Niger Basin Authority (NBA) Recruits Legal Advisers

The Niger Basin Authority (NBA) is an inter-governmental organization responsible for promoting cooperation amongst Member states and contributing to improve the living conditions of the basin populations through sustainable management of water resources and associated ecosystems. The member Countries are: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Chad.

We invite applications from suitably qualified candidates for the position below:

Job Title: Legal Adviser

Location: Niamey, Niger

Background and Rationale

• In 1964, the States bordering the Niger River and its tributaries created the Niger River Commission (NFC). In 1980, the NBA succeeded the Niger River Commission with nine Member States (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Nigeria).
• The NBA's mission is to promote cooperation among member countries and ensure integrated development of the basin through the development of resources in the fields of energy, water, agriculture, livestock, fisheries and fish farming, forestry and sylviculture, transport and industrial communications.

Objectives
The objectives of the Niger Basin Authority are to:

• Harmonize and coordinate national policies for the development of water resources in the Niger Basin
• Participate in development planning through the elaboration and implementation of an integrated basin development plan
• Promote and participate in the design and operation of works, projects and programmes of common interest
• Ensure the control and regulation of all forms of navigation on the river, its tributaries and sub-tributaries, in accordance with the Niamey Act
• Participate in the formation of requests for assistance and in the mobilization of financing for the studies and works necessary for the development of the Basin's resources.

Mission of the Position

• Under the supervision of the Executive Secretary of the NBA, the Legal Adviser is responsible for guaranteeing the interests of the NBA and its structures, ensuring the control of legality and the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States, as well as legal monitoring. 

Main Responsibilities

• Assist all NBA structures on the legal aspects of the organization
• Monitor litigation and/or pre-litigation procedures
• Ensure the protection of NBA's interests in the preparation of draft Conventions
• Support the harmonisation of the respective legislation of NBA member countries in the field of environmental and water law. 

Position Profile

• The candidate must hold a Higher Education Diploma of at least BAC + 5 (DEA, DESS, Master) in the following specialities: Water and Environmental Law, Public Law, Private Law, International Law or Business Law
• Proven knowledge of international environmental law, water law and negotiation techniques
• Proof of ten (10) years' experience in a similar position in a national and/or international public organization or in an international consulting law firm
• Have a perfect command of computer tools (standard software and specific software) and innovative technologies in the field of water and environmental management
• Have a good knowledge of project monitoring and evaluation

The candidate must:

• Master communication, organizational, planning and problemsolving tools and techniques, have fluency and editorial rigour
• Have a good ability to adapt and innovate, while being able to develop teamwork, and demonstrate transformative leadership
• Be of good character, teamwork, good listening skills and easy contact
• Be able to work in a multicultural environment
• Be able to establish a permanent negotiation and dialogue with Member States
• Be able to analyse and manage specific legal systems, and be accustomed to developing strategic thinking, and give priority to clients
• Monitor litigation and/or pre-litigation procedures
• Ensure the protection of NBA's interests in the preparation of draft Conventions
• Support the harmonisation of the respective legislation of NBA member countries in the field of environmental and water law
• Knowledge of English and French is an asset.

General Information for the Position

• The positions are permanent and will be based at the NBA headquarters in Niamey, Niger
• The initial duration of the contract will be two (02) years renewable for each position, following a satisfactory performance evaluation after a one-year trial period
• Attractive salary with several benefits including, among others (health insurance for the employee and his family up to a maximum of 6 children, home leave every 2 years in the country of origin, one-way ticket for the employee and his family on taking up and leaving the service, etc.).

You are: 

• Nationals of one of the NBA member countries: (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon , Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Nigeria)
• Aged 55 or under on 31st December, 2019.

Application Closing Date
6th September, 2019 (13:00 GMT).

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Applications to the head office at:
Société Afrique Conseil,
Avenue Van Vollen Hoven - Carré N° 163,
Face "Les  Bagnoles" ex-CABOMA in Cotonou Boite Postale: 919 - Cotonou, Rép du Bénin.
Numéro d’adressage 634 (Telephone: 00229 90921753).
And
Send accelerated Application by email to: [email protected] using the Job Title as the subject of the mail.
 
The Application should contain the following below:

• A letter of motivation addressed to the "Executive Secretary of the NBA", with the reference of the position for which you are applying and your salary expectations
• An updated and detailed Curriculum Vitae specifying the candidate's date of birth, Diplomas (year and place of graduation), duration (months and/or years) of experience
• A birth certificate
• A certified copy of the titles, Diplomas and certificates of qualifications
• Copies of certificates or attestations of work or services
• Two (2) passport photos
• An extract from the criminal record less than three months old;
• A copy of the certificate of nationality or any other document proving nationality
• The names and addresses of three (3) reference persons.

Note: For further information, please visit the following websites: www.afriqueconseil.com; NBA website: www.abn.ne