Job Vacancies at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

Institution: ECOWAS Community Court of Justice
Grade: P5
Status: Permanent
Department: Research
Directorate: Research and Documentation
Division: Legal Services & Research
Line Supervisor: Director, Research And Documentation

Role Overview

• Under the supervision of the Director, Research and Documentation, the incumbent shall undertake legal research and analysis, write legal opinions and report on various issues pertaining to the judicial work of the Court and its day-to-day functioning, while providing legal support to the Staff and other services of the Court, as required.

Supervising:

• Senior Research Officers
• Research Officers

Roles and Responsibilities
Managerial Duties:

• Lead the Research team in conducting legal research and analysis on assigned cases, monitor staff performance  and ensure quality of work and output delivery within prescribed deadlines;
• Identify and apply motivational incentives and innovative research methodologies, while providing guidance and leadership throughout the research process, from conceptualization, through data collection and analysis to the writing of sound legal opinions, comprehensive contract and partnership agreements, and rigorous academic paper presentations;
• Design and Initiate projects and programs on research tools development, including thematic reports, legal texts collection, index of jurisprudence, practice guides and literature review within the ambit of the Court’s mandate and jurisdiction;
• Contribute to the development and implementation of legal research strategies, policies, guidelines and procedures, in accordance with statutory requirements, international standards and professional best practices;
• Provide regular performance feedback to the Director and share relevant information with the Research team, as appropriate;
• Preparing budget submissions, developing annual procurement and work plans, securing necessary approvals, monitoring implementation and ensuring regular performance reporting.

Technical Duties:

• Study and advise on the rules, practice and jurisprudence of the Court;
• Undertake and supervise legal research and analysis on pending cases before the Court;
• Draft legal briefs and opinions on various legal issues of Community interest;
• Produce thematic reports and a subject-matter Index of the jurisprudence of the Court;
• Prepare and review draft contracts and partnership agreements involving the Court;
• Provide legal advice and support in respect of staff career management in accordance with the ECOWAS Staff Regulations;
• Produce academic papers and presentations on the practice and jurisprudence of the Court;
• Provide legal support and advice to the Staff and other services of the Court, as required;
• Prepare the draft annual budget and work program of the Research and Legal Service;
• Assist the Director in the management and coordination of the Research and Legal Service;
• Assist and Represent the Director, as required, in meetings and work sessions of both statutory and ad hoc committees;
• Report to the Director on all official activities and tasks performed;
• Perform any other task as may be assigned.

Academic Qualifications and Experience

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in Law, with a specialization in Human Rights and Humanitarian Laws, International Law, Administrative or economic law from a recognized University;
• 10 years of progressively responsible experience in administrative law or related areas including 2 years relevant international work and 5 years at a supervisory level;
• Knowledge of ECOWAS regulations and rules, policies, procedures and operations;
• Demonstrated professional competence and mastery of administrative law and judicial procedures and ability to review and edit the work of others and manage the functioning of an office and its staff members;
• Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct comprehensive legal research on a range of issues including those of a unique or complex nature;
• Professional experience in legal representation and practice, including legal research, analysis and writing of court processes within the judicial system, in a law firm or a legal office of an intergovernmental organization, a state agency or a human rights NGO;
• Excellent knowledge of international law and ability to apply legal expertise in analyzing complex legal issues and developing innovative legal solutions;
• Knowledge of the practice and procedure of international Courts and Tribunals;
• Knowledge of Legal issues arising out of regional integration processes and international and regional mechanisms on the promotion and protection of human rights;
• Strong drafting skills and ability to prepare sound legal briefs, submissions and opinions;

Age Limit:

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

ECOWAS Key Competencies:

• Ability to lead in assigned programs and projects by providing the necessary managerial and operational expertise required for the fulfillment of the organization’s mandate;
• Ability to lead by example and organize teamwork to encourage cooperation to achieve targeted results, champion and build momentum for change and to bring about employee engagement; develops and implements internal controls for pilot program to manage potential barriers to implementation;
• Ability to respect chain of command in an appropriate manner;
• Excellent self-management skills, demonstrating ethics and integrity, confidentiality and displaying due regards for internal controls of rules, delegations and transparency;
• Ability to bring together complementary skills/expertise, assess individual contributions and recognize/address accomplishments and shortcomings in a manner that brings continued success to the organization;
• Knowledge of program management at the level usually acquired from a certification in program management.
• Ability to research benchmarks and trends to bring about the best recommendations for the development and improvement of programs/projects that will best serve the community/organization;
• Well-developed networking and interpersonal skills to seek feedback, information and data from a network of professionals from multiple countries/sectors/organizations and to identify and prioritize the most critical community requirements;
• Ability to manage and co-ordinate client management initiatives and make recommendations;
• Ability to develop and implement best practices in client services;
• Ability to develop and implement stakeholder management plans, programs and initiatives to obtain buy-in on new initiatives, to better understand dissenting views, to obtain resources and to increase perceptions of success.
• Ability to be diplomatic, tactful and respect of other people from varied backgrounds, understanding diverse cultural views especially within West Africa with the ability to convert diversity into opportunities to improve program/operational outcomes;
• Ability to create a diverse and inclusive interactive environment that benefits from diverse strengths bringing together innovative practices;
• Ability to remain objective in managing conflict regardless of cultural differences /positions, gender differences, and encourage other staff to overcome cultural and gender bias and  differences;
• Ability and responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work;
• Ability to serve the interest of culturally diverse multinational teams/organizations/communities and persons with disability without prejudice and bias.
• Understanding of the ECOWAS organizational structure, associated dynamics and expectations as required to collaborate, participate, contribute and lead effectively;
• Knowledge of the ECOWAS mandate, strategic plan/priorities as well as the economic, political and social situation and trends in member states, as pertains to own scope of work;
• Knowledge of ECOWAS best practices, program management approaches and research techniques to lead and/or contribute to the development or assessment of programs, projects or initiatives;
• Knowledge of the ECOWAS rules and procedures in order to appropriately interpret and apply directive text, provide technical advice, coach others and assess performance.
• Ability to analyze a situation by using indicators to assess the costs, benefits, risks, and chances for success, in making  decisions;
• Ability to pull together information from different sources to identify the cause of problems, consequences of alternative causes of action, potential obstacles and ways to avoid the problem in the future;
• Ability to break down very complex situations/information into simple terms  to explain recommendations and conclusions aimed at solving problems or improving operations/programs/projects;
• Ability to develop new insights into situations, apply innovative solutions to problems and to design new methods of addressing issues or disconnects where established methods and procedures are inapplicable or no longer effective.
• Ability to communicate with impact, clearly and concisely in a succinct and organized manner conveying credibility & confidence when making presentations, setting expectations and explaining complex issues;
• Ability to listen intently and correctly interpret messages from others and respond appropriately;
• Accomplished technical writing and editing skills;
• 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;
• Ability to give constructive feedback, provide recognition, address shortcomings and motivate direct reports to work at peak performance;
• 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.
• Organizational and project/program management skills with significant experience identifying timelines, targets, costs and resources necessary to deliver on operational/program/project outputs in line with result based management approach;
• Ability to set effective goals and targets for self, others, and the work unit and adjusting work or project priorities in response to changing circumstances;
• Ability to use participatory approach in project planning and identify gaps affecting the achievement of program/project expectations and to design and implement intervention plans required to build the desired task;
• Ability to implement rigorous monitoring and evaluation practices and to set in place regular reporting schedules relevant to key outputs;
• Ability to plan, organize, control resources, and to comply with policies, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.

Annual Salary
UA66, 123.98, USD104, 330.42

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Institution: ECOWAS Community Court of Justice
Grade: D2
Status: Permanent
Directorate: Registry
Division: Court Registry
Line Supervisor: President of the Court

Role Overview

• Under the supervision of the President of the Court, the incumbent shall be responsible for the judicial case management, judicial administration, records management and the provision of services for the efficient discharge of the judicial functions of the Court. The Chief Registrar will assist the Judges in the Performance of their functions.

Supervising:

• Director, Research & Documentation
• Deputy Chief Registrar
• Director Administration & Finance.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Attends Court sittings;
• Supervises, monitors and coordinates the activities of the Court Registry;
• Responsible for the acceptance, transmission and custody of documents under the direction of the President;
• Responsible for the preparation of minutes and records of proceedings under the direction of the President;
• Supervises, monitors and coordinates the processing and service of all applications;
• Monitors the translation of all pleadings into the official languages of the Court;
• Plans, supervises, monitors and coordinates the duties and programs assigned to the Registry Department for the accomplishment of the court’s mandate under the direction of the President;
• Supervises, monitors and coordinates Docket management, record keeping; judicial record management, automated case file management, control, indexing and retrieval mechanisms under the direction of the President;
• Prepares the Institution’s annual draft program budget under the direction of the President;
• Performs any other related tasks as may be assigned by the President.

Academic Qualifications and Experience

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in Law from a recognized University.
• 15 years of progressively responsible experience in Law in a senior leadership capacity with a minimum of 7 years’ experience working on issues related to the ECOWAS region; experience working with Member States and delegations in the context of international organizations; extensive experience in programme and project planning, financing and oversight;
• Knowledge of policy and strategy development, change management and related issues, with broad geographical outcomes/impacts;
• Ability to lead the development, management/review of reports and papers on technical and policy issues;
• Knowledge of ECOWAS policies, management, administrative, budgetary and staffing systems, procedures and regulations;
• Progressive senior leadership experience in establishing strategic partnerships, working collaboratively and building consensus with multiple stakeholders on critical and/or complex issues.

Age Limit:

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

ECOWAS Key Competencies:

• Demonstrated passion and commitment to public service principles, values and ethics, and the practice of accountability in public sector management;
• Ability to inspire, motivate and engage others to solve problems and resolve conflicts, to modify leadership style, to meet situational requirements, and to lead successfully in uncertain and volatile environments; develops a culture where people hold themselves personally accountable for results;
• Exhibit consistency on actions, values, methods, confidentiality, ethics, measures, principles, expectations and outcomes which connotes a deep commitment to do the right thing for the right reason, regardless of the circumstances;
• Well-developed political acumen, superior judgement, tact and diplomacy to work with various interest groups and stakeholders, to influence/enlighten policy direction, to implement and promote adherence to governance principles, the regulatory environment and corporate vision, and to advance strategic priorities associated with the ECOWAS mandate;
• Ability to respect chain of command in an appropriate manner;
• Demonstrated ability to promote a balanced perspective on the organization’s leadership and governing body to keep ECOWAS mission, vision, and values at the forefront of employee decision making and actions;
• Knowledge of the ECOWAS mandate, strategic plan/priorities as well as the economic, political and social state/trends of member states, especially as pertains to own scope of work;
• Sound knowledge of change management concepts and approaches to enable the fulfillment of reforms and modernization initiatives, to mobilize people for change, energize transitions and to build sustainability.
• Ability to conduct high-stakes negotiations with high-level clients while taking account of different stakeholder agendas, cultural norms, situational factors, ECOWAS interests; demonstrates the ability to partner with internal and external clients;
• Ability to identify and capitalize on synergies with other departments, specialized agencies, zonal duty stations and key actors and partners to achieve objectives;
• Demonstrates the ability to personally, commit to advancing ECOWAS goals for improved client services and stakeholder relations; assures appropriate measures are established to deliver client service excellence;
• Knowledge of member states future business requirements, balanced with an understanding of internal capacity, culture and climate;
• Leads and manages complex service agreements and strategic relationships with member states; leads and/or oversees new program and project activities.
• Understands diverse cultural views especially within west Africa, and sensitive to group differences; sees diversity as an opportunity, challenges bias and intolerance;
• Understanding of the ECOWAS organizational structure, workplace culture and its dynamics;
• Plays a leadership role in shaping the ethics, values and culture of the organization by consistently communicating and exemplifying them;
• Ability and passion to actively support diversity management policies and principles, act as role model and a champion and advocate of diversity policies and principles;
• Understands inclusion, the impact of unconscious bias, and how to manage and leverage differences; ability to make/apply the connection between diversity and innovation, and to oversee a talent system that remains inclusive, transparent, and well understood;
• Ability and responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work
• Ability to identify roadblocks to principles of equity, fairness and transparency, to oversee diversity indicators for planning and program development and to create a workplace free of discrimination and harassment.
• Knowledge of ECOWAS institutions and specialized agencies, and how they interrelate as well as superior understanding of member countries, their social, economic and political opportunities and challenges, their cultural and geopolitical ties and shared common interests;
• Knowledge of ECOWAS legal framework and approaches to policy development;
• Knowledge of the rules and procedures of ECOWAS, the implementation of which is necessary for the realization of goals, the establishment of sound internal controls as well as the monitoring and evaluation of programs, plans and policies;
• Knowledge of ECOWAS partnership agreements, sector programs and projects, procurement, financial and human resources policies and practices as well as internal reforms and capacity development initiatives.
• Ability to think creatively and innovating generating alternatives, visualizing new possibilities, challenging assumptions, and being open to additional information;
• Ability to prioritize action steps to stay focused on key objectives while handling multiple demands and competing priorities;
• Ability to make trade-offs/compromise while understanding the potential advantages and disadvantages of an idea or course of action;
• Ability to analyze reporting or working relationships between several departments agencies and institutions, and recognize areas of potential obstacle or challenges and produce solutions or alternatives to achieve strategic priorities;
• Ability to obtain information, opinions and recommendations from various sources to inform decisions, produce conclusions and to drive change.
• Continually working to broaden own knowledge and experience communicating with various stakeholders, partners and media to see connections and patterns across seemingly unrelated fields of knowledge;
• Communicates strategically, considering such aspects as optimal message timing, and form of communication; skillfully handles complex on-the-spot questions from others, such as senior public officials, special interest groups, citizens or the media;
• Communicates complex issues clearly and credibly with widely varied audiences using two-way communication to gain others’ input and understanding;
• Strategically builds networks and contacts to support ideas, initiatives and directives; ensures communication plans are developed and implemented so audiences are informed in a timely manner;
• 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;
• Ability to clearly articulate links between the organization’s strategy and the institution’s goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities; acts as a champion or sponsor of change programs and agendas.
• 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 clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjust priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing tasks;
• Foresees risks and provide for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary and use time efficiently;
• Translates the strategic direction, including vision, mission and values into effective strategies; develops, leads and ensures meaningful communication of shared vision, values, mission and strategic direction to inspire and influence others; positions the organization to deal with emerging and long-term trends, issues and opportunities;
• Champions the development of proactive strategies and uses strategic alliances to extend organizational and ECOWAS impact;
• Establishes performance expectations, inspires excellence and recognizes performance; oversees the implementation and monitoring of performance management programs to ensure all employees meet performance expectations.

Annual Salary
UA90,555.55 USD142,878.54

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