Principal Programme Officer, Electoral Assistance at ECOWAS Commission

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is recruiting for the position of:

Job Title: Principal Programme Officer, Electoral Assistance
Reference: ECW-COMM/REC/UAE-P/001/2012

Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Department: Political Affairs, Peace & Security
Directorate: Political Affairs
Grade: P5
Annual Salary: USD 52,273 - USD 59,100
Supervisor: Director, Political Affairs


Job Description
The incumbent is responsible for the formulation of policies, and technical strategies in electoral fields, analysis of electoral events in assigned areas with a view to providing early warning advice to the Director.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Formulates Political and technical strategies in electoral fields;
• Advises the Director of Political Affairs in search of financial support for ECOWAS electoral activities;
• Holds regular contact with donors and other organizations as required;
• Analyzes electoral events in assigned areas with a view to providing early warning advice to the Director;
• Provides analytical reports on electoral matters;
• Prepares policy papers for senior ECOWAS officials as required;
• Meets regularly with counterparts in the department of political affairs to plan electoral projects and review activities;
• Provides substantive input for the formulation of operational plans of electoral field presence;
• Makes recommendations on actions to be taken;
• Participates in discussions regarding electoral matters and democratization processes;
• Makes contacts with other organizations and makes appropriate suggestions and recommendations;
• Manages or supervises electoral projects being implemented in the countries;
• Carries out with the Director of Political Affairs, administrative functions relating to the staffing, planning and budgeting of electoral operations.

Qualifications/Experience/Skills

• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, International law, Human Rights, Social Sciences or related field.
• Relevant professional certificates would be of added advantage.
• A minimum of 10 years relevant experience in electoral matters
• Higher academic qualification may substitute for two years of professional experience.
• Experience in the formulation of operational planning and budgeting of electoral operations
• 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.
• 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.

Competencies (Skills, Knowledge and Abilities)

• Vision: An in-depth understanding of the Department's strategic direction and ability to transform it into a results-oriented work programme;
• Professionalism: Proven expertise in area of assignment; in-depth understanding of and an ability to evaluate international political situations in that area; experience in bilateral and multilateral negotiations;
• Leadership: Proven ability to provide effective leadership and transfer advice and knowledge to staff at all levels and from different national and cultural backgrounds;
• Managing Performance: Proven effective supervisory skills; ability to mentor staff and provide guidance and support;
• Planning and Organizing: Proven ability to establish priorities and to plan, organize, coordinate and monitor own work plan and provide advice and guidance to others; in-depth understanding of the Division's strategic direction; resourcefulness, sound judgment and decision-making skills;
• Judgment/Decision-making: Demonstrated sound judgment in resolving issues/problems; ability to proactively seek and recommend sound policy initiatives; Creativity: Ability to actively seek to improve programmes/services, offer new and different options to solve problems;
• Technological Awareness: Advanced computer skills, including proficiency in word processing;
• Communications: Proven and sustained communication (verbal and written) skills, including ability to prepare reports and conduct presentations by clearly formulating positions on issues, articulating options, concisely conveying maximum necessary information, making and defending recommendations;
• Teamwork: Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Negotiation Skills: Effective negotiating skills and ability to work with others to reach mutually benefiting and lasting understandings.

Application Closing Date
31st October 2012

Method of Application
Interested and Qualified Candidates Should
Click Here To Apply Online