The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a 12-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. 

The Arts and Culture Project Officer organize the Division, plans and implements projects and programs within its areas of expertise, and carries out any other tasks assigned to it by the higher authority, in accordance with the objectives of ECOWAS. It coordinates the management of its division’s activities under the authority of the Director.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Organize the Division, in conjunction with the staff under their authority and other divisions.
• Plan and monitor the implementation of activities related to the development of arts and culture in the Region.
• Ensure the implementation of the Division's projects and action plans, according to the guidelines provided by the Director, the Commissioner, or the Chair of the Commission.
• Prepare and submit progress and evaluation reports to management on the status of arts and culture projects.
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the Commissioner or the Director within the normal scope of their responsibilities.
• Design, plan, implement, and monitor the Division's budget.
• Seek additional funding for the implementation of the Division's projects.
• Develop an action plan for the management of the Division, in collaboration with the staff under their authority.
• Design a performance contract for the Division's human resources, in close collaboration with the Human Resources Department.
• Organize regular consultations with Division staff.
• Ensure the monitoring and coordination of exchanges with Member States and technical and financial partners in the field of arts and culture.
• Provide expertise in the implementation of projects and programs related to arts and culture.
• Plan and monitor any recruitment needs or collaboration with consultants in the field of arts and culture.
• Develop a training plan for the staff under their authority and work towards its implementation, in collaboration with the Human Resources Department.
• Advise staff on opportunities for capacity building.
• Monitor the alignment of results with program implementation by staff, considering current technological opportunities.
• To guide the Division's staff in the implementation of programs in each area of expertise

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Cultural industries; Cultural heritage; Intellectual property (Copy right); or field (s) relevant in areas of arts and Culture from a recognized university.
• 10 years of professional experience including 2 years relevant international work and 2 years at a supervisory level.
• Technical knowledge of theories, principles and methods in areas of Cultural industries; Cultural heritage; Intellectual property (Copy right) and/ social sciences in areas of arts and Culture.
• Knowledge of theories and practices in Programme and project management in Cultural industries; Cultural heritage; Intellectual property (Copy right), monitoring and evaluation, training and capacity development in Cultural industries; Cultural heritage; Intellectual property (Copy right).
• Solid knowledge of ECOWAS policy on cultural affairs and related areas, and a strong appreciation of the role of culture in empowering and enabling other actors.

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.

AGE LIMIT:

Below 45 years old.

Assessment method:

Assessment of qualified candidates will 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.

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. 

The required documents for registration include:

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover letter
3. Application form

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