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 supervision of the Commissioner Agriculture and Economic Affairs, the incumbent will lead the production and management of harmonized quality statistics and coordinate regional research and economic studies on regional integration for ECOWAS. Ensure the production methodology guides are necessary for harmonization of regional Statistics and the creation of all relevant regional databases for management and dissemination of quality harmonized statistics. Mobilize financial and technical resources for regional statistics and research.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate the ECOWAS Regional Statistical System and Implement ECOWAS Statistics Policy and Program, in collaboration with national and regional institutions.
• Provide leadership in developing and maintaining up-to-date statistical databases covering the sub-regional integration activities to ensure accuracy and consistency in the use of statistical data throughout the Commission.
• Supervise and ensuring effective dissemination of statistics and offering guidance on their analysis and interpretation.
• Ensure the development and maintenance of a comprehensive framework through which the commission statistical databases can be accessed.
• Coordinate the harmonization of statistical tools and methods in collaboration with international statistical agencies to ensure consistency and comparability of data.
• Ensure effective sharing of statistical data with regional stakeholders and development partners.
• Formulate and ensuring the implementation of efficient statistical and analytical strategies to meet the operational and research needs of the Commission through the provision of advice on data sources, quality and availability and research methodology.
• Establish and coordinate the ECOWAS Research and Development Policy and Program, in collaboration with national and regional institutions.
• Coordinate research and economic studies on regional integration, giving advice and technical support in identifying and managing macroeconomic and social priorities, as well as poverty-related issues in the sub region.
• Monitoring development programs for the region in collaboration with other regional institutions.
• Contributing to the elaboration of the integration programs and mobilizing partnership.
• Contributing to the preparation of the Reports of the President of the Commission.
• Any other responsibility that may be assigned by the President of the Commission

• Master’s degree in Economics, Statistics with a focus on Social, Macro-Economic, Political aspects of development from a recognized university.
• A PhD degree will be considered as an advantage.
• 12 years of progressively responsible experience in Research and Statistics Policy and Program including 6 years of relevant international work experience and 5 years at a supervisory level.
• Strong experience at regional level with interaction at national level,
• Demonstration of experience at the similar position will be an asset.
• Strong knowledge of research and analytical methodologies and ability application of both qualitative and quantitative approaches through project-based work.
• Strong capacity to analyze action from the perspective of stakeholders and translate strategic thinking into a compelling plan of action.
• Ability to interpret complex statistical data and translate into policy and decision making using relevant data analysis packages, particularly Eviews, STATA, SPSS and EXCEL, and qualitative packages. Packages to be determined by the role and job content.
• Publication of at least three papers in international peer review journal in regional economics and statistics.

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: UA 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.

Application Closing Date: 10th May 2026