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. 

Under the direct supervision of the Commissioner, Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalization, the incumbent shall be responsible for providing expertise in particular areas for the design and implementation of technical projects in line with ECOWAS objectives in the energy and mining sectors and manage all the activities of the Divisions under its supervision.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise the implementation of the Community strategic objectives in the energy and mining sector.
• Provide leadership and management for the Directorate Energy and Mines and be responsible for interpreting ECOWAS broad vision and policy guidelines, developing and managing goals and objectives to meet that mandate.
• Develop regional policies, strategies, initiatives and action plans in the Energy and Mining Sectors.
• Participate in the operationalization and well-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.
• Maintain a network of peer technical specialists and decision-makers in member states needed to ensure the smooth introduction of ECOWAS programs.
• Implement programs and activities as elaborated in the ECOWAS Energy Policy, Energy Protocol and the ECOWAS Mineral development policy, and other Policy guidelines.
• Collaborate with development partners to implement community programs in the Energy and Mining sectors.
• Plan annual goals, objectives, activities and budget tied to the Commission’s overall plans; measure and monitor goal achievement; negotiate suitable adjustments to goals and budgets.
• Implement performance-based budgeting within the Directorate.
• Organize the Directorate in an efficient way with clear reporting lines, minimal bureaucracy and optimal delegation of responsibilities and authority.
• Support Human Resource services such as recruitment, action on performance decisions, promotions and related human resource administration matters.
• Provide regular prompt performance feedback to direct reports.
•  Engage in developing staff to build their own skills to match the plans, goals and objectives of the department.
• Create a productive working atmosphere in the Directorate including the use of staff participation.
• Communicate to the staff of the Directorate clearly the ECOWAS vision, how the department is aligned with them, and how the Director expects the department to act on it.
• Keep abreast with fast-moving technical, political, social or economic changes.
• Communicate constantly with other Directors in the institution to ensure that work is harmonized with that of other departments as needed.
• Supervise staff of the department, including professional and support staff. Provide the normal range of transactional managerial skills that would ensure that the staff of the department perform in an efficient and effective way, and that they deliver the regular output needed of sufficient quality and in a timely manner.
• Direct technical guidance on program design/implementation in an area where high-level technical expertise is acknowledged.
• Represent ECOWAS in professional meetings or working group, making speeches, negotiating agreements, and mediating disputes.
• Lead or participate in technical missions to develop projects/programs.
• Advise the Commissioner for Energy and Mines on matters relating to cooperation in the energy sector.
• Generate ideas in the relevant technical field for future ECOWAS initiatives.
• Support relevant specialized Parliamentary Committee on regional Legislation, as appropriate.
• Perform any other related tasks as may be assigned by the Commissioner Energy and Mines.

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Electrical/Electromechanical Engineering, Geology, Mining Development and Geological Resources Engineering, Energy Economics or other related fields from a university of recognized standing. 
• 12 years progressively responsible experience in the field of energy security, energy efficiency, renewable energy, access to energy services, energy economics, transboundary power trade, energy generation (solar, wind, coal, oil and gas, etc....), energy transmission and distribution, hydrocarbons, advanced energy technologies or related field including 6 years of international work experience and 5 years at a supervisory level.
• Demonstrated expert knowledge of energy policies, strategies, initiatives, guidelines, protocols; proven ability to promote intra- and inter-regional, and other international relationships between ECOWAS and other key stakeholders for the development of the Community's mineral resources sector.
• Knowledge of issues related to energy access, efficiency, technology, environmental impact and connectivity through infrastructural harmonization and fiscal and investment policies related to energy within the West-African Region.
• Demonstrated extensive knowledge of mining, geological and natural resources policies, strategies, initiatives and action plans,
• Deep experience in the miming 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.
• Extensive knowledge of energy policy development framework as it relates to the energy sector, between the Commission, sub-regional institutions, other regional economic communities and African institutions.
• 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 environmental changes (social, economic, and political), and its impact and make recommendations.

ECOWAS KEY COMPETENCIES

• Senior leadership experience in establishing strategic partnerships, working collaboratively, and building consensus with multiple internal and/or external stakeholders on complex issues in a multi-disciplinary governmental or international organization.
• Knowledge of the ECOWAS mandate, strategic plan/priorities as well as the economic, political, and social state/trends of Member States, as pertains to own scope of work.
• Consistency in actions, values, methods, confidentiality, ethics, measures, principles, expectations, and outcomes which connote a deep commitment to do the right thing for the right reason, regardless of the circumstances.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Heads of Institutions, elected officials and statutory employees to facilitate compliance, build engagement, resolve conflicts, and obtain support for change.
• Ability to respect the chain of command in an appropriate manner.
• Ability to promote a culture where people hold themselves personally accountable for results.
• Ability to provide leadership management, and technical oversight for all project activities and program deliverables in accordance with ECOWAS legal and administrative practices and standards.
• Ability to conduct periodic reviews of staff performance in keeping with the ECOWAS performance management system and to mentor staff to ensure high levels of motivation, commitment, capacity, and teamwork.
• Ability to oversee project management, internal controls, and stewardship of financial resources and to address issues in a confident and capable manner whilst making decisions that exemplify impartial and non-partisan decision-making. 
• Ability to exercise the initiative and resourcefulness necessary for simultaneously addressing a variety of stakeholder needs, pursuing multiple tasks, and achieving positive outcomes.
• Ability to create synergies with client groups and others to achieve objectives in setting and monitoring service standards and indicators.
• Ability to motivate and engage others in promoting or adopting best practices in client services.
• Ability to identify and improve services and client interactions through appropriate networks and to create innovative ways of addressing these in an accountable and transparent manner.
• Knowledge of anti-discriminatory/human rights regulatory environment and ability to advance strategies to foster an inclusive working environment and healthy organization respectful of cultural diversity and gender equality and free from harassment and discrimination.
• Understanding of diverse cultural views especially within West Africa, being sensitive to group differences, and gender issues and ability to contribute to, advocate for, and/or develop policies that are gender sensitive and responsive to various cultures.
• Ability to foster a diverse and inclusive interactive work environment that can effectively bring together a wide spectrum of ideas and experiences to solve problems, develop projects/programs and improve results.
• ability and responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Ability to remain objective in managing conflict regardless of cultural differences /positions, and gender differences, and encourage other staff to overcome cultural and gender bias and differences. 
• Understanding of the ECOWAS organizational structure, workplace culture and dynamics.
• Ability to apply knowledge of ECOWAS legal framework, strategic priorities, and operational standards to develop/modernize policies and programs and/or to implement policies and programs in a sustainable and effective manner.
• Well-developed business, social and political acumen, demonstrating a strong commitment to the vision and mandate of ECOWAS coupled with a broad knowledge of the economic, political and social situations and trends in Member States.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills on matters relating to policy and strategy development important to the realization of the ECOWAS mandate and the improvement of outcomes 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 environmental changes (social, economic, and political), and its 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 relating to the management of human, financial and material resources. 
• Ability to actively listen and understand the perspectives of others to make informed assertions, decisions, or recommendations.
• Ability to build multiple external collaborative relationships to support strategic and operational objectives; identify the key issues and accommodate the key players with well-thought-out communication and stakeholder management plans. 
• Ability to communicate with clarity and conviction, make compelling presentations that promote new insights, ideas and perspectives and a better understanding of issues and challenges.
• 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.
• Excellent negotiation and conflict management skills focusing on building and nurturing effective and collaborative relationships.
• 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.
• Ability to prepare plans, set clear objectives in a consistent manner and have effective oversight of performance management practices to ensure that goals and standards are met.
• Ability to set effective goals/results and manage change in a manner 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 throughout the implementation of strategic, operational, programme, project, and individual plans.
• Ability to implement plans, mobilize/engage people, identify critical success factors, mitigate risks, monitor indicators and feedback, initiate corrective measures, and build capacities for sustainability.
• Ability to institute rigorous monitoring, and evaluation practices and to learn from setbacks and mistakes to ensure continuous improvement.

GRADE LEVEL: D1

REMUNERATION: UC 81,435.54 USD 128,488.99

AGE LIMIT : Below 50 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.