• Department: Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS)
• Directorate: Peace Keeping and Regional Security
• Grade: P4/1
• Annual Salary: USD 44,328 – USD 51,637
• Supervisor: Head of Division
• Reference: ECW-COMM/PAPS-P /003
• Duration: 2 years Contract

• Duty Station: Abuja, Nigeria

Desirable

• Have employment experience in civilian planning, assessment and doctrinal functions at operational level.

Responsibilities

To develop and manage the civilian component of the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF), to support multidimensional and integrated planning and management mechanisms/processes of the Planning Element (PLANELM) and ECOWAS operations, and to provide guidance and substantive input on the civilian dimension of African Peace Support Operations (PSOs) and the African Standby Force (ASF) – of which the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Regional Mechanisms (RMs) are critical elements.

Under the supervision of the Head of PSO Division:

• Assist in the formulation of strategic guidelines for ECOWAS missions
• Assist in the formulation of defence and security policies for the Commission
• Assist in the formulation and implementation of Doctrinal guidelines for ESF
• Undertake activities for the implementation of the strategic guidelines for ECOWAS deployed civilian capacities
• Interface with UN, AU, and others in matters of strategic operational and tactical planning
• Gather, determine, and evaluate best practices (lessons learned)
• Determine and create strategic assessment and planning for civilian capacity generation approaches and concepts
• Assist in the planning and coordinating for the deployment of ECOWAS forces to mission areas
• In coordination with other staff officers assist in the creation and formulation of directives for the Special Representative of the President of the Commission
• Support and facilitate the establishment of fully functional and effective civilian capacities and capabilities for the ESF PLANELM

• Ensure the effective implementation of recommendations and directives as contained in the relevant policy framework documents and other strategic/operational guidance including specifically those contained in the Policy Framework of the Civilian Dimension of the ASF and as provided by the ASF Staffing, Rostering and Training Workshop of July 2008;
• Advise the Head PSOD on all aspects relating to the civilian dimension of African PSOs including specifically that of ESF PSOs;
• Establish a close working relationship with the Heads of the Military and Police components of the ESF PLANELM so as to ensure an effective and integrated multidimensional PLANELM;
• Support multidimensional planning processes at the PSOD and ESF PLANELM for ESF operations (with particular consideration to the civilian dimension) as well as participate in planning, fact finding and technical assessment missions;
• Provide input into strategic documents and processes, including strategic directives, concept of operations, mission implementation plans, reports as may be appropriate to the leadership of the ECOWAS Commission, the African Union (AU) and United Nations (UN);
• Ensure regular liaison (with an emphasis on partnership and coordination) with civilian counterparts at the level of the AU Commission, Peace Support Operations Division (PSOD), and other RECs/RMs and provide substantive support, attend meetings and undertake other activities as required;
• Ensure regular liaison with development partners on their respective areas of support to the civilian dimension of the ESF and establish networks with key partners at the regional, continental and international levels so as to enhance the strategic direction and organisational objectives of ECOWAS;
• Identify operational issues requiring policy formulation and in consultation with CPAPS facilitate development of policy;
• Develop, coordinate, implement and monitor annual, and multi-year strategic and operational work plans and activities of the civilian component of ESF PLANELM and develop project and/or project proposals in support of the implementation of such projects;
• Provide day-to-day administrative management and coordination of personnel and activities (as relates to staffing, training, rostering and recruitment) of the civilian component of the ESF PLANELM and PSOs;
• Review, prepare written materials, such as reports, statements, notes on meetings, speeches and briefing notes and substantive and quality checking of all external (donor) and internal (ECOWAS) written submissions/reports;
• Coordinate as relevant annual budget processes in consultation with Finance Department, in terms of Funding Agreements, partnerships and requirements and prepare annual budgets for the ESF civilian component and seek necessary approval and support;
• Represent the ESF PLANELEM as a resource person at regional and international meetings and conferences to make presentations and participate in debates as relevant;

• Initiate and undertake activities for the implementation of policies on planning and management of civilian aspects of ECOWAS peace missions
• Work closely with the Military, Police and Mission Support desks and other PAPS Departments for the implementation of policies on planning and management of ECOWAS missions

• Conduct management of civilian aspects of ECOWAS deployed missions while working in conjunction with the SRPC and other senior officials

• Coordinate the activities of all civilian staff in the field and provide guidance for civilian aspects of ECOWAS peace missions
• Serve as Head of Civilian Component.
• Perform other tasks and duties may be directed/ requested.

Qualifications

• Have a Bachelor’s degree in degree in International Relations and/or Regional Studies, Security Studies Peace Studies, Conflict Resolution and Prevention, Strategic Management or related domain;
• Have attended relevant Peace Support Operations Courses

Experience

• Minimum of seven (7) years proven experience in in integrated mission support functions at strategic level.
• A higher qualification will reduce the required number of years working experience by two years (2)
• Have at a minimum one-year experience in a UN or AU PSO mission
• Have previous speciality and employment experience in integrated logistics support.
• Familiarity with PSOs and knowledge of civilian capacities in peace and security operations is a requirement.
• Experience in integrated planning for multidimensional operations.
• ECOWAS or similar international organization system experience is highly desirable.

Skills and Competencies Required: 

• Demonstrated in-depth understanding and experience of PSO and specifically civilian dimension thereof.
• Ability to identify and analyse key issues and formulate options, draw conclusions and make effective and sound recommendations
• Demonstrated sound judgement in applying expertise to resolve a range of issues/problems; ability to proactively seek and recommend sound policy initiatives.
• Ability to produce reports and demonstrae professional competence and persistence when faced with difficulty problems or challenges.
• Ability to provide leadership in overseeing work of subordinate staff and ability to coach, mentor and assist as well as ability to delegate responsibility, accountability and decision making authority.
• Proven interpersonal skills and the ability to listen and work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Ability to work closely with governments, NGOs and multi-lateral institutions in a complex political Affairs peace and security undertakings.
• Ability to incorporate gender perspective and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Ability to appraise performance fairly.
• Motivated by professional rather than personal concerns.
• Ability to travel extensively if required
• Computer literate and well versed in the use of the Internet, Power Point, Excel and Word
• Ability to work in a multidimensional and multicultural setting
• Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others.

Language Requirement

• Candidates must be fluent in one of the official languages of the Community: English, French and Portuguese. A working knowledge of another would be an advantage