Principal Programme Officer, Energy Access, and Alternative at The 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.

Job Title: Principal Programme Officer, Energy Access, and Alternative

Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Job Code: 20003545
Institution: ECOWAS Commission
Grade: P5
Department: Infrastructure, Energy, and Digitalization
Status: Permanent
Directorate: Energy and Mines
Division: Energy Access and Alternative Energy
Line Supervisor: Director Energy and Mines
Supervising: Program Officer Energy Access, Program Officer Alternative Energy and Energy Transition

Role Overview                                                                                                                               

• Under the direct supervision of the Director of Energy and Mine, the Principal Program Officer, Energy Access and Alternative Energy Division shall be responsible for the implementation of all the activities related to increasing energy access in the region and development of alternative energy solution use, under the coordination of the Director.

Role and Responsibilities

• Coordinate the development and harmonization of regional policies, regulations, and frameworks for energy access and alternative energy solutions.
• Oversee the implementation of regional programs, projects, and activities that develop alternative energy in the region.
• Coordinate and monitor the development of renewable energy resources and technologies regionally.
• Promote the use of biofuels and biogas in the region through capacity building and pilot projects.
• Develop a regional capacity building program to facilitate member state readiness for the transition to clean fuels like biogas and biofuels.
• Lead the formulation and implementation of regional projects and programs to increase access to energy services and optimize results for the community.
• Partner with regional financing entities and coordinate donor efforts in the alternative energy sector.
• Develop partnerships and mobilize funding for program development and implementation.
• Advise the Energy Director on coordinating activities and synergies with the ECOWAS Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.
• Set division objectives aligned with the ECOWAS Strategic Plan.
• Coordinate the division's annual work program and financial resources.
• Supervise implementation of the annual work program and staff activities.
• Contribute to monitoring, evaluation, and special reports for the Directorate.
• Participate in regional and international meetings on energy access and alternative energy.
• Stay current on trends through analysis, networking, and development to inform management.
• Perform any other related tasks assigned by your supervisor.

Academic Qualifications and Experience

• Master's degree or equivalent in Power/Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy, Electromechanical Engineering, or related fields from a reputable institution.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience conducting activities related to renewable energy, energy access, alternative energy development, bioenergy, and advanced energy technologies in public/private organizations or regional entities. This should include 2 years in a supervisory role.
• In-depth knowledge of the energy sector, energy access, alternative energy frameworks, and related issues at national/regional levels.
• Strong understanding of various components involved in policymaking, project/program development, and implementation for energy access and alternative energy.
• Prior experience on development partners' projects and programs is advantageous.

Age Limit:

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

Ecowas Key Competencies:

• Lead assigned programs and projects by providing the necessary managerial and operational expertise to fulfill the organization's mandate (e.g., establish networks and benchmarks).
• Lead by example and organize teamwork to encourage cooperation, achieve targeted results, champion and build momentum for change, and foster employee engagement. Develop and implement internal controls for the pilot Program to manage potential barriers.
• Demonstrate excellent self-management skills with ethics, integrity, and regard for internal control rules, delegations, and transparency.
• Bring together complementary skills and expertise. Assess individual contributions and recognize and address accomplishments and shortcomings to continue the organization's success.
• Apply knowledge of program management typically acquired through certification (e.g. MSP, PgMP).
• Research benchmarks and trends to provide the best recommendations for developing and improving programs/projects to serve the community/organization.
• Use well-developed networking and interpersonal skills to seek feedback, information, and data from professionals across countries, sectors, and organizations. Identify and prioritize the most critical community requirements.
• Manage and coordinate client initiatives (e.g., feedback, surveys, studies, needs assessments) and make recommendations.
• Develop and implement best practices in client services (e.g., dashboards, incentives, feedback mechanisms).
• Develop and implement stakeholder management plans, programs, and initiatives to obtain buy-in, understand dissenting views, secure resources, and increase perceptions of success.
• Apply diplomacy, tact, and respect for diverse backgrounds. Convert diversity into opportunities to improve programs and operations.
• Create a diverse and inclusive environment that benefits from diverse strengths and brings innovative practices together.
• Remain objective in appraisals, evaluations, and managing conflict regardless of cultural differences, positions, gender issues, or opinions. Encourage overcoming cultural and gender barriers and background differences.
• Serve the interests of culturally diverse multinational teams, organizations, and communities without prejudice, bias, or sympathy for any one group.
• Apply solid understanding of ECOWAS structure, dynamics, and expectations to collaborate, participate, contribute, and lead effectively.
• Apply knowledge of the ECOWAS mandate, strategic priorities, and member state economic, political, and social trends, especially as relevant to own work scope.
• Apply ECOWAS best practices, program management approaches, and research techniques to develop, assess, or contribute to programs, projects, and initiatives.
• Apply superior knowledge of ECOWAS rules and procedures to interpret and apply directives, provide technical advice, coach others, and assess performance.
• Analyze situations using indicators (e.g. performance, technical) to assess costs, benefits, risks, and chances of success in decision-making.
• Pull together information from different sources to identify problems, alternative actions, potential obstacles, and ways to avoid issues in the future.
• Break down complex situations and information into simple terms using charts, diagrams, and writing to explain recommendations and conclusions to solve problems or improve operations, programs, and projects.
• Develop new insights and innovative solutions to problems. Design new methods where established ones are inapplicable, unavailable, or ineffective.
• Demonstrate proficiency in oral and written French and English.
• Communicate with impact - clearly, concisely, succinctly, and in an organized manner to convey credibility and confidence when presenting, setting expectations, and explaining complex issues.
• Listen closely to accurately interpret others' messages and respond appropriately.
• Apply accomplished technical writing skills (e.g. proposals, terms of reference, assessments, blueprints, processes) with strong editing ability.
• Provide honest feedback and recognition. Address shortcomings and motivate direct reports to peak performance.
• Demonstrate fluency in one of the three ECOWAS official languages (English, French, Portuguese).
• Apply superior organizational and project/program management skills with significant experience identifying timelines, targets, costs, and resources to deliver outputs.
• Set effective goals and targets for self, others, and work units. Adjust priorities in response to changing circumstances.
• Identify gaps affecting program/project expectations. Design and implement interventions to build desired capacity (e.g. training, realignment, partnerships, resource reallocation).
• Implement rigorous monitoring, evaluation, and regular reporting on key outputs (e.g. indicators, milestones, results, targets).
• Plan, organize, control resources, procedures, and protocols to achieve specific goals.

Salary

• USD 104, 330.42 annually

Application Closing Date
15th May, 2024.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their correctly filled Application Form, Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a Motivation Letter to: b45ppoenergyaccessalternenergy@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.