Program Officer, Crime and Criminality Security at Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

ROLE OVERVIEW

• Under the supervision of the Program Officer, Crime and Criminality Security, the incumbent shall be required to monitor regional peace and security indicators with particular focus on drug/human trafficking, organized crime, cyber criminality, migration etc. and analyze and draft early warning reports with recommendations and identify options for response.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• In collaboration with the network of sectorial analysts contribute efficiently in enhancing the Early Warning Directorate’s capacity in the analysis of the Regional Security Situation on Crime and Criminality related events/situations;
• Review early warning incident and situation reports submitted by the Field Monitors through the ECOWARN platform.
• Perform quality control on the various data and information for subsequent input to the ECOWARN system.
• Document early warning information gathered through other networks for incorporation into the early warning reports.
• Analyse early warning information and produce different early warning reports with recommendations and options for response.
• Prepare briefing notes and organize daily situation meetings to discuss and identify priority areas for reporting.
• Evaluate and update the Daily Highlight with reference to security in the ECOWAS region and submit to the PPO Analysis for validation.
• Develop and maintain networks with other experts in the Member States for information collection, verification, analysis, and reporting.
• Perform any other task as assigned by the supervisor.

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Public Administration, International Relations, Sociology, Social Finance, or a similar field from a recognized University.
• Three (3) years of work experience in the analysis of sectorial early warning indicators.
• knowledge of ECOWAS Conflict Analysis Framework, Early Warning Mechanisms of ECOWAS and those of the African Union and other Regional Economic Communities.
• proven experience in producing Country Risk and Vulnerabilities Assessments.

AGE LIMIT

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

ECOWAS KEY COMPETENCIES

• ability to persuade/influence others to consider a certain point of view, adopt a new idea or implement new methods and practices.
• ability to lead a team of trainees/junior staff and instil a spirit of teamwork to engage employees and achieve a well-defined set of activities.
• ability to respect the chain of command in an appropriate manner.
• ability to resolve challenges that occur with minimal direction and/or to recommend and explain solutions or alternatives for approval.
• ability to utilize the Code of Ethics to manage self, others, information and resources.
• ability to mentor others and create feedback loops with supervisors, colleagues, and subordinates to build strong working relationships and improve performance.
• contribute to maintaining organizational unit’s performance goals and standards.
• interpersonal skills with ability to keep a client informed of progress or setbacks in projects of relevance to timeline, quality, and quantity.
• ability to proactively interact with clients and build strong trusting relationships based on mutual respect and regular discussions.
• ability to establish and sustain professional credibility with clients/stakeholders in a manner that anticipates their need, mitigates issues and that carefully balances professional obligations with the need to be sensitive and responsive to their needs.
• ability to counsel, advise, consult, and guide others on matters pertaining to assigned client service responsibilities and established client service standards.
• demonstrate respect for cultural differences, fairness, and ability to relate well with people from varied backgrounds, nationality, gender, ethnicity, race, and religion.
• understanding of diverse cultural views especially within West Africa, with sensitivity to group differences; ability to challenge bias and to practice tolerance and empathy.
• ability to listen actively, consider people’s concerns and apply judgement, tact, and diplomacy.
• ability to work in a diverse and inclusive interactive environment that benefits from diverse strengths.
• ability and responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• ability to encourage, empower, and advocate for people in an unbiased and transparent manner.
• knowledge of ECOWAS institutions, sectors, programmes, and policies.
• knowledge of ECOWAS internal operational requirements of programs, projects, services, and systems required to achieve work assignments and meet performance goals.
• knowledge of rules and procedures of ECOWAS associated with assigned responsibilities and ability to explain these clearly to others.
• knowledge of the ECOWAS culture, structures and performance issues and priorities impacting assigned responsibilities.
• knowledge of member states development trends, indicators, challenges, and opportunities as it relates to project/programme assigned to own position.
• ability to study data/information from a variety of sources, identify anomalies, trends and issues, present findings, and make recommendations.
• ability to break down problems or processes into key parts to identify and solve gaps in service, quality assurance, compliance, and performance targets.
• knowledge of and ability to apply techniques to generate creative ideas and innovative approaches to meeting goals.
• ability to use evidence and research to inform policies and programs and identify relevant and appropriate sources of information, including stakeholders, regional institutions and/or internal committees.
• demonstrate operational computer proficiency using appropriate tools.
• ability to make sound use of graphics and tables to effectively present numerical data to write semi-complex technical reports/proposals and edit/check templates, letters, etc.
• ability to convey information clearly and concisely in a succinct and organized manner through both writing and verbal means.
• exhibit interpersonal skills, make presentations, express opinions, and debate ideas with others 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 develop, implement an individual action plan for achieving specific work goals.
• identify, organize, and monitor tasks throughout to facilitate execution.
• ability to contribute and/or lead on projects as per accepted project management standards and techniques, to co-ordinate contributions by others to set and meet deadlines.
• ability to organize work, set priorities, and work within timelines, giving attention to details, stakeholders, indicators, and risks.
• ability to identify, collect and assess indicators to monitor performance and to take proactive remedial action as required.