Director, Humanitarian & Social Affairs at Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

Role Overview

• Under the guidance and supervision of the Commissioner Human Development and Social Affairs, the incumbent responsible for interpreting governing bodies’ broad visions and policy guidelines, and for developing and managing goals and objectives to meet that mandate. He/
• She provides technical expertise in particular technical areas for the design and implementation of humanitarian and social issues in the region in line with ECOWAS objectives. 
• He/She also provides leadership in development, implementation and management of major activities which are substantively important to the accomplishment of the Institution’s mandate.

Role and Responsibilities

• Interpret and implement broad policy guidelines, mechanisms and frameworks relating to humanitarian and social affairs.
• Planning including budgeting and organization, affecting where necessary, major changes in the specialized sector’s activities.
• Organize and supervise the performance of all Staff.
• Perform full regular “transactional” management function for his or her section – planning (budget, objectives, staffing, knowledge management and logistics where appropriate), organizing the unit, ensuring Staff skill are appropriate, placing and following new lines, directing and prioritizing the work, controlling standards.
• Align the Directorate’s work with the revised Treaty and Community’s priorities.
• Develop strategies with other directorates to link humanitarian, disaster management and social issues with other developmental sectors.
• Make recommendations and develop policy guidance for the President of the Commission in matters of Humanitarian and social affairs, disaster management and emergency responses.
• Maintain strategic partnerships and networking with major partners and relevant international and regional institutions in humanitarian and social affairs to advance the work of the Community.
• Perform any other task assigned by the supervisor

Additional Information:
The incumbent will supervise: 

• PPO, Humanitarian Affairs
• PPO, Social Affairs
• PPO, Human Security and CSO
• Office Manager

Academic Qualification and Experience

• Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in Gender studies, Sociology, Humanitarian and Social Affairs, Economics, other Social Science or related field from a recognized university.
• 12 years of professional experience in socio economic development, policy analysis, programme management, social research or related area, including 6 years relevant international work and 5 years at a supervisory level.
• Knowledge of women and gender issues, principles and concepts of gender equality, empowerment and gender mainstreaming in relation to government, the private sector, civil society and international organizations.
• Knowledge of ECOWAS region and member countries, including the political, economic and social dimensions and the ability to effectively identify gaps, build sectoral networks and partnerships, develop proposals and mobilize resources required to meet social and economic needs and gender operational goals and strategic priorities.
• Knowledge of member states’ institutional frameworks, mandates, policies and strategies on gender and development.
• Demonstrated skill and experience in gender mainstreaming in polices, programs and strategies.

Age Limit:

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

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.

Assessment method:

• Assessment of qualified candidates may 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.