Principal Programme Officer, Conventional Energies at 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. Considered one of the pillars of the African Economic Community, the organization was founded in order to achieve collective self-sufficiency for its member states by creating a single large trading bloc through an economic and trading union. It also serves as a peacekeeping force in the region. The organization operates officially in three co-equal languages French, English, and Portuguese.

We are currently recruiting for the vacant position below:

Job Title: Principal Programme Officer, Conventional Energies

Reference: ECW-COMM/REC/MinEng-P/002
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Department: Energy and Mines
Directorate: Energy
Supervisor: Director of Energy
Grade: P5

Job Description

• The Principal program Officer, Conventional Energies Division shall be based at the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja.
• He/She shall work in the Directorate of Energy under the direct supervision of the Director, Energy.
• He/She shall be responsible for the implementation of all the activities of Conventional Energies Division, under the coordination of the Director.

Duties and Responsibilities
The Principal program Officer Conventional Energies will be responsible for the formulation and implementation of day-to-day activities of the ECOWAS Conventional Energy Program, which covers the following broad areas:

• Assisting Member States to define national Energy resources development scheme and to enhance regional production capacities
• Formulate and implement Regional projects and programmes in the Power Sector, the Oil and Gas Sector.
• Centralize and oversee the implementation of the West African Power Pool projects.
• Coordinate and monitor the development of the Regional Oil and Gas sector, particularly the West African Gas Pipeline operation.
• Coordinate the implementation of the regional programmes, projects and activities for the regional the electricity sector regulation.
• Ensure coordination with regional financing mechanisms and partners, and Oversee donor coordination mechanisms in the conventional energies sector.
• Develop partnerships and support fund mobilization for program development and implementation.
• Develop the actions and provide oversight functions for the conduct of studies relating to pertinent issues in the ECOWAS Energy program (facilitating gas market development, oil revenues solidarity mechanisms,…).
• Ensure close coordination with the Energy Access and Renewable Energy Division.
• Providing strategic leadership to guide the work of Sectional Units.
• Assist the Director of Energy in the Coordination of the activities with other ECOWAS institutions and specialized agencies:
  • The Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
  • The Regional Energy Regulator.
  • The West Africa Gas Pipeline.
  • The West Africa Power Pool.
• Perform any other related tasks that may be assigned by the Director, Energy Department.

Qualifications/Experience/Skills
Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree in power Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering from a reputable institution.
• A postgraduate degree in economics, management or finance will be an advantage

Experience:

• 10 years post qualification professional experience (including 2 years supervisory experience in a permanent or acting capacity), in the energy sector working either directly in Ministries, energy institutions, or in an international agency;
• A higher degree will reduce the required number of years of experience to eight (8) years;
• A career track record showing contribution and interaction with senior policy makers in the energy field.
• Exposure to energy sector challenges across multiple countries.
• A career track record showing a deep technical understanding of issues related to energy policy, energy perspectives and current energy issues (sustainable energy for all initiatives, ECOWAS/UEMOA White paper, ect..).
• A deep technical knowledge of the oil and gas sector and/or the Power sector such as power systems planning, power utility operations and management, power sector reform, power sector regulation, knowledge of transmission and distribution networks.
• Experience in regional or international organizations is an advantage.
• A national of an ECOWAS Member State.

Competencies:

• A Sound knowledge and experience in the planning, preparation and coordination of Energy Programs and projects at national and regional levels.
• Deep technical expertise either in Energy Policy, Strategy and Institutions.
• Experience in preparation and Management of donor-funded projects and working with development partners will be an advantage.
• Ability to work in a team and establish good team spirit in a multi-national environment.
• Leadership skills and ability to work in a multicultural team.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with senior government officials, donors, international agencies and professional associations in the energy sector.
• Ability to use personal computers and contemporary software.
• A knowledge of Energy system planning software is an advantage

Age:

• Candidates should not be over 50 years old at the point of recruitment and must be a citizen of one of the ECOWAS member states;

Language:

• Candidates must be fluent in one of the official languages of the Community: English, French and Portuguese.
• A working knowledge of another would be an advantage.

Annual Salary
USD 52,273 - USD 59,100

Application Closing Date
4th December, 2015.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online