Energy Director and Mines, ECOWAS Commission at Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

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.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Energy Director and Mines, ECOWAS Commission

Location: Abuja (FCT)
Job type: Full-time
Category: D1

Overview of the Post

• Under the direct supervision of the Commissioner, Infrastructure, Energy and Digitization, the holder shall be responsible for providing expertise in specific areas for the design and implementation of technical projects in accordance with ECOWAS objectives in the energy and mining sectors and to manage all activities of the divisions under their supervision.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Monitor the implementation of the strategic community objectives in the energy and mining sector.
• Lead and manage the Directorate of Energy and Mines and be responsible for interpreting ECOWAS’ broad vision and policy guidelines, develop and manage objectives and objectives to fulfill this mandate.
• Develop regional policies, strategies, initiatives and action plans in the Energy and Mines sectors.
• Participate in the operationalization and proper functioning of the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Market.
• Support coordination in the energy and mining sectors, between the Commission, sub-regional institutions, other regional economic communities and African institutions.
• to have a network of technical experts and decision-makers in the Member States necessary to ensure the smooth introduction of ECOWAS programmes.
• Implement programmes and activities as developed in ECOWAS energy policy, ECOWAS Energy Protocol and Mineral Development Policy, and other policy guidelines.
• Collaborate with development partners to implement community programs in the Energy and Mining sectors.
• Plan annual objectives, objectives, activities and budget linked to the Commission's general plans; measure and monitor the achievement of objectives; negotiate appropriate adjustments to objectives and budgets.
• Execute performance-based budgets within the Direction.
• Organize the management in an efficient way the clear information classes, minimum bureaucracy and efficient delegation of responsibilities and authority.
• Support Human Resources services such as recruitment, action on performance decisions, promotions and matters related to human resources administration.
• Provide fast regular performance feedback for direct reporting.
• Engage in staff development to build your own competencies to match the department’s plans, objectives, and objectives.
• Create a productive work environment in the direction, including the use of staff participation.
• Communicate to the Board staff clearly the vision of ECOWAS, how the department is aligned with them, and how the director expects the department to act on it.
• Keep abreast of fast-moving technical, political, social or economic changes.
• Constantly communicate with other directors of the institution to ensure that the work is harmonized with that of other departments as needed.
• Supervise department staff, including professionals and support staff. Provide a wide range of transactional management skills that would ensure that department staff perform efficiently and effectively, and that they would provide the necessary regular production of sufficient quality and in a timely manner.
• Direct technical guidance on the design/implementation of the program in an area in which high-level technical competence is recognized.
• Represent ECOWAS in professional meetings or working groups, make speeches, negotiate agreements and mediate disputes.
• Lead or participate in technical missions to develop projects/programs.
• Advising the Commissioner for Energy and Mines on issues related to cooperation in the energy sector.
• Generate ideas in the technical field relevant to future ECOWAS initiatives.
• Support the relevant Specialised Parliamentary Committee on regional legislation as appropriate.
• Perform other tasks that can be assigned by the Energy Commissioner and mines.

Requirements
Literary Qualification and Experience:

• Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in Electrical/Electromechanical Engineering, Geology, Mine Development and Geological Resource Engineering, Energy Economics or other related fields of a university of recognized reputation.
• 12 years of experience as responsible in the area of energy security, energy efficiency, renewable energy, access to energy services, energy savings, cross-border energy trade, power generation (solar, wind, coal, oil and gas, etc...), transmission and distribution of energy, hydrocarbons, advanced energy technologies or related areas, including 6 years of international work experience and 5 years at management level.
• Have specialized knowledge of energy policies, strategies, initiatives, guidelines, protocols; proven ability to promote intra- and interregional relations and other international relations between ECOWAS and other key stakeholders for the development of the Community's mineral resources sector.
• Knowledge of issues related to access to energy, efficiency, technology, environmental impacts and connectivity through infrastructure harmonisation and energy-related fiscal and investment policies in the West African region.
• Demonstrated extensive knowledge of the policies, strategies, initiatives and action plans of mining, geological and natural resources,
• Deep experience in the mimicry and geological sector, particularly in terms of interactions with governments, civil society, public and private sectors, local communities and other stakeholders working in this sector.
• A broad knowledge of the framework for the development of energy policy with regard to the energy sector, among the Commission, sub-regional institutions, other regional economic communities and African institutions
• AGE LIMIT : Be under 50 years old

Main Competencies in ECOWAS:

• Senior leadership experience in establishing strategic partnerships, collaborative work and building consensus with multiple internal and/or external stakeholders on complex issues in multidisciplinary government or international organizations;
• Knowledge of the mandate, ECOWAS strategic plan/priorities, as well as the economic, political and social situation/trend of the Member States, especially with regard to the scope of the position;
• Demonstrate consistency in actions, values, methods, confidentiality, ethics, measures, principles, expectations and results, which implies a deep commitment to doing the right thing for the right reason, regardless of the circumstances;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the heads of institutions, selected employees and statutory employees to facilitate compliance, create commitment, resolve conflicts and gain support for change;
• Ability to respect the chain of command appropriately;
• Ability to promote a culture in which people take personal responsibility for the results;
• Ability to provide leadership, management and technical supervision for all project activities and program results, in accordance with ECOWAS legal and administrative practices and standards.
• Ability to conduct periodic reviews of staff performance in accordance with ECOWAS performance management system and to guide personnel to ensure high levels of motivation, commitment, capacity and teamwork;
• Ability to supervise project management, internal controls and financial resource management and to address issues in a confident and capable manner, while making decisions that exemplify impartial and non-partisan decision-making.
• Ability to exercise the initiative and resourcefulness necessary to meet simultaneously a variety of stakeholder needs, performing multiple tasks and achieving positive results;
• Ability to create synergies with customer groups and others to achieve objectives in defining and monitoring service standards and indicators;
• Ability to motivate and engage others in promoting or adopting best practices in customer services;
• Ability to identify and improve customer services and interactions through appropriate networks and to create innovative ways to approach them in a responsible and transparent manner.
• Knowledge of the non-discriminatory/human rights regulatory environment and the ability to implement strategies to promote an inclusive work environment and a healthy organisation that respects cultural diversity and gender equality and free from harassment and discrimination;
• Understanding of diverse cultural views, especially those in West Africa, being sensitive to group differences, gender issues and the ability to contribute, advocate and/or develop policies that are gender-sensitive and appropriate to various cultures;
• Ability to promote a diverse and inclusive interactive work environment that can effectively bring together a broad spectrum of ideas and experiences to solve problems, develop projects/programs, and improve outcomes;
• Ability and responsibility to incorporate gender perspectives and ensure equal participation of women and men in all areas of work;
• Ability to maintain objectivity in conflict management, regardless of cultural differences/positions, gender differences, and encourage other employees to overcome cultural and gender bias and differences.
• Understanding of the organizational structure, culture and dynamics of the workplace of ECOWAS;
• Ability to apply knowledge of ECOWAS’ legal framework, strategic priorities and operational standards to develop/modernise policies and programmes and/or implement policies and programmes in a sustainable and effective manner;
• well-developed business, social and political acumen, demonstrating a strong commitment to the vision and mandate of ECOWAS, accompanied by a broad knowledge of economic, political and social situations and trends in the Member States;
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills on issues relating to the development of policies and strategies important for the achievement of the ECOWAS mandate and the improvement of results 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 changes (social, economic and political) and their 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 related to the management of human, financial and material resources.
• Ability to actively listen and understand the perspectives of others to make informed statements, decisions or recommendations;
• Ability to build multiple external collaboration relationships to support strategic and operational objectives; identify key issues and accommodate key actors with well-thought-out communication and stakeholder management plans;
• Ability to communicate clearly and consistently, make compelling presentations that promote new insights, ideas and perspectives, and a better understanding of issues and challenges;
• Display active listening skills to encourage stronger communication among team members, to show care and make them feel valued, and to drive employee engagement across institutions and agencies;
• Excellent negotiating skills and conflict management with a focus on building and promoting effective and collaborative relationships;
• Proficiency in information and communication technologies (ICT);
• Oral and written fluency in one of the official languages of the ECOWAS Community (English, French & Portuguese). Knowledge of a second language will be an additional advantage.
• Ability to prepare plans, define clear objectives, consistently and have effective oversight of performance management practices to ensure that goals and standards are met;
• Ability to establish effective goals/results and manage change in a way 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 through the implementation of strategic, operational, program, project and individual plans;
• Ability to implement plans, mobilize/envelop people, identify critical success factors, mitigate risks, monitor indicators and feedback, initiate corrective action and develop capabilities for sustainability;
• Ability to institute rigorous monitoring and evaluation practices and learn from setbacks and errors to ensure continuous improvement.

ECOWAS Working Environment

• ECOWAS provides a working environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance.
• We are committed to ensuring gender parity within the organisation and therefore strongly encourage women to apply for positions that match their competencies. People from ethnic minority groups, indigenous populations, people with disabilities and other underrepresented groups are also strongly encouraged to apply. Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the heart of ECOWAS staff.

Annual Salary
UC 81,435.54 (USD 128,488.99)

Application Closing Date
10th May, 2026.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

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.
• Failure to comply with any of these requirements will result in the deletion of the application.