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ROLE OVERVIEW
Under the guidance and the supervision of the Commission for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, the Executive Director coordinates all ECOPS activities and ensures that they run smoothly. In this capacity, he/she is responsible for the day-to-day management of staff; ii) implements the department’s policy and coordinates the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of projects and programmes designed to achieve the directorate’s mandate; iii) manages the resources made available to the directorate effectively and efficiently and signs all documents.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
· Prepares and submits the ECOPS programme and budget to the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture.
· Coordinates the definition of the ECOPS intervention strategy.
· Presents the work plan(s) for the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture and monitors their implementation.
· Develops tools for monitoring activities and results achieved based on indicators.
· Orders expenditure within the limits of the powers conferred on ECOWAS agencies.
· Approves purchase orders, order letters and contracts.
· Prepares staff performance contracts.
· Organises and supervises the work of staff and proceed to the assessment.
· Manage industrial disputes.
· Checks compliance with the various protocols with partner institutions.
· Signs contracts with technical partner institutions for the implementation of projects and programmes.
· Prepare, commission, and monitor audits.
· Optimal allocation of financial and human resources to carry out the programme of activities.
· Prepares, drafts, and submits to the Commissioner for Agriculture, the Environment and Natural Resources all notes, reports and minutes relating to activities and operations.
· Produces various technical and financial reports for financial partners.
· Coordinates communication, the dissemination of results and the conduct of all control missions (audits, evaluations).
· Develops partnerships between ECOPS and CSOs, POs, NGOs and IGOs.
· Contributes to the mobilisation of financial, technical, and organisational resources to finance agricultural policy activities, projects, and programmes.
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS AND EXPERIENCE
· Hold at least master’s degree (or equivalent) in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Development Economics, or a related field from a university of recognized standing.
· At least twelve (12) years of relevant experience in the science-based development and/or implementation of public policies relating to agriculture, food safety, agricultural trade, agricultural and food risk management, or other related activities.
· Knowledge in combining economic and quantitative analysis with policy engagement in agribusiness and value chain development and agricultural and rural development.
· In-depth skills in coordinating teams of experts for the identification, formulation, management, monitoring-evaluation and implementation of agricultural development and food security programmes.
· Develops a vision, mission and strategies and focuses on the needs of member countries, adapting their strategies to take account of changing circumstances.
· Demonstrated competency in planning and delivering strategies and programmes related to the sustainable intensification and diversification of crop production systems and the development of agribusiness development within inclusive and sustainable value chains in the context of agricultural and rural transformations for sustainable food security and poverty reduction.
· Demonstrated knowledge in programme and policy analysis in developing countries related to agribusiness and value chain development, and agricultural and rural development issues. Technical capacity to develop a vision, mission, and strategies and to focus on the needs of member-states and to adjust strategies to take account of changing circumstances.
AGE LIMIT
Be below 50 years old. This provision does not apply to internal candidates.
ECOWAS KEY COMPETENCIES
- Senior leadership experience in establishing strategic partnerships, working collaboratively, and building consensus with multiple internal and/or external stakeholders on complex issues in a multi-disciplinary governmental or international organization.
- Knowledge of the ECOWAS mandate, strategic plan/priorities as well as the economic, political, and social state/trends of Member States, as pertains to own scope of work.
- Consistency in actions, values, methods, confidentiality, ethics, measures, principles, expectations, and outcomes which connote a deep commitment to do the right thing for the right reason, regardless of the circumstances.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Heads of Institutions, elected officials, and statutory employees to facilitate compliance, build engagement, resolve conflicts, and obtain support for change.
- Ability to respect chain of command in an appropriate manner.
- Ability to promote a culture where people hold themselves personally accountable for results.
- Ability to provide leadership, management, and technical oversight for all project activities and program deliverables in accordance with ECOWAS legal and administrative practices and standards.
- Ability to conduct periodic reviews of staff performance in keeping with the ECOWAS performance management system and to mentor staff to ensure high levels of motivation, commitment, capacity, and teamwork.
- Ability to oversee project management, internal controls, and stewardship of financial resources and to address issues in a confident and capable manner whilst making decisions that exemplify impartial and non-partisan decision-making.
- Ability to exercise the initiative and resourcefulness necessary for simultaneously addressing a variety of stakeholder needs, pursuing multiple tasks and achieving positive outcomes.
- Ability to create synergies with client groups and others to achieve objectives in setting and monitoring service standards and indicators.
- Ability to motivate and engage others in promoting or adopting best practices in client services.
- Ability to identify and improve services and client interactions through appropriate networks and to create innovative ways of addressing these in an accountable and transparent manner.
- Knowledge of anti-discriminatory/human rights regulatory environment and ability to advance strategies to foster an inclusive working environment and healthy organization respectful of cultural diversity and gender equality and free from harassment and discrimination.
- Understanding of diverse cultural views especially within West Africa, being sensitive to group differences, gender issues and ability to contribute to, advocate for, and/or develop policies which are gender sensitive and responsive to various cultures.
- Ability to foster a diverse and inclusive interactive work environment that can effectively bring together a wide spectrum of ideas and experiences to solve problems, develop projects/programs and improve results.
- Ability and responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
- 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.
- Understanding of the ECOWAS organizational structure, workplace culture and dynamics.
- Ability to apply knowledge of ECOWAS legal framework, strategic priorities, and operational standards to develop/modernize policies and programs and/or to implement policies and programs in a sustainable and effective manner.
- Well-developed business, social and political acumen, demonstrating a strong commitment to the vision and mandate of ECOWAS coupled with a broad knowledge of the economic, political, and social situations and trends in Member States.
- Sound judgment and decision-making skills on matters relating to policy and strategy development important to the realization of the ECOWAS mandate and the improvement of outcomes for Member States.
- Ability to analyze reports as well as socio-economic and institutional dynamics and recognize areas of potential obstacles or challenges and develop innovative solutions or alternatives to address barriers and achieve strategic/operational priorities.
- Ability to anticipate and interpret the effects of environmental changes (social, economic, and political), and its impact and make recommendations.
- Ability to identify/address strengths and weaknesses, stimulate creativity, reduce resistance to change and improve the achievement of strategic objectives.
- Ability to make prudent decisions relating to the management of human, financial and material resources.
- Ability to actively listen and understand perspectives of others to make informed assertions, decisions, or recommendations.
- Ability to build multiple external collaborative relationships to support strategic and operational objectives; identify the key issues and accommodate the key players with well thought out communication and stakeholder management plans.
- Ability to communicate with clarity and conviction, make compelling presentations which promotes new insights, ideas and perspectives and a better understanding of issues and challenges.
- 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.
- Excellent negotiation and conflict management skills focusing on building and nurturing effective and collaborative relationships.
- 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 prepare plans, set clear objectives in a consistent manner and have effective oversight of performance management practices to ensure that goals and standards are met.
- Ability to set effective goals/results and manage change in a manner that demonstrates resilience, composure, and a positive outlook in an environment of uncertainty and ambiguity.
- Ability to enable the development of organizational and individual talent throughout the implementation of strategic, operational, programme, project, and individual plans.
- Ability to implement plans, mobilize/engage people, identify critical success factors, mitigate risks, monitor indicators and feedback, initiate corrective measure, and build capacities for sustainability.
· Ability to institute rigorous monitoring, and evaluation practices and to learn from setbacks and mistakes to ensure continuous improvement.
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