Program Officer, Border Security 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: Program Officer, Border Security

Job Code: 20003916
Location: Abuja
Job type: Full-Time
Grade: P3
Agency: Commission
Division: Regional Security
Line Supervisor: Head Of Division, Regional Security
Directorate: Peacekeeping & Regional Security
Institution: ECOWAS Commission
Department: Political Affairs Peace & Security

Role Overview

• Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Head of Regional Security Division, the incumbent provides technical support to the development and implementation of the ECOWAS Border Security programme including Chapter X of the ECOWAS Protocol relating to the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Resolution, Management and Peacekeeping and Security and Article 69 (j) of the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework.

Role And Responsibilities

• Coordinate policy development and implementation, including the review and analysis of border security related issues.
• Support training and capacity building of law enforcement agents in Member States on Border Security and related issues.
• Facilitate collation, sharing, analysis and dissemination of data and statistics relating to Border Security from Member States so as to promote evidence-based decision making.
• Facilitate harmonization of policies and legislations of Member States relating to Border Security in line with relevant ECOWAS instruments and international best practice.
• Collaborate with other relevant Directorates/Units of the ECOWAS Commission in developing and implementing joint areas relating to Border Security and Border Management.
• Assist in fostering result-oriented and mutually beneficial partnerships with relevant Member States’ agencies and institutes, civil society organizations, other Regional Economic Communities, and development partners in the area of Border Security.
• Contribute to knowledge production and knowledge sharing, including development and production of documentation and written materials relating to the programme.
• Provide advice on result-based planning, implementation, coordination, monitoring, evaluation, and review of Border Security programmes/projects in Member States and at the regional level.
• Perform any other task as assigned by the supervisor.

Academic Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent degree in Political Science, International Relations, Social Science, Economics, Law, Public Administration, or a related field from a recognized University.
• 5 years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, governance, diplomacy, conflict resolution, security, or related field.
• Understanding of political, governance and security dynamics, conflict prevention management and resolution.
• Technical competence to conduct information gathering, research and analysis with modern technology.
• Experience working in an international organization or at a multi-country level highly desirable.
• Experience in supporting development of regional and national security policies/strategies will be an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of ECOWAS, AU and UN policies, strategies and approaches in border security is required.
• Experience in research, knowledge production and knowledge management, analytical and problem-solving responsibilities highly desirable.

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 commands 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.

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.
• We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore, we encourage women to apply for positions that suit their competencies.
• 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.

Annual Salaries

• UA 50,336.3/ USD 79,420.72

Application Closing Date
24th July, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Applications to: b53pobordersecurity@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.