PPO, Regional 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: PPO, Regional Security

Location: Abuja (FCT)
Institution: ECOWAS Commission
Grade: P5
Department: Political Affairs, Peace and Security
Directorate: Peacekeeping and Regional Security
Division: Regional Security

Role Overview

• Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Director, Peacekeeping and Regional Security, the the incumbent supervises and coordinates the development and implementation of programmes relating to Maritime Governance, Maritime Safety and Security, Security Sector Reform and Governance, Counter Terrorism, Preventing/Countering Violent Extremism, Border Security, conflict related to Transhumance, Fight against Cybercrime, Drug Trafficking, Transnational Organized Crime and all forms of Illicit Trafficking, and cooperation among Security Services and Intelligence Services of the ECOWAS region.

 Role and Responsiblities

• Supervise and coordinate the development and implementation of programmes relating to: Maritime Governance, Maritime Safety and Security, Security Sector Reform and Governance, Counter Terrorism, Preventing/Countering Violent Extremism, Border Security, conflict related to Transhumance, Fight against Cybercrime, Drug Trafficking, Transnational Organized Crime and all forms of Illicit Trafficking, and cooperation among Security Services and Intelligence Services of the ECOWAS region.
• Manage effectively the Regional Security Division, chair the Coordination Meetings and advice and apprise the management on any issues related to Regional Security.
• Monitor and evaluate individual performance of Regional Security Division staff.
• Provide political, strategic, legal and technical expertise to the ECOWAS Commission in the implementation of all Regional Security programmes in line with the ECOWAS vision and mandate, protocols and other legal instruments.
• Supervise implementation of the ECOWAS Counterterrorism Strategy and Action Plan.
• Supervise implementation of the ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Strategy and Action Plan.
• Supervise and coordinate all activities of the ECOWAS Maritime Coordination Centres (CRESMAO and MMCC Zones E, F and G).
• Facilitate activities of the ECOWAS Sub-Committee of Chiefs of Naval Staff (CNS).
• Supervise, coordinate and follow up the implementation of the Decisions of the Yaoundé Summit of 23-25 June 2013 relating to the Maritime Safety and Security of the Gulf of Guinea, including cooperation/collaboration with the Interregional Coordination Centre.
• Supervise implementation of the ECOWAS Policy Framework for SSRG and Code of Conduct for the Armed Forces and Security Services of ECOWAS.
• Supervise implementation of the Constitution of the West Africa Police Chiefs Committee (WAPCCO) including playing the role of Permanent Secretary of WAPCCO.
• Coordinate on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission, the Committee of Chiefs of Security Services (CCSS) and the Committee of Chiefs of Intelligence Services (CCIS).
• Follow up on behalf of PAPS Department, implementation of the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan on Drugs, Transnational Organized Crime, and Drug Reduction.
• Follow up on behalf of PAPS Department, the development and implementation of the ECOWAS Regional Strategy on Cybercrime.
• Follow up implementation of the Cooperation Agreement between ECOWAS Commission and INTERPOL.
• Follow up on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission, the implementation of the West African Cooperation Agreement on Police Matters.
• Follow up on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission, the implementation of the Agreement on Cooperation on Criminal and Police Matters between West and Central African States.
• Coordinate initiatives and programmes relating to all aspects of Regional Security across multiple Directorates and Departments within ECOWAS Commission to enhance synergy, coherence, joint planning and joint implementation.
• Build synergy and promote collaboration with the African Union and other RECs, institutions and international organizations working in the maritime sector.
• Lead the strengthening of result-oriented and mutually beneficial partnerships with relevant Member States’ agencies and institutions, civil society organizations, think tanks, other Regional Economic Communities and development partners in all aspects of Regional Security.
• Coordinate and supervise all projects relating to Regional Security including the West African Police Information System (WAPIS), The Gulf of Guinea Interregional Network (GOGIN), and the Support to the West African Integrated Maritime Strategy (SWAIMS).
• Facilitate and organize on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission, Member States and the Maritime Coordination Centres, capacity building, sensitization workshops, Statutory Meetings, meetings, conferences, dissemination, exercises, joint operations, and other activities relating to Regional Security.
• Provide guidance to Member States in the review of national policies, legislation and other regulatory instruments related to Regional Security.
• Conduct on behalf of ECOWAS Commission, missions in Member States to meet government officials and stakeholders on pertinent political issues related to Regional Security.
• Produce reports and write ups on programmes related to Regional Security and submit reports on various programmes of the Division to the management.
• Lead knowledge production and knowledge sharing, including development and production of documentation and written materials relating to Regional Security.
• Represent the ECOWAS Commission at international conferences and events.
• Lead resource mobilization and manage budgeting and financial disbursements for Regional Security programmes.
• Prepare and compile budgets of all Regional Security programmes and ECOWAS Maritime Coordination Centres.
• Undertake other duties as may be assigned by the DPKRS and ECOWAS Commission management.

 Academic Qualifications and Experience

•  Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations, Social Science, Economics, Law, Public Administration, or a related field from a recognized university.
• 10 years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution, or related field, including 6 years relevant international work and 5 years at a supervisory level.
• Knowledge of the work of intergovernmental bodies, the work of ECOWAS, and its related bodies concerned with political, economic, social, peace and security, and related matters with a technical ability to identify problems and propose policy options.
• Knowledge of the governance challenges in West Africa as well as the Commissions’ rules and procedures and the ability to evaluate international political situations with bequeathing skills in bilateral and multilateral negotiations.

Age Limit:

• Be below 45 years old. This provision does not apply to internal candidates.

ECOWAS Key Competencie:

• 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
UC 66,123.98 / USD 104,330.42 Annually.

Application Closing Date
30th April, 2026. 

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Curriculum Vitae, Cover letter  to: b60pporegionsecurity@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

• Failure to comply with any of these requirements will result in the cancellation of the application.
• Selection and appointment will be subject to background and reference checks and other administrative requirements.