Applications should be sent to/ Les candidatures devront être envoyées à l’adresse / As candidaturas devem ser submetidas para : b60diradminfingiaba@ecowas.int

ROLE OVERVIEW:

Under the authority of the Director-General, the Director of Administration and Finance (DAF) provides leadership and management to major sector(s) of technical activities within his/her areas of responsibility, and which are substantively important to the accomplishment of GIABA/EGDC’s mandate.

The DAF shall be responsible for interpreting broad visions and policy guidelines, and for developing and managing goals and objectives to meet the mandate of the Institution and the ECOWAS in general.  S/he shall ensure strict compliance with ECOWAS Policies and Regulations relating to areas within his/her purview.

The Director shall be responsible for the design, formulation and implementation of an integrated framework of administrative, financial and human resource policies to enable GIABA & EGDC accomplish their missions.

S/he shall be responsible for the coordination of financial, administrative and human resource activities of the Institution and the Agency.  S/he shall provide guidance in the preparation, implementation and monitoring and reporting on the Institution’s annual budget and S/he shall ensure strict budget compliance and monitor use of all budgetary allocations.

Provide technical advice to all other directorates and staff on financial, administrative and human resource matters.  Ensure safety of staff and property through effective management of the Administration Division which includes facility management, Human Resource, IT and security services.

Create a vision and devise strategies for his/her Directorate directly linked to the Institution’s Goals and objectives.

ROLES AND RESPONSABILITIES :

·       Direct activities of the staff members of the Directorate including Professional and General staff. He or she shall utilize a range of managerial skills to ensure that staff members of the Directorate perform efficiently and effectively, and that they deliver the regular outputs needed at sufficient quality and in a timely manner.

·       Plan annual goals, objectives, activities and budget tied to GIABA/EGDC’s overall plans; measure and monitor goal achievement; negotiate suitable adjustments to goals and budgets.

·       Implement performance-based budgeting within the Directorate. Organize the Directorate in an efficient way with clear reporting lines, minimal bureaucracy and optimal delegation of authority.

·       Ensure effective and efficient management of the financial resources made available to the Institution.

·       Work with the relevant Directorates to ensure efficient and effective services are provided such as recruitment, action on performance decisions, promotions and related matters.

·       Set standards of work and create 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 reporting.

·       Actively engage in the development of staff to ensure skills are built to match plans, goals and existing structures.

·       The DAF will guide, supervise, mentor and coach staff within the three divisions of the Directorate as well as provide technical support to all other directorates and staff on Administration, Finance and Human Resource. S/he shall provide guidance in the preparation of the Institution’s annual budget.

·       Coordinate the administrative and financial management of the Institution, under the leadership of the Head of Institution and in accordance with the ECOWAS Rules and Regulations.

·       Coordinate the preparation of the draft and final Annual Budgets of the Institution.

·       Coordinate the various administrative duties and responsibilities relating to Human Resources, Finance, Conference, Languages, Procurement, Information Technology, Facilities Management &Transport, Insurance and General Administration and services, under the authority of the Director General and under conditions that may be determined by relevant regulations.

·       Ensure compliance with ECOWAS Financial Regulations Staff Regulations, the revised Tender Code and all other relevant policies and Regulations.

·       Operate, monitor and justify the utilisation of the Institution’s accounts.  (All bank accounts shall be operated only with prior authorisation from the Director General and shall be in the name of the Institution).

·       S/he is solely responsible, administratively and legally, for all funds, holdings and cheque books placed under the control of the Directorate.

·       Financially responsible for all operations of the GIABA/EGDC, and also be responsible for the safe keeping of the accounting records of the Institution.

·       Co-signatory of all cheques drawn on the bank accounts of GIABA/EGDC.

·       Maintain records of all funds and assets under such form as may be approved by ECOWAS Financial Regulations.

·       Ensure the preparation of periodic management reports as provided for in the ECOWAS Financial Regulations.

·       Ensure the preparation of Annual Financial Statements

·       Ensure the Annual Audit of Financial Statements

·       Ensure the establishment of a sound Human Resources Management Policy.

·       Execute any other duty as might be assigned by the Head of Institution.

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

·       Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Accounting and Finance, Business Administration (MBA), Public Administration, Economics, or in a similar discipline from a recognized university.

·       12 years of progressively responsible experience in managing finance and budget operations administration, financial management, or related field, including 6 years of relevant international work experience and 5 years at a supervisory level.

·       knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), budgeting and innovation in line with public finance reform; fiscal management skills and business acumen.

·       demonstrated professional ability and mastery of principles, techniques and practices related to one or more specialized services in a broad range of human resources, financial, IT, procurement communication, conference, records management and general administrative areas in an international and/or public sector institutions.

·       knowledge of financial and budgetary principles and practices, budget development and financial administration of resources and ability to develop budgetary policies, formulate new strategies /policies/programmes and technical approaches to budgetary matters, procedures, procurement.

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 organization.

·       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.

·       Consistency in actions, values, methods, confidentiality, ethics, measures, principles, expectations, and outcomes which connote 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 the 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 exemplify 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, and gender issues and ability to contribute to, advocate for, and/or develop policies that 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, and 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 the 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 that promote 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 measures, and build capacities for sustainability.

·       Ability to institute rigorous monitoring, and evaluation practices and to learn from setbacks and mistakes to ensure continuous improvement.