Principal Officer, Administration & Human Resources 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.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Principal Officer, Administration & Human Resources

Location: Banjul, Gambia
Job Code: 20003608
Commission: ECOWAS Commission
Grade: P5
Agency: ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA)- The Gambia
Department: Economic Affairs & Agriculture
Directorate: Administration & Finance
Division: Administration & HR
Line Supervisor: Director, Administration & Finance, Human Resources Officer
Supervising: Procurement & Administration Officer
Status: Permanent

Role Overview

• Under the supervision of the Director of Administration and Finance, the incumbent shall be responsible for providing administrative services and human resources management of the Agency.

Role and Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and control of the activities of the Division.
• Coordinate staff organization and discipline including attendance, leave roster, writing schedule of duties, recruitment of auxiliary staff (interview and drafting of appointment letters, transport control and filing system).
• Carry out organization of the postage and postal services of the Agency.
• Assist in the preparation of the budget of the Agency.
• Ensure smooth operation of the ongoing administrative functions including work environment, space, equipment, and information retrieval system.
• Assist in identifying the operational needs and develop and support the implementation of the organisation’s  Annual Procurement Plan;
• Provide input into the Directorate’s budget/work programme and monitor divisions budget and programme of work.
• Monitoring payments to vendors and individual contractors for services rendered.
• Coordinate shipment/freights, customs clearances, and the preparation of all related documentation.
• Ensure the induction of new recruits, trainees, and interns.
• Supervise other Administration and Human Resources staff.
• Provide information to staff regarding office administration procedures, processes, and practices.
• Ensure the implementation of all the initiatives that will enable a rational management of the material, human resources (logistics and procedures).
• Ensure the efficient reporting of actions implemented and results to the Director of Administration and Finance.
• Participate in drafting the mid-term and annual reports on the activities of the Centre.
• Ensure coherence of the actions and activities implemented with specific objectives of the Directorate and the general objectives of the Agency.
• Define the main orientations of controls and indicators to be put in place, as well as the framework for reporting to the General Management.
• Advise the Director of Administration and Finance on issues regarding staff suitability for appointments, welfare and discipline and other type of staff movements, management of staff relations, trends, and developments in the areas of material, financial and human resources.
• Lead employee engagement initiatives to promote a positive work environment, foster team cohesion, and enhance overall employee satisfaction.
• Handle employee relations matters, conflict resolution, and disciplinary actions in accordance with established policies and legal requirements.
• Drive HR Operations and Services process efficiency, continuous improvement and key performance measures within the Agency.
• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in human resources and administration, bringing innovative ideas to improve organizational processes and practices.
• Prepare and present reports to senior management on HR and administrative activities, providing insights and recommendations for improvements.
• Support the HR Operations and Services policies review, and constantly update.
• Perform any other task as assigned by the supervisor.

Academic Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or Social Sciences from a recognized University.
• 10 years of professional experience in Administration or Human Resources Management including 2 years of relevant international work and 5 years at a supervisory level.
• Knowledge of administrative, Human Resources and ICT Policies, Processes and Procedures (PPPs).
• Ability to provide technical advice on a broad range of administrative, financial and accountancy areas.
• Experience in budgeting and procurement policies and practices.
• Ability to provide technical advice on a broad range of administrative, human resources and ICT.

Age Limit:

• Be below 50 years old. This provision does not apply to internal candidates.

ECOWAS Key Competencies:

• Ability to lead in assigned programmes and projects by providing the necessary managerial and operational expertise required for the fulfilment of the organization’s mandate;
• Ability to lead by example and organize teamwork to encourage cooperation to achieve targeted results, champion and build momentum for change and to bring about employee engagement.
• Develop and implement internal controls for the pilot program to manage potential barriers to implementation.
• Ability to respect the chain of command in an appropriate manner.
• Excellent self-management skills, demonstrating ethics and integrity, confidentiality and displaying due regards for internal controls of rules, delegations and transparency.
• Ability to bring together complementary skills/expertise, assess individual contributions and recognize/address accomplishments and shortcomings in a manner that brings continued success to the organization.
• Knowledge of program management at the level usually acquired from a certification in program management.
• Ability to research benchmarks and trends to bring about the best recommendations for the development and improvement of programs/projects that will best serve the community/organization.
• Well-developed networking and interpersonal skills to seek feedback, information and data from a network of professionals from multiple countries/sectors/organizations and to identify and prioritize the most critical community requirements.
• Ability to manage and coordinate client management initiatives and make recommendations.
• Ability to develop and implement best practices in client services.
• Ability to develop and implement stakeholder management plans, programs and initiatives to obtain buy-in on new initiatives, to better understand dissenting views, to obtain resources and to increase perceptions of success.
• Ability to be diplomatic, tactful, and respectful of other people from varied backgrounds, understanding diverse cultural views especially within West Africa with the ability to convert diversity into opportunities to improve program/operational outcomes.
• Ability to create a diverse and inclusive interactive environment that benefits from diverse strengths bringing together innovative practices.
• Ability to remain objective in managing conflict regardless of cultural differences /positions, gender differences, and encourage other staff to overcome cultural and gender bias and differences.
• Ability and responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Ability to serve the interest of culturally diverse multinational teams/organizations/communities and persons with disabilities without prejudice and bias.
• Understanding of the ECOWAS organizational structure, associated dynamics and expectations as required to collaborate, participate, contribute and lead effectively.
• Knowledge of the ECOWAS mandate, strategic plan/priorities as well as the economic, political, and social situation and trends in member states, as pertains to own scope of work.
• Knowledge of ECOWAS best practices, program management approaches and research techniques to lead and/or contribute to the development or assessment of programs, projects, or initiatives.
• Knowledge of the ECOWAS rules and procedures in order to appropriately interpret and apply directive text, provide technical advice, coach others and assess performance.
• Ability to analyze a situation by using indicators to assess the costs, benefits, risks, and chances for success, in making decisions.
• Ability to pull together information from different sources to identify the cause of problems, consequences of alternative causes of action, potential obstacles and ways to avoid the problem in the future.
• Ability to break down very complex situations/information into simple terms to explain recommendations and conclusions aimed at solving problems or improving operations/programs/projects.
• Ability to develop new insights into situations, apply innovative solutions to problems and to design new methods of addressing issues or disconnects where established methods and procedures are inapplicable or no longer effective.
• Ability to communicate with impact, clearly and concisely in a succinct and organized manner conveying credibility & confidence when making presentations, setting expectations and explaining complex issues.
• Ability to listen intently and correctly interpret messages from others and respond appropriately.
• Accomplished technical writing and editing skills.
• Exhibit active listening skills to encourage stronger communication amongst team members, to show care and make them feel valued and to drive employee engagement in all institutions and agencies.
• Ability to give constructive feedback, provide recognition, address shortcomings, and motivate direct reports to work at peak performance.
• 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.
• Organizational and project/program management skills with significant experience identifying timelines, targets, costs and resources necessary to deliver on operational/program/project outputs in line with result-based management approach.
• Ability to set effective goals and targets for self, others, and the work unit and adjusting work or project priorities in response to changing circumstances.
• Ability to use participatory approach in project planning and identify gaps affecting the achievement of program/project expectations and to design and implement intervention plans required to build the desired task.
• Ability to implement rigorous monitoring and evaluation practices and to set in place regular reporting schedules relevant to key outputs.
• Ability to plan, organize, control resources, and to comply with policies, procedures, and protocols to achieve specific goals.

Salary
USD84,211.94 annually.

Application Closing Date
2nd March, 2024.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their correctly filled Application Form, Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a Motivation letter to: b43ppoadminhumanresources@ecowas.int using the Job Title as the subject of the mail.

Click here to download the application form (Docx.)

Note

• Female applications are encouraged.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications initially submitted with only the CV remain acceptable.
• ECOWAS does not charge a fee for recruitment and will not request for your account details.