Program Officer - Disarmament at Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Institution: ECOWAS Commission
Grade:  P3
Status: Permanent
Department: Political Affairs, Peace &Security
Directorate: Peacekeeping & Regional Security
Division: Small Arms
Line Supervisor: Principal Programme Officer Small Arms

Role Overview

• Under the supervision of Principal Programme Officer Small Arms, the incumbent shall support the implementation of disarmament programs/activities by providing adequate capacity to Member States in Arms and Ammunition Stockpile Management including Weapons Marking, Tracing, Collection & Destruction.
• The Officer will also undertake the collection of relevant information/data on the status of arms and ammunition administration and management in the region.

Role and Responsibilities

• Support elaboration of programs and projects related to disarmament  based on emerging threats in the region;
• Support coordination of disarmament programs in Member States by carrying out the following activities:
  • Providing sustainable capacity building on Physical Security and Stockpile Management (PSSM), including training and equipment support;
  • Planning and execution of collection and destruction of Arms and Ammunition exercises in Member States;
  • Support the implementation of Weapons Marking & Tracing in Member States;
  • Support in building a regional Database/Roster of Experts in PSSM, Marking & Tracing;
  • Support implementation of programs/projects on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR);
• Support Mobilization of Resources for the implementation of the Convention on SALW ;
• Perform any other task as assigned by the supervisor.

Academic Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations, Computer Science, or any Social Science or Security related field from a recognized University.
• 5 years of progressively responsible experience in Political Affairs, Governance, Diplomacy, conflict resolution, information management security or related field;
• Understanding of political, governance and security dynamics, conflict prevention management and resolution;
• Technical competence to conduct information gathering, research and analysis with modern technology.
• Ability to understand and apply approaches, techniques and tools that draw on a wide range of inputs and improve the quality and pace of mediation in the coordination of Reginal Political Affairs.
• Experience working in an international organization or at a multi-country level highly desirable;
• Experience in supporting development of regional and national security policies/strategies will be an advantage;
• Strong knowledge of ECOWAS, AU and UN policies, strategies and approached in Small Arms is required;
• Knowledge of relevant instruments of peace and security will be an added advantage;
• Knowledge of project management, monitoring and evaluation of projects;
• Knowledge of the life-cycle approaches in the management of SALW, practical disarmament measures such as physical security and stockpiling of weapons, arms marking and destruction
• Field experience in weapons management;
• Knowledge of regional, continental and international small arms control obligations and programs on disarmament and non – proliferation;

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 instill a spirit of teamwork to engage employees and achieve a well-defined set of activities;
• Ability to respect 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 the 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 unbias 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 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 new 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.

Annual Salary
UA 49,106.81 USD77,480.72

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