• Exemptions Management
• Disarmament & Arms control
• IT & Database Management
• Advocacy and Communication

ROLE OVERVIEW

Under the supervision of Director, Peacekeeping & Regional Security, the Officer is providing overall direction and supervision on the implementation of ECOWAS Convention on SALW at regional and national levels.  Ensure the effective implementation of the Convention by coordinating all the actions necessary for the operationalization of articles of the Convention based on the assigned obligations at regional and national levels.  Continuing to strengthen on-going implementation efforts relating to the National Commissions on Small Arms in Member States; establishment of automated exemption process; regional/national Database and SALW Registers; effective border control; enhancing physical security and stockpile management practices; etc. Involve in periodic research work to examine and update on the emerging nature of threats of SALW and to share widely, the outcome of such research for policy and for public.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·       Provide overall supervision of the staff of the Division

·       Undertake action to reorient and reposition the Small Arms division to reflect current trends in disarmament and arms control

·       Design and Assign SALW programs, projects and activities at regional and national levels to subordinate

·       Engage in the delivery of all the obligations imposed on stakeholders by the ECOWAS Convention on SALW

·       Create effective relationships with Member States, particularly the National Commissions on SALW

·       Establish periodic indicators and benchmarks for the implementation of the Convention on SALW and report same

·       Support visibility and participation of ECOWAS/Member States at related regional, continental and global conferences and meetings

·       Support resources mobilization for implementation of the Convention on SALW etc.

·       Carry out any other duty as may be assigned by his supervisors

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations, Social Science, Economics, Law, Public Administration, or a related field from a recognized university.

• 10 years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution, or related field, including 6 years relevant international work and 5 years at a supervisory level.
• Knowledge of the work of intergovernmental bodies, the work of ECOWAS, and its related bodies concerned with political, economic, social, peace and security, and related matters with a technical ability to identify problems and propose policy options.
• Knowledge of the governance challenges in West Africa as well as the Commissions’ rules and procedures and the ability to evaluate international political situations with bequeathing skills in bilateral and multilateral negotiations.

AGE LIMIT:

Be below 45 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 fulfilment 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.

·       Develop and implement internal controls for the pilot program to manage potential barriers to implementation.

·       Ability to respect the chain of commands 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 coordinate client management initiatives and make recommendations.

·       Ability 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 people with disabilities 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 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, to show care and make them feel valued 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.