Programme Officer, Security Sector Reform (P3) 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.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Programme Officer, Security Sector Reform

Job Code: 20000430
Location: Abuja
Job type: Full-Time
Grade: P3
Division: Regional Security
Line Supervisor: Principal Programme Officer / Head of Division, Regional Security
Directorate: Peacekeeping and Regional Security
Institution: ECOWAS Commission
Supervising: Programme Officer, Security Sector Reform (P2)
Department: Political Affairs, Peace and Security

Role Review

• Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Head of Division Regional Security, the Programme Officer, Security Sector Reform and Governance provides support to the ECOWAS Commission in the development and coordination of implementation of all aspects of the ECOWAS Policy Framework for Security Sector Reform and Governance (SSRG) and the Code of Conduct for the Armed Forces and Security Services of ECOWAS, towards creating an enabling environment to improve transparency accountability, responsiveness, efficiency and effectiveness in the security sector of Member States and at the regional level.

Role and Responsibilities

• Provide support to the development and coordination of the implementation of the ECOWAS Policy Framework for Security Sector Reform and Governance (SSRG), and the Code of Conduct for the Armed Forces and Security Services of ECOWAS.
• Provide technical and capacity-building support to the ECOWAS Commission in all aspects of Security Sector Reform and Governance.
• Work on programme development and policy development, including the review and analysis of Security Sector Reform and Governance issues and trends, preparation of impact evaluation or related studies.
• Provide advice on result-based planning, implementation, coordination, monitoring, evaluation, and review of Security Sector Reform and Governance programmes in Member States and at the regional level.
• Act as Focal Point for ECOWAS SSRG field missions, maintaining relationships and correspondence with the technical teams and political missions.
• Assist the ECOWAS Commission and Member States in supporting an enabling environment for SSRG including liaison with a national level Interdepartmental Working Group on SSRG and National Focal Point for SSRG.
• Support harmonization of relevant security policies and legislations of Member States so as to ensure a common approach and interwoven regional security web.
• Support the development and/or review of National Security Policies, National Security Strategies, National Security Plans, and other related instruments.
• Develop and review of Plan of Action for the Code of Conduct for the Armed Forces and Security Services of ECOWAS and facilitate dissemination and implementation of the Code of Conduct in Member States.
• Develop new areas of SSRG support including mapping and regulation of informal and non-state security providers, parliamentary oversight of defense and security budgeting, public expenditure review of the security sector, and private sector investment/engagement in SSRG.
• Coordinate capacity building, sensitization workshops, meetings, conferences, dissemination of Toolkit for SSRG, and other activities relating to improving SSRG in Member States.
• Facilitate collation, sharing, analysis and dissemination of data and statistics relating to SSRG from Member States to promote evidence-based decision making by stakeholders.
• Assist in fostering result-oriented and mutually beneficial partnerships with relevant Member States’ agencies and institutes, civil society organizations, think tanks, other Regional Economic Communities, and development partners around SSRG.
• Monitor all communications relating to SSRG and propose responses.
• Assist in review and analysis of SSRG issues and trends, preparation of reports or related studies.
• Facilitate knowledge production and knowledge sharing, including development and production of documentation and written materials relating to the programme.
• Ensure programme information dissemination and implementation of communication strategy.
• Support resource mobilization and manage budgeting and financial disbursements for the programme.
• Undertake other duties as may be assigned by the line manager.

Academic Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or its equivalent in Social Sciences , Political Science, International Relations, Peace and Security Studies, Strategic Studies, Criminology, Development Studies, Law, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years relevant and progressive professional experience in the field of Security Sector Reform and Governance.
• Experience working in an international organization or at a multi-country level is highly desirable.
• Experience in supporting the development of regional and national security policies/strategies will be an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of ECOWAS, AU, and UN policies, strategies, and approaches in SSR is required.
• Experience in research, knowledge production, and knowledge management, analytical and problem-solving responsibilities are highly desirable.
• Knowledge of the ECOWAS Commission and its mandates and relevant instruments in peace and security will be an advantage.
• Knowledge of relevant provisions of the ECOWAS Revised Treaty, Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Resolution, and the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework is required.
• Not be 50 years old or older at the point of recruitment and must be a citizen of one of the ECOWAS Member States.

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 the 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 the 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 judgment, 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 the 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 coordinate 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.

Assessment method:

• Assessment of qualified candidates may include a written exercise and a competency-based interview.

ECOWAS Work Environment:

• ECOWAS provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and a healthy work-life balance.

Annual Salary
UA50,336.3 (USD 79,420.72)

Application Closing Date
24th July, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Applications to: b53posecuritysectorreform@ecowas.int using the Job Title as the subject of the email.

Click here to download the application form (Docx.)

Note

• Selection and appointment will be subject to background and reference checks and other administrative requirements.
• ECOWAS does not charge for any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing in connection with application or recruitment processes and does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.
• Individuals from minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are also highly encouraged to apply. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of ECOWAS’s workforce.
• We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore, we encourage women to apply for positions that suit their competencies.