Director of Operations 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: Director of Operations

Job Code: 20003598
Location: Banjul, Gambia
Job type: Full-Time
Grade: D1
Division: Operations
Line Supervisor: Executive Director ERCA; Mergers & Acquisitions -P5;   Legal, Investigation, Compliance & Enforcement – P5
Supervising: Competition & Economic Research Analysis – P5; Office Manager – G5/G6/G7; Office Aide – G1/G2/G3
Directorate: Operations
Institution: ECOWAS Commission
Department: Economic Affairs & Agriculture
Agency: ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA)

Role Overview

• Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the incumbent shall be responsible for leading and monitoring strategic planning activities, conducting research, market analysis and surveys as well as coordinating programme development of ERCA.
• The Director of Operation will lead investigations on infringements of Community Competition Rules and enforcement programme in collaboration with national stakeholders to ensure compliance.
• H/She will lead strategies and activities targeted at reducing the prevalence of antitrust activities through sustainable improvements in the performance of national competition law enforcement.
• H/She will monitor and ensure compliance to the rules governing the protection of consumers within the ECOWAS region and will also ensure internal safety and security polices in relation to the conduct of investigations by ERCA.

Role And Responsibilities

• Provide direction and oversight of all research activities in ERCA.
• Develop the work programme for the Executive Directorate including and not limited to the establishment of controls, milestones, policies and procedures for research projects.
• Prepare reports on economic trends and developments in both regional and global markets and securities regulation.
• Conduct and publish research on market structures, products, services and developments.
• Conduct research on and develop policy initiatives that may arise within the regional markets.
• Supervise the preparation of work programmes and standards for the Agency and monitor its implementation for the achievement ERCA’s objectives.
• Interprets, analyses and presents the results of research projects and recommendations that are based on sound data verification, validation and data integrity.
• Contribute to the development, publication and dissemination of publications and documents to the public within the framework of the regional competition programme.
• Ensure that proper systems are implemented to track all data requests and requirements.
• Provide direction to staff by assigning and supervising designated projects and implementing practices to improve quality work standards to increase productivity level.
• Provide operational leadership and supervision to investigative staff including tactical guidance on cases and operations.
• Investigate cases, this may involve engaging relevant stakeholders to obtain information necessary to conduct a complete and thorough investigation, analyzing details of cases and
• Produce accurate and detailed reports on all investigation cases.
• Reviews complaints, concerns, or questions relative to compliance issues and provides consultative leadership and support to all entities as appropriate.
• Identifies, prioritizes, and documents Compliance training needs for employees, including the need for specialized Compliance training based on risk areas.
• Develop and conduct remote auditing and monitoring of cases.
• Provides timely and relevant analysis and recommendations to operational leadership on all aspects of compliance issues.
• Monitor regulatory changes and emerging trends to revise, enhance, or further develop audit approach or training.
• Develop and implement training programmes on investigations policies, standards, and guidelines.
• Develop intelligence gathering methodologies and market surveillance strategies for effective monitoring of Community Competition Rules.

Academic Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in Economics, Statistics, Law, Business Administration, or other related fields from a recognized university.
• 2 years progressively responsible experience in economics, law, including legal analysis, research and writing with experience in competition law and five (5) years at a supervisory role.
• Extensive knowledge of all relevant rules and regulations, policies, procedures and operations of ECOWAS, as well as applicable jurisprudence.
• Extensive knowledge of ECOWAS legal texts related to competition law, including Supplementary Acts, regulations, manuals of procedures, guidelines, and policies to ensure their consistency with the AfCFTA provision on competition.
• Good Knowledge of competition law and policy environment in the ECOWAS region.
• Ability to support ECOWAS Member States in developing/updating their competition and consumer protection policies and legal frameworks.
• Ability to provide advice and expertise on the establishment and development of a competition authority and its operating framework in Member States.
• Knowledge of the substantive role of ECOWAS on the rule of law in general and of ECOWAS interventions on specific areas/themes related to the rule of law.
• Masterful organizational, communication, and leadership skills, backed by previous professional success
• Knowledge of multiple operational functions and principles, including finance, customer service, production, and employee management
• Proven ability to plan and manage operational processes for maximum efficiency and productivity
• Ability to streamline or implement structures and roles that boost speed and efficiency while supporting rapidly shifting business demands
• Strong working knowledge of industry regulations and legal guidelines

Age Limit:

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

ECOWAS Key Competencies:

• Senior leadership experience in establishing strategic partnerships, working collaboratively, and building consensus with multiple internal and/or external stakeholders on complex issues in a multi-disciplinary governmental or international organization.
• Knowledge of the ECOWAS mandate, strategic plan/priorities as well as the economic, political, and social state/trends of Member States, as pertains to own scope of work.
• Consistency in actions, values, methods, confidentiality, ethics, measures, principles, expectations, and outcomes which connote a deep commitment to do the right thing for the right reason, regardless of the circumstances.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Heads of Institutions, elected officials and statutory employees to facilitate compliance, build engagement, resolve conflicts, and obtain support for change.
• Ability to respect the chain of commands in an appropriate manner.
• Ability to promote a culture where people hold themselves personally accountable for results.
• Ability to provide leadership management, and technical oversight for all project activities and program deliverables in accordance with ECOWAS legal and administrative practices and standards.
• Ability to conduct periodic reviews of staff performance in keeping with the ECOWAS performance management system and to mentor staff to ensure high levels of motivation, commitment, capacity, and teamwork.
• Ability to oversee project management, internal controls, and stewardship of financial resources and to address issues in a confident and capable manner whilst making decisions that exemplify impartial and non-partisan decision-making.
• Ability to exercise the initiative and resourcefulness necessary for simultaneously addressing a variety of stakeholder needs, pursuing multiple tasks, and achieving positive outcomes.
• Ability to create synergies with client groups and others to achieve objectives in setting and monitoring service standards and indicators.
• Ability to motivate and engage others in promoting or adopting best practices in client services.
• Ability to identify and improve services and client interactions through appropriate networks and to create innovative ways of addressing these in an accountable and transparent manner.
• Knowledge of anti-discriminatory/human rights regulatory environment and ability to advance strategies to foster an inclusive working environment and healthy organization respectful of cultural diversity and gender equality and free from harassment and discrimination.
• Understanding of diverse cultural views especially within West Africa, being sensitive to group differences, and gender issues and ability to contribute to, advocate for, and/or develop policies that are gender sensitive and responsive to various cultures.
• Ability to foster a diverse and inclusive interactive work environment that can effectively bring together a wide spectrum of ideas and experiences to solve problems, develop projects/programs and improve results.
• ability and responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Ability to remain objective in managing conflict regardless of cultural differences /positions, and gender differences, and encourage other staff to overcome cultural and gender bias and differences.
•  Understanding of the ECOWAS organizational structure, workplace culture and dynamics.
• Ability to apply knowledge of ECOWAS legal framework, strategic priorities, and operational standards to develop/modernize policies and programs and/or to implement policies and programs in a sustainable and effective manner.
• Well-developed business, social and political acumen, demonstrating a strong commitment to the vision and mandate of ECOWAS coupled with a broad knowledge of the economic, political and social situations and trends in Member States.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills on matters relating to policy and strategy development important to the realization of the ECOWAS mandate and the improvement of outcomes for Member States.
• Ability to analyze reports as well as socio-economic and institutional dynamics and recognize areas of potential obstacles or challenges and develop innovative solutions or alternatives to address barriers and achieve strategic/operational priorities.
• Ability to anticipate and interpret the effects of environmental changes (social, economic, and political), and its impact and make recommendations.
• Ability to identify/address strengths and weaknesses, stimulate creativity, reduce resistance to change and improve the achievement of strategic objectives.
• Ability to make prudent decisions relating to the management of human, financial and material resources.
• Ability to actively listen and understand the perspectives of others to make informed assertions, decisions, or recommendations.
• Ability to build multiple external collaborative relationships to support strategic and operational objectives; identify the key issues and accommodate the key players with well-thought-out communication and stakeholder management plans.
• Ability to communicate with clarity and conviction, make compelling presentations that promote new insights, ideas and perspectives and a better understanding of issues and challenges.
• 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.
• Excellent negotiation and conflict management skills focusing on building and nurturing effective and collaborative relationships.
• 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 prepare plans, set clear objectives in a consistent manner and have effective oversight of performance management practices to ensure that goals and standards are met.
• Ability to set effective goals/results and manage change in a manner that demonstrates resilience, composure, and a positive outlook in an environment of uncertainty and ambiguity.
• Ability to enable the development of organizational and individual talent throughout the implementation of strategic, operational, programme, project, and individual plans.
• Ability to implement plans, mobilize/engage people, identify critical success factors, mitigate risks, monitor indicators and feedback, initiate corrective measures, and build capacities for sustainability.
• Ability to institute rigorous monitoring, and evaluation practices and to learn from setbacks and mistakes to ensure continuous improvement.

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 Salary

• US66,592.61 / USD105,069.82

Application Closing Date
24th July, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Applications to: b53directoroperationerca@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.