The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a 15-member regional group mandated to promote economic integration, social cohesion, and political stability across West Africa. As a premier Intergovernmental Organization (IGO), ECOWAS operates through a robust institutional framework, led by the Commission and the Community Parliament, to harmonize policies, foster a "borderless" region, and uphold democratic governance for over 400 million citizens. 

Under the supervision of the Director of Public Health and Research, the PPO Research and Grants coordinates:

• The development and implementation of regional research programmes in areas of interest to WAHO.
• The development and implementation of a regional research capacity-building plan.
• The dissemination, summary and implementation of research findings into policy and practice.
• The development of a strategy and capacity building for the mobilisation of research grants.

Key responsibilities include: identify the Unit's priorities and needs; identify initiatives to be implemented in the Unit; develop plans, strategies and knowledge outcomes; supervise Programme Officers; coordinate the Unit's budget; monitor and evaluate the Unit's activities; manage partnerships; and ensure quality assurance.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• The incumbent will participate in regional coordination efforts, in order to:

• Assess research development needs, research development process, research dissemination and  research environment within research and academic / third sector institutions.
• Promote a collaborative research programme with research and academic institutions and the third sector.
• Develop a regional research programme in partnership with these institutions.
  Strengthen research capacity and propose skills development programmes.
• Identify key resources and stakeholders
• Define research priorities in line with WAHO's priority thematic areas.
• Develop plans and policies to address priority research needs.
• Develop inter-sectoral initiatives to support research objectives with research and academic institutions.
• Collect research data and develop and implement a knowledge transfer platform to translate the data collected into policy and practice.
• Provide regional leadership in research interventions.
• Evaluate research programmes and provide quality assurance.
• Contribute to the mobilisation of grants to enhance WAHO's research activities.
• Facilitate resource mobilisation activities at regional and national levels.
• Carry out any other tasks as required by the line supervisor.

• A Medical Doctor with Master's degree in Public Health from a recognised university.
• Proof of scientific publication must be provided.
• At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in the management and implementation of complex public health programmes, including two (2) years of relevant international work experience and two (2) years at a supervisory level. 
• In-depth knowledge of the principles and practices of public health management in the ECOWAS region.
• Proven expertise in public health and population health, particularly with regard to infectious disease epidemics.  
• Have a good knowledge and practical experience of the organisation of health systems and health research in West Africa, as well as of collaboration with donor institutions.