Programme Officer, Statistical Coordination and Dissemination at the Economic Commission 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: Programme Officer

Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Job Code: 20003618
Institution: ECOWAS Commission
Grade: P3 / P4
Department: Economic Affairs & Agriculture
Status: Permanent
Directorate: Research and Statistics
Line Supervisor: Principal Programme Officer Statistical Harmonization and Data Management

Job Summary
Under the supervision of the Principal Program Officer, Statistical Harmonization and Data management, the incumbent work on the production of data quality framework, dissemination and statistical coordination and cooperation.

Roles and Responsibilities 

• Contribute to the development of the statistical systems in the region and implementation of the statistics policy and the regional statistics Programme.
• Develop plans of resources mobilization, technical cooperation and statistical dissemination,
• Work Statistics Coordination and legal framework to produce quality statistics.
• Advise ECOWAS Member States on data publication and dissemination issues.
• Design and create regional portals, facilitating access to relevant databases and updating statistics databases.
• Advise on the Implementation of new innovations in the areas of modern statistics development for census, surveys and data collection and dissemination techniques.
• Organize the development of Databases, Data portals aimed at achieving data comparability in the region.
• Build a strong network with regional and international institutions in issues relating to statistical cooperation and dissemination.
• Define appropriate policies for regional statistical dissemination and publication.
• Perform data analysis and reporting, using sound statistical tools.
• Lay down and maintain the norms and standards in the field of statistics, involving concepts and definitions, methodology of data collection, processing of data and dissemination of results.
• Provide an advisory service to users on all-statistical matters and related subjects.
• Provide regular and timely statistical information on the economic and social state of the region.
• Mobilize need resources for production and provision of quality and timely statistical services.
• Dissemination of statistical information on various aspects through several regular or ad-hoc publications to the management, ECOWAS member countries and various other national and international organizations and through seminars/workshops.
• Plan, monitor and coordinate statistical activities for standardization and harmonization of codes and indicators.
• Ensure that the work programme reflects the needs of users and to encourage frequent communication with users to assess these needs.
• Any other responsibility that may be assigned to him/her by his supervisors.

Academic qualifications and experiences

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Statistics, Economics, Computer, or related field of study from a recognized university.
• 5 years of professional experience in the understanding of data management and statistical harmonization methodologies in price statistics, National account, Balance of payment and public finance statistics, social and sector statistics, and the ability to conduct statistical analysis and apply their results to sustainable development policies.
• Knowledge of design and implementation of databases and data dissemination computer systems and software
• Knowledge of data management and statistical harmonization methodologies.
• Knowledge of design and implementation of database and data dissemination computer systems and software’s.
• Ability to apply statistical methods to the collection and management of information.

Age Limit:

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

Ecowas Key Competencies:

• Ability to persuade/influence others to consider a certain point of view, adopt a new idea or implement new methods and practices.
• Ability to lead a team of trainees/junior staff and instill a spirit of teamwork to engage employees and achieve a well-defined set of activities.
• Ability to respect the chain of command in an appropriate manner.
• Ability to resolve challenges that occur with minimal direction and/or to recommend and explain solutions or alternatives for approval.
• Ability to utilize the Code of Ethics to manage self, others, information, and resources.
• Ability to mentor others and create feedback loops with supervisors, colleagues, and subordinates to build strong working relationships and improve performance.
• Contribute to maintaining organizational unit’s performance goals and standards.
• Interpersonal skills with the ability to keep a client informed of progress or setbacks in projects of relevance to the timeline, quality, and quantity.
• Ability to proactively interact with clients and build strong trusting relationships based on mutual respect and regular discussions.
• Ability to establish and sustain professional credibility with clients/stakeholders in a manner that anticipates their needs, mitigates issues and that carefully balances professional obligations with the need to be sensitive and responsive to their needs.
• Ability to counsel, advise, consult, and guide others on matters pertaining to assigned client service responsibilities and established client service standards.
• Demonstrate respect for cultural differences, fairness, and ability to relate well with People from varied backgrounds, nationality, gender, ethnicity, race, and religion.
• Understanding of diverse cultural views especially within West Africa, with sensitivity to group differences; ability to challenge bias and to practice tolerance and empathy.
• Ability to listen actively, consider people’s concerns and apply judgement, tact, and diplomacy.
• Ability to work in a diverse and inclusive interactive environment that benefits from diverse strengths.
• Ability and responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Ability to encourage, empower, and advocate for people in an unbiased and transparent manner.
• Knowledge of ECOWAS institutions, sectors, programmes and policies.
• Knowledge of ECOWAS internal operational requirements of programs, projects, services, and systems required to achieve work assignments and meet performance goals.
• Knowledge of rules and procedures of ECOWAS associated assigned responsibilities and ability to explain these clearly to others.
• Knowledge of the ECOWAS culture, structures and performance issues and priorities impacting assigned responsibilities.
• Knowledge of member states development trends, indicators, challenges, and opportunities as it relates to project/programme assigned to own position.
• Ability to study data/information from a variety of sources, identify anomalies, trends and issues, present findings, and make recommendations.
• Ability to break down problems or processes into key parts to identify and solve gaps in service, quality assurance, compliance, and performance targets.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply techniques to generate creative ideas and new approaches to meeting goals.
• Ability to use evidence and research to inform policies and programs and identify relevant and appropriate sources of information, including stakeholders, regional institutions and/or internal committees.
• Demonstrate operational computer proficiency using appropriate tools.
• Ability to make sound use of graphics and tables to effectively present numerical data to write semi-complex technical reports/proposals and edit/check templates, letters, etc. 
• Ability to convey information clearly and concisely in a succinct and organized manner through both writing and verbal means,
• Exhibit interpersonal skills, make presentations, express opinions, and debate ideas with others in a constructive manner.
• 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.
• Ability to develop and implement an individual action plan for achieving specific work goals.
• Identify, organize, and monitor tasks throughout to facilitate execution.
• Ability to contribute and/or lead on projects as per accepted project management standards and techniques, to co-ordinate contributions by others to set and meet deadlines.
• Ability to organize work, set priorities, and work within timelines, giving attention to details, stakeholders, indicators, and risks.
• Ability to identify, collect and assess indicators to monitor performance and to take proactive remedial action as required.

Salary
USD77,480.72 - USD89,289.87 Annually.

Application Closing Date
15th May, 2024.