Director of Research and Statistics, ECOWAS Commission at Deloitte

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Economic Affairs, the incumbent leads the production and management of quality harmonized statistics and coordinates regional research and economic studies related to regional integration within ECOWAS. He/she ensures the production of the methodological guides necessary for the harmonization of regional statistics as well as the creation of regional databases relevant for the management and dissemination of harmonized statistics. He/she also mobilizes the financial and technical resources necessary for the development of regional statistics and research.

Role and responsibilities

• Coordinate the ECOWAS regional statistical system and implement its statistical policy and programme, in collaboration with national and regional institutions;
• Lead the development and maintenance of statistical databases covering sub-regional integration activities, to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the use of statistical data within the Commission;
• Oversees and ensures the effective dissemination of statistics and provides guidance on their analysis and interpretation;
• Ensure the development and maintenance of a comprehensive framework for access to statistical databases throughout the Commission;
• Coordinate the harmonization of statistical tools and methods in collaboration with international statistical agencies, to ensure consistency and comparability of data;
• Ensure the effective sharing of statistical data with regional actors and development partners;
• Formulate and ensure the implementation of effective statistical and analytical strategies to meet the operational and research needs of the Commission, including by providing advice on data sources, quality, availability and appropriate research methodologies;
• Develop and coordinate, in collaboration with national and regional institutions, the ECOWAS research and development policy and programme;
• Coordinate economic research and studies on regional integration, providing advice and technical support for the identification and management of macroeconomic and social priorities, as well as poverty-related issues in the sub-region;
• Monitor development programs in the region in collaboration with other regional institutions;
• Contribute to the development of integration programs and the mobilization of strategic partnerships;
• Contribute to the preparation of the reports of the Chairperson of the Commission;
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Chairperson of the Commission.

Qualifications

• Hold a Master's degree in Economics, Statistics with a specialization in the social, macroeconomic and political aspects of development, obtained from a recognized university;
• Possession of a doctorate will be an asset.
• Twelve (12) years of progressively responsible experience in research, statistical policy and programme development and implementation, including six (6) years of relevant international professional experience and five (5) years in a supervisory position, is required.
• Demonstrate strong experience at the regional level, including interactions with national institutions;
• Proven experience in a similar position will be an asset;
• Strong knowledge of research and analytical methodologies and ability to apply qualitative and quantitative approaches to projects;
• Demonstrate a strong ability to analyze actions from the perspective of stakeholders and translate strategic thinking into operational and convincing action plans;
• Demonstrate an ability to interpret complex statistical data and translate it into policy directions and strategic decisions using relevant data analysis software, including EViews, STATA, SPSS, and Excel, as well as qualitative analysis software. The software required will be determined according to the role and content of the position;
• Proof of publication of at least three articles in international peer-reviewed journals in the field of economics or regional statistics.