ECOWAS Recruits for Programme Officer

ECOWAS Logo The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States is recruiting for the position of a Programme Officer at Ecowas Commission. (ECOWAS; www.ecowas.int), along with other Regional Economic Communities (RECs) has been implementing since May 2011 the African Peace and Security Architecture Support Programme (APSA), supported by the African Union Commission and the European Union within the framework of Africa Peace Facility (APF). Directorate: ECOWAS Peace Fund Grade: P3 Annual Salary: USD 36,901 – USD 44,469 Supervisor: ECOWAS Liaison Officer to African Union Commission Reference: ECW-COMM/REC/EPF-P/002/2012 Duration: Two (2) years – up to Dec. 2014 Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Closing Date: 28 January 2013 The main purpose of APSA is to promote peace and security in Africa, specifically through conflict prevention, management, resolution and peace building as as well as capacity development APF is sponsored by the 10th European Development Fund. Under APSA, the ECOWAS Commission is benefitting from two projects, namely the APSA Support Programme (APSA-SP) up to December 2014 and the EU Support to African Training Institutions/Training Centers of Excellence (TI-TCE). Officially the two projects are expected to run respectively till 31 December 2014 and 31 January 2013. In order to fast-track the implementation of APSA, the ECOWAS Commission is seeking the services of qualified professionals. The Programme Officer supports the Head of ECOWAS Liaison Office in carrying out his/her official functions as spelt out in the Liaison Officer's Terms of Reference. Duties and Responsibilities He or she will have the following specific responsibilities: - Represent the ECOWAS Liaison Office at meetings at the African Union Commission and other meetings organised by partners; - Develop professional relationship with officials of the African Union Commission; - Support the ECOWAS Liaison Officer on her widening role as the point of contact for ECOWAS on African Union issues; - Follow up the implementation of the project while considering measurable output, outcome and impact indicators; - Liaise with all relevant stakeholders regarding implementation of the projects, identify and track follow-up actions; Provide information and guidance to increase impact and cost effectiveness; - Initiate relevant activities for the successful implementation of the project; - Draft relevant sections of the project reports to donors; - Manage project information and channel internal and external requests to the relevant parties; - Undertake field visits and communicate with people; - Participate in occasional meetings with the projects Stakeholders; - At the end of the project, ensure that the Project Completion Report (PCR) is prepared following AUC guidelines on content and format; - Perform any other relevant tasks that may be assigned by the Manager of EPF Qualifications/Experience/Skills Education Qualification Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field related to conflict prevention, peace keeping, post-conflict reconstruction or socio-economic development; - At least 5 years of relevant experience in monitoring, evaluating and reporting on projects; - Excellent skills (written and spoken) in one of ECOWAS official languages (English, French, Portuguese). A working knowledge in one of the two others would be an advantage; - Computer proficiency (MS Office-Word-Excel-PowerPoint as a minimum); - Excellent analytical and organisational management skills and good inter-personal skills. Similar experience at international level is an advantage; - He/she should be in sound health with the ability to work under pressure in a cross-cultural & complex environment, diplomatic framework; - Ability to travel and undertake short term trips to various localities; - Capacity to analyze complex situations, to make proposals and report are important factors. Competencies Professionalism: Knowledge of policies related to conflict, post-conflict operations, peace-building; Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems; Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remain calm in stressful situations. Planning and organising: Proven ability to work under pressure and to use limited resources effectively, Teamwork: Ability to operate effectively across organisational and country boundaries; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic work environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; Proven ability to collaborate with colleagues to achieve organisational goals. Communication: Excellent communication skills (written and spoken in both French and English), including ability to draft/edit a variety of reports. Age Candidates should not be 50 years old or over at the point of recruitment and must be a citizen of one of the ECOWAS member states. Language Must be fluent in one of the official languages of the Commission; English, French and Portuguese. A working knowledge of another would be an advantage. Apply for this Position