Principal Programme Officer, Sports Policy and Programmes Development 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: Principal Programme Officer, Sports Policy and Programmes Development

Location: Liberia
Institution: ECOWAS Commission
Grade: P5
Directorate: EYSDC
Division: Sports Policy and Programmes Development
Line Supervisor: Director EYSDC
Supervising: PO Traditional Sports Development

Role Overview

• Under the supervision of the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre (EYSDC) Director, the incumbent is responsible for identifying, designing, proposing, and implementing policies and programmes for the general development of sports across the region, including through collaborations with partners and other national, regional, and international sports bodies and authorities.

Role and Responsibilities 

• Coordinate the implementation of ECOWAS programmes and policies on sports development, including policy harmonisation.
• Analyze the social environment with a view to making proposals for the implementation of ECOWAS sports development policies.
• Initiate and implement sports development programmes across the region.
• Evaluate the implications of the major trends in sports development (both at regional and international levels) with a view to proposing appropriate policies and areas of intervention for sports development and youth empowerment within the ECOWAS region.
• Define an advocacy programme in various sectors of sports development.
• Initiate, develop and implement policies, programmes, projects, and activities in the sectoral programme areas, including policies and programmes for the development and promotion of traditional sports.
• Liaise and organize meetings with partners and other organizations to develop partnerships and implement programmes;
• Represent the Centre in internal and external meetings as may be required.
• Initiate and implement budgets for Programme Sectors under his/her purview.
• Organise programmes and activities to develop and strengthen capacities of Member States in the implementation of ECOWAS regional initiatives.
• Coordinate the sports activities and sports development programmes of the Centre.
• Coordinate and implement the approved sports development programmes of the Community.
• Produce a draft annual budget, programme and work plan for the programmes and activities of the Sports Division and implement same after approval.
• Implement the ECOWAS policy and programmes on sports advocacy and sports development.
• Initiate and organise exchange policies and programmes with member States of ECOWAS for the development of sports within the region.
• Serve as interface with international development partners on sports development matters.
• Collaborate and establish partnerships with experts in the field of sports development and/or other related or similar areas with a view to cooperation on sports development-related programmes and matters.
• Coordinate the analysis of knowledge and experiences gained and incorporated into the sports development programmes of the Centre or other such initiatives.
• Promote the development of authentic and African traditional sports within the region.
• Promote African values in the practice of sports.
• Submit quarterly and annual activity reports of the Sports Division.
• Supervise and guideline subordinates to ensure effective and efficient programme implementation and the achievement of set objectives.
• Perform any other tasks as may be assigned by the Supervisor.

Academic Qualifications

• Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in Physical Education, Business Administration, Public Administration or in a similar social science discipline from a recognized University.
• 10 years of progressively responsible experience in youth and sports development including 6 years of relevant international work experience and 5 years at a supervisory level.
• Sound knowledge of the mandates, policies and orientations/directions of global sports activities and sports development.
• Sound knowledge of and effective involvement in the international, regional or national sports environment.
• Involvement in sports management and development initiatives and activities.
• Professional experience in an international organisation/institution in the field of sports will be an advantage.
• Demonstrated professional expertise in the subject matter.
• Excellent knowledge of sports development policies and programmes of ECOWAS member countries including traditional sports.
• Demonstrable knowledge of global sports developments and valuable contacts for effective partnerships will be an advantage.
• Knowledge of the rules prescribed by ECOWAS Treaty and other legal instruments of the Community.
• Ability to implement strategies to enhance and mainstream Youth and Sports issues within the framework of ECOWAS Commission overall strategic objectives.
• Age Limit: Be below 45 years old. This provision does not apply to internal candidates

ECOWAS Key Competencies:

• Ability to lead in assigned programmes and projects by providing the necessary managerial and operational expertise required for the fulfilment of the organization’s mandate.
• Ability to lead by example and organize teamwork to encourage cooperation to achieve targeted results, champion and build momentum for change and to bring about employee engagement.
• Develop and implement internal controls for the pilot program to manage potential barriers to implementation.
• Ability to respect the chain of commands in an appropriate manner.
• Excellent self-management skills, demonstrating ethics and integrity, confidentiality and displaying due regards for internal controls of rules, delegations and transparency.
• Ability to bring together complementary skills/expertise, assess individual contributions and recognize/address accomplishments and shortcomings in a manner that brings continued success to the organization.
• Knowledge of program management at the level usually acquired from a certification in program management.
• Ability to research benchmarks and trends to bring about the best recommendations for the development and improvement of programs/projects that will best serve the community/organization.
• Well-developed networking and interpersonal skills to seek feedback, information and data from a network of professionals from multiple countries/sectors/organizations and to identify and prioritize the most critical community requirements.
• Ability to manage and coordinate client management initiatives and make recommendations.
• Ability to develop and implement best practices in client services.
• Ability to develop and implement stakeholder management plans, programs and initiatives to obtain buy-in on new initiatives, to better understand dissenting views, to obtain resources and to increase perceptions of success.
• Ability to be diplomatic, tactful, and respectful of other people from varied backgrounds, understanding diverse cultural views especially within West Africa with the ability to convert diversity into opportunities to improve program/operational outcomes.
• Ability to create a diverse and inclusive interactive environment that benefits from diverse strengths bringing together innovative practices.
• Ability to remain objective in managing conflict regardless of cultural differences /positions, gender differences, and encourage other staff to overcome cultural and gender bias and differences.
• Ability and responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Ability to serve the interest of culturally diverse multinational teams/organizations/communities and people with disabilities without prejudice and bias.
• Understanding of the ECOWAS organizational structure, associated dynamics and expectations as required to collaborate, participate, contribute and lead effectively.
• Knowledge of the ECOWAS mandate, strategic plan/priorities as well as the economic, political, and social situation and trends in member states, as pertains to own scope of work.
• Knowledge of ECOWAS best practices, program management approaches and research techniques to lead and/or contribute to the development or assessment of programs, projects, or initiatives.
• Knowledge of the ECOWAS rules and procedures in order to appropriately interpret and apply directive text, provide technical advice, coach others and assess performance.
• Ability to analyze a situation by using indicators to assess the costs, benefits, risks, and chances for success, in making decisions.
• Ability to pull together information from different sources to identify the cause of problems, consequences of alternative causes of action, potential obstacles and ways to avoid the problem in the future.
• Ability to break down very complex situations/information into simple terms to explain recommendations and conclusions aimed at solving problems or improving operations/programs/projects.
• Ability to develop new insights into situations, apply innovative solutions to problems and to design new methods of addressing issues or disconnects where established methods and procedures are inapplicable or no longer effective.
• Ability to communicate with impact, clearly and concisely in a succinct and organized manner conveying credibility & confidence when making presentations, setting expectations and explaining complex issues.
• Ability to listen intently and correctly interpret messages from others and respond appropriately.
• Accomplished technical writing and editing skills.
• 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.
• Ability to give constructive feedback, provide recognition, address shortcomings, and motivate direct reports to work at peak performance.
• 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.
• Organizational and project/program management skills with significant experience identifying timelines, targets, costs and resources necessary to deliver on operational/program/project outputs in line with result-based management approach.
• Ability to set effective goals and targets for self, others, and the work unit and adjusting work or project priorities in response to changing circumstances.
• Ability to use participatory approach in project planning and identify gaps affecting the achievement of program/project expectations and to design and implement intervention plans required to build the desired task.
• Ability to implement rigorous monitoring and evaluation practices and to set in place regular reporting schedules relevant to key outputs.
• Ability to plan, organize, control resources, and to comply with policies, procedures, and protocols to achieve specific goals.

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.

Salary
$69,832.85 – $10,182. 27 Annually.

Application Closing Date
30th April, 2026.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their filled job application form with three (3) professional references, resume (CV) and a cover letter to: b60sportpolprogdevelop@ecowas.int using the job title as the subject of the email.

Click here to download the application form (Docx.)

The required documents for registration include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter
• Application form

Disclaimer

• 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.
• This vacancy is subject to local recruitment, in accordance with Article 9.3 of the ECOWAS Personnel Regulations (revised in 2021).
• All staff in General Services and related categories will are recruited from among ECOWAS citizens residing in the Member State where the vacancy is advertised.
• A staff member subject to local recruitment will not be entitled to allowances or benefits applicable exclusively to international recruitment.