ROLE OVERVIEW

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Programme Officer, Transnational Organized Crime, the Programme Officer Security Services Cooperation will assist in providing technical support to cooperation of security services in the ECOWAS region through the implementation of the West African Police Chiefs Committee (WAPCCO) Constitution, mandate of the Committee of Chiefs of Security Services (CCSS), the Committee of Chiefs of Intelligence Services (CCIS), the Directive on Fighting Cybercrime Within ECOWAS and other relevant instruments relating to regional security cooperation and information sharing.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide technical support to cooperation of security services in the ECOWAS region through the implementation of the West African Police Chiefs Committee (WAPCCO) Constitution, mandate of the Committee of Chiefs of Security Services (CCSS), the Committee of Chiefs of Intelligence Services (CCIS), the Directive on Fighting Cybercrime Within ECOWAS and other relevant instruments relating to regional security cooperation and information sharing.
• Provide advice on result-based planning, implementation, coordination, monitoring, evaluation and review of Security Services Cooperation, Intelligence Cooperation and Combating Cybercrime programmes in Member States and at regional level.
• Support initiatives and programmes relating to Security Services Cooperation, Intelligence Cooperation and Combating Cybercrime across multiple Directorates and Departments to enhance synergy and coherence, joint planning, and joint implementation.
• Support organization of Annual General Assembly (AGA) of WAPCCO, CCSS and CCIS, and follow up with implementation of decisions and recommendations of the statutory bodies.
• Support organization of meetings of the WAPCCO Technical Sub-Committee on Training and Operations and Technical Sub-Committee on Harmonization of Legislation, and meetings of other Security Services.
• Facilitate cooperation, information sharing and sharing of experience between the CCIS and other relevant bodies and projects including the West African Police Chiefs Committee (WAPCCO), the Committee of Chiefs of Security Services (CCSS) and the West African Police Information System (WAPIS).
• Support harmonization of legislation relating to Security Services, Intelligence Cooperation and Cybercrime.
• Facilitate collation, sharing, analysis and dissemination of data and statistics relating to Security Services, Intelligence and Cybercrime from Member States so as to promote evidence-based decision making by stakeholders.
• Assist in Fostering result-oriented and mutually beneficial partnerships with relevant Member States’ agencies and institutions, civil society organizations, think tanks, other Regional Economic Communities, and development partners in the programme area.
• Support training and joint operations involving law enforcement agents of Member States.
• Monitor all communications relating to Security Services Cooperation, Intelligence Cooperation and Cybercrime and propose responses.
• Contribute to knowledge production and knowledge sharing, including development and production of documentation and written materials relating to the programme.
• Facilitate programme information dissemination and implementation of communication strategy.
• Support resource mobilization and manage budgeting and financial disbursements for the programme.
• Provide technical and capacity building support to the Commission in all aspects of Security Services Cooperation.
• Provide advice on result-based planning, implementation, coordination, monitoring, evaluation, and review of Security Services Cooperation programmes/projects in Member States and at the regional level.
• Undertake other duties as may be assigned by the line supervisor.

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in Social Sciences, Political Science, International Relations, Peace and Security Studies, Strategic Studies, Criminology, Development Studies, Law, Criminal Justice, or a relevant field.
• Minimum of five (5) years relevant and progressive professional experience in cooperation and security services, and intelligence services.
• Experience working in an international organization or at a multi-country level is highly desirable.
• A background in law enforcement and conducting joint operations at a multinational level is required.
• Experience in research, analytical, and problem-solving responsibilities is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of the ECOWAS Commission and its mandates and relevant instruments in peace and security will be an advantage.
• Knowledge of relevant provisions of the ECOWAS Revised Treaty, Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Resolution, and the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework is required.

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 the 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 subordinates to build strong working relationships and improve performance.

·       Contribute to maintaining the organizational unit’s performance goals and standards.

·       Interpersonal skills with the ability to keep a client informed of progress or setbacks in projects of relevance to the 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 needs, 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 established client service standards.

·       Demonstrate respect for cultural differences, fairness, and the 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 judgment, 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 the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

·       Ability to encourage, empower, and advocate for people in an unbiased 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 the 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 the project/programme assigned to own position.

·       Ability to study data/information from a variety of sources, identify anomalies, trends, and issues, present findings, and make recommendations.

·       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.

·       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 develop and 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 coordinate 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.