The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional grouping composed of 12 Member States, with the mandate to promote economic integration, social cohesion and political stability throughout West Africa. As a reference Intergovernmental Organisation (IOU), ECOWAS acts through a sound institutional framework, led by the Commission and the Community Parliament, with the aim of harmonising policies, fostering a “borderless” region and safeguarding democratic governance for more than 400 million citizens.
Under the supervision of the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, the incumbent of the post will lead the networking and resource mobilization efforts with the African Union and development partners on behalf of ECOWAS.
It will also have to coordinate and facilitate the preparation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of external financing, and to facilitate the work of the internal governance bodies of the ECOWAS Peace Fund.
Role and Responsibilities
Resource mobilization: working with internal and external stakeholders (Member States, bilateral and multilateral partners) to obtain their contributions, prepare funding proposals, conduct negotiations and ensure compliance with commitments (including the 5% contribution to the Community levy);
Fund management: oversee the receipt, processing and reporting of funding applications for conflict prevention, peacebuilding, humanitarian assistance and peacekeeping initiatives. This includes:
The processing and evaluation of applications for funding from ECOWAS departments;
Monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of approved initiatives;
Communication and visibility of initiatives;
Comprehensive reporting to stakeholders on resource use and implementation results.
Project coordination: administrative and financial management, as well as coordination of donor-funded programmes and projects in the areas of peace and security;
Governance and reporting: be a key member of the Technical and Approval Committee (TAC) and report to the Steering Committee, which oversees the Fund's overall direction, priorities and audits;
Capacity-building: support capacity-building activities and the development of national early warning systems.
Qualifications
Hold a Master’s degree in Political Science, International Relations, Peace and Security Studies, Administration, Finance or any related discipline, obtained at a recognized university.
Justify ten (10) years of professional experience, including at least two (2) years in an international environment and two (2) years in a supervisory position;
Demonstrate proven professional experience of at least six (6) years in the field of fund management, project management, peace and security issues or in a related field, preferably within an international public organization;
Have strong leadership, strategic planning and management skills;
Justify excellent financial management, analysis and communication skills;
Have a perfect command of information and communication technologies (ICT).
AGE LIMIT: At most 45 years.
ECOWAS Working Environment
ECOWAS offers a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity within the organization and, therefore, we strongly encourage women to apply for positions that match their skills.
Individuals from ethnic minority groups, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and other under-represented groups are also strongly encouraged to apply. Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the heart of ECOWAS staff.
The documents required for the application include:
Resume
Cover Letter
Application form
Important Information and Notice
Any incomplete application will be rejected.
The assessment of qualified candidates will include a written exercise and a skills-based interview
Selection and appointment will be subject to a work history check and references and other administrative requirements.
ECOWAS does not charge any fees for applications, processing, training, interviews, tests in relation to application or recruitment processes and is not concerned with information on the bank accounts of candidates.