Deadline For Application : 15th May 2024

ROLE OVERVIEW:

Under the supervision of the PPO Industry Development and Technology, the incumbent shall support the formulation, implementation and evaluation of projects and programs related to the industrial sector, especially on Technology Upgrading. The Programme Officer, Promotion of Industry and Technology Upgrade shall contribute to support the acceleration of the industrialization process in West Africa through the promotion of industrial transformation of local raw materials; development and diversification of industrial productive capacity, upgrading of technologies and practices, as well as deepening regional integration in the region.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·       Contribute to the implementation in the West African Common Industrial Policy (WACIP 2010-2030) and its strategy framework.

·       Support the harmonization of industrial policy measures and strategies in the region to promote balanced socio-economic development.

·       Collaborate with Member States and development partners to strengthen the institutional frameworks for industrial development.

·       Support collaboration and partnerships in the development of capacities of Member States towards expanding their industrial base and promote technology upgrading.

·       Support the promotion of local raw materials development and utilization by the industries and thereby encourage the development of resource-based industries in ECOWAS.

·       Support the upgrading of key actors on targeted industrial value chains and technology transfer at regional level and in Member States.

·       Support the promotion of technology transfer and industrial research and development programmes.

·       Collaborate with relevant national, regional, and continental and global institutions in             the development of intellectual property rights (IPRs) and access to knowledge.

·       Contribute to technology upgrading and monitoring of industrial performance through the establishment of an ECOWAS Industrial Database.

·       Collaborate with development partners and support initiatives related to industrial restructuring and technology upgrading programme in ECOWAS.

·       Within the framework of the WACIP, support the development and formulation of technical cooperation concepts/projects/programmes related to industrial and technology upgrading.

·       Support the PPO Industry Development and Technology in day-to-day operational work and the management of industrial development projects.

·       Support the promotion of regional industrial partnership networks and establishment of regional technical support centres for upgrading of small and medium industries (SMls).

·       Support resource mobilization for the implementation of industrial development and upgrading programmes and projects.

·       Collaborate closely with the Business Development Organizations to identify actors and their needs.

·       Engage with local manufacturing industries to comprehend their business objectives and facilitate their upgrading on leveraging technologies for business transformation.

·       Support the development of innovative solutions tailored to the requirements of the Manufacturing sectors in West Africa.

·       Keep abreast of the latest advancements in technologies, tools, and methodologies, enhancing the capabilities of the manufacturing industries.

·       Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders in the Manufacturing industry to expand their network and influence.

·       Support managerial capacity and skills development in the industrial sector in the region.

·       Perform any other related responsibilities to enhance the goal of industrialization as may be assigned periodically by the Supervisor.

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

·       Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Economics, Industry, Industrial Development, Engineering from a recognized University

·       5 years of professional experience in field of industry, private sector development and technology upgrading.

·       Experience in developing programmes/projects related to industrial upgrading/ capacity building and/or Technologies transfer.

·       Experience in implementing programmes/projects related to industrial upgrading/capacity building and/or Technologies transfer.

·       Experience in evaluating the needs, conditions, and challenges in industrial development.

·       Knowledge of institutional capacity building initiatives and extensive understanding of program planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

·       Knowledge of industrial sector development, including businesses and small and medium industries promotion, latest technologies, as well as policy formulation and analysis.

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 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 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 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 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 and 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.