies(ICT);
- Fluency in oral and written expressions in one of the ECOWAS official languages of the Community (English, French & Portuguese). Knowledge of an additional one will be an added advantage.
- Ability to prepare plans, set clear objectives in a consistent manner and have effective oversight of performance management practices to ensure that goals and standards are met;
- Ability to set effective goals/results and manage change in a manner that demonstrates resilience, composure and a positive outlook in an environment of uncertainty and ambiguity;
- Ability to enable the development of organizational and individual talent throughout the implementation of strategic, operational, programme, project and individual plans;
- Ability to implement plans, mobilize/engage people, identify critical success factors, mitigate risks, monitor indicators and feedback, initiate corrective measure and build capacities for sustainability;
- Ability to institute rigorous monitoring, and evaluation practices and to learn from setbacks and mistakes to ensure continuous improvement.
Annual Salary
- UA81,435.54, USD128,488.99.
Application Deadline 16th August, 2020.