Administrative Assistant (OAG) at Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

Job Code: 200003789

Mandate of OAG

• The Office of the Auditor General of ECOWAS Institutions (OAG) is an independent assurance office established to assist the ECOWAS Governance Bodies, in particular, the Council of Ministers and Audit Committee to carry out their oversight functions and promote good corporate governance, accountability, and value for money in all Community Institutions, Specialized Agencies and Offices. Deriving its mandate from the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, it is tasked to conduct Community-wide Financial Audits, Compliance Audits, Performance Audits, Investigations, and other Special Audits. The OAG structure comprises an Audit Directorate, a Directorate for Program Performance Audit, and an Internal Services Division. It is headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria.

Role Overview

• Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Administrative Officer, the incumbent will assist in carrying out the administrative duties revolving around managing the administrative, procurement and protocol functions.
• He will assist in the initiation and implementation of best and effective practices in administrative functions.

Role and Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation and implementation of the work program and budget to ensure compatibility with work priorities and objectives, considering the most effective use of resources.
• Support in the Monitoring and control of budgetary allocations through regular reviews and provides effective monitoring reports and data thereby identifying deviations from plans and proposes corrective measures
• Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority and assignments, adjusts priorities as required, allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work
• Provides performance advice to staff and management and foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning, monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary using time efficiently
• Assist in the production of major/complex reports for management
• Carry out smooth operation of the administrative functions including work environment, space, equipment, and information retrieval system
• Assist in identifying the operational needs and develop and support the implementation of the rules to facilitate the workflow process
• Provide information to staff regarding office administration procedures, processes, and practices
• Assist in the implementation of all the initiatives that will enable a rational management of the material, human resources (logistics and procedures)
• Assist in the preparation of objective, accurate, coherent reports in conformity with ECOWAS Rules and Regulations
• Provide technical and logistical assistance in the organization of activities
• Provide support to the Office in the analysis and review of incoming and outgoing files and documents
• Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
• Scanning /Archiving of all documentations regarding administrative processes
• Writing of Internal Memos/Circulars/Letters on administrative activities
• Any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Academic Qualifications and Experience

• Brevet de Technicien Superior (BTS)/ Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Business Administration, Public Administration or in a similar field from a recognized Institution.
• 5 years’ experience in administrative services or related areas in an international public organization with administrative experience in contract management and/or contract administration
• Broad knowledge of internationally recognized procurement standards and of phases of international procurement techniques and operations used in contracting for a diverse range of goods and services
• Knowledge of contract law and of quantitative methods to assist in the measurement of supplier capacity systems.

Age Limit:

• Be below 50 years old. This provision does not apply to internal candidates.

ECOWAS Key Competencies:

• Ability to assume a credible presence when explaining rules, standards and expectations (e.g. deadlines) to ensure compliance and work expectations are met;
• Ability to motivate self and/or others to engage in discussions that will result in recommendations to improve processes, templates or other work tools;
• Ability to engage in positive approaches to team work, participate actively in discussions and the achievement of team goals;
• Ability to take responsibility for own career and performance with the occasional guidance from the supervisor/mentor
• Ability to build capacity of self and others by sharing knowledge, tools, expertise and experience with others to remain proficient and well informed in the execution of assigned role.
• Interpersonal, listening and multitasking skills with a good understanding of client service responsibilities and role in representing ECOWAS values in all interactions
• Ability to take initiative to resolve routine problems associated with assigned tasks using good judgment in involving colleagues or superiors as required
• Ability to work as part of a team with the ability to explain client interactions to resolve concerns, problems and improve services;
• Ability to manage own time effectively and organize own work area in a manner that will meet performance expectations related to assigned client services
• Ability to direct people to the appropriate source for further information and ask for help when overwhelmed with client demands.
• Ability to apply culturally relevant and appropriate approaches with people from diverse cultural backgrounds;
• Good diversity management skills to interact with individuals in a manner that is culturally appropriate and in accordance with ECOWAS rules/policies
• Ability to recognize preconceived notions and stereotypical views of certains groups and individuals and to successfully adopt inclusive and culturally appropriate behaviors;
• Ability and responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work;
• Knowledge of diversity management as it relates to daily work expectations and assigned tasks.
• Knowledge of the ECOWAS mandate and operational goals of relevance to assigned responsibilities
• Ability to keep up-to-date with Departmental activities, schedules and goals of pertinence to own work team, functional area
• Knowledge of ECOWAS procedures relevant to assigned work and the ability to apply sound judgment in their application
• Demonstrated strong interest and commitment to ECOWAS values and activities in daily assumption of duties
• Excellent ability to maintain, process and provide accurate information as part of assigned tasks;
• Ability to organize files and information for easy retrieval and record keeping;
• Ability to spot mistakes, act promptly to correct them and learn from experiences;
• Knowledge and ability to challenge and question fundamental assumptions regarding accepted ways of doing things in the spirit of improvement.
• Ability to use current technology to communicate effectively e.g. office software programs, including spreadsheets, word processing and graphic presentation software
• Ability to type and format presentations, reports, manuals, newsletters, website content and proficiency in information communication technologies (ICT)
• Well-developed information sharing skills using technology and in accordance in established processes and practices;
• Advanced verbal assertiveness and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to acknowledge and understand the validity of others’ viewpoints and to respond in a constructive manner
• 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 allocate time for specific task in a manner that will meet deadlines and quality/quantity expectations.
• Good organizational skills with an excellent ability to break down work into smaller parts and focusing on the most important steps first
• Ability to contribute to maintaining organizational performance standards throughout implementation of new processes, practices and plans adopted by the Department and of relevance to assigned tasks
• Ability to monitor progress and to consider new goals in the context of assigned responsibilities
• Ability to follow through with commitments made to others.