Program Officer Disarmament at ECOWAS Full Time

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.