Programme Officer (PO), Volunteer - Deployment and Data Management at Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

Job Code: 20003554
Grade: P3/P4

Role Overview

• Under the supervision of the PO, Volunteer Programme Coordination, the Programme Officer, Volunteer Deployment and Data Management is responsible for all matters concerning the recruitment and deployment of ECOWAS Volunteers, their monitoring and management in the field and the development and management of the ECOWAS volunteer’s data base.

Role and Responsibilities

• Initiate and implement publication, circulation, and dissemination of advertisements of profiles of ECOWAS volunteer positions to be recruited, whenever necessary.
• Manage and supervise the recruitment process and submit a report thereon.
• Liaise with beneficiary or potential beneficiary institutions to determine profiles of volunteers to be recruited and assist in the preparation of realistic terms of reference for publication on each volunteer assignment.
• Coordinate the needs assessment of the beneficiary institutions of the volunteers to identify priority areas.
• Define selection criteria and modalities of recruitment of the volunteers.
• Oversee and manage the deployment of ECOWAS Volunteers.
• Design, develop and manage the data base of all ECOWAS volunteers.
• Facilitate the capture of maximum data possible, concerning every ECOWAS volunteering the data base.
• Implement an on-line volunteer application system that allows data capture for all potential ECOWAS Volunteers
• Produce a secured back-up of all ECOWAS volunteers programme data and programme archives.
• Coordinate appropriate use of the conditions of service, the training modules, and any relevant tools for the ECOWAS volunteers.
• Maintain comprehensive updated records of the contractual status of all serving volunteers and initiate timely action on decisions concerning post extensions, renewals, and replacements.
• Maintain an up-to-date and accessible data base of all ECOWAS volunteer alumni (ex-volunteers)
• Coordinate reviews and discussions with Government, host institutions and partners and stay abreast of volunteers’ performance, challenges, and overall situations.
• Coordinate and contribute to the orientation of new volunteers and meetings among the volunteers, as deemed necessary.

Academic Qualifications and Experience 

• Bachelor’s Degree or its equivalent in the Social Sciences / Political Science / Law / International Relations / Business Administration / Public Administration / Management / Statistics / Economics from a recognized University.
• Minimum of 5 years work in the field of peace, development or capacity building, organisational development and/or volunteer management.
• Professional experience in planning, strategic plan implementation, personnel mobilisation and management, and results-based management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the socio-economic situation, cultural dimensions, and political structure of ECOWAS countries.
• Knowledge of the ECOWAS system and the ECOWAS Volunteers Programme would be an advantage.
• Professional experience in a conflict/post conflict environment would be an asset.
• Previous work as an ECOWAS volunteer would be considered an asset.
• Previous work in an international institution or a volunteering organisation in a position of responsibility would be an added advantage.
• Ability to multi-task, simultaneously coordinate different activities and work under pressure.
• Proven experience in database development, analysis, and management.

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 the organizational unit’s performance goals and standards.
• Interpersonal skills with the ability to keep a client informed of progress or setbacks in projects of relevance to the 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 needs mitigates issues and 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 judgment, 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 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.

Salary
USD62,699.75 - USD73,430.77 annually.