–        OP, Environment and natural resources

ROLE OVERVIEW

Under the guidance and supervision of the Executive Director, the incumbent, is responsible for the formulation and development of regional projects. He coordinates the implementation of projects and programs, the dissemination of technical innovations in the agricultural sector and implements incentive policy instruments to promote strategic products for food security (agricultural, livestock and fishery products). Supervises the support provided to technical cooperation institutions with which the agency contracts to implement programs.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·       Defines and implements a targeted capacity-building program for regional institutions and players in the agricultural sector.

·       Inventories and manages a directory of regional skills.

·       Draws up guidelines for calls for project proposals.

·       Ensures the proper conduct of the selection process for projects resulting from calls for proposals.

·       Trains regional players in project management and environmental and gender issues.

·       Sets up a system for monitoring the implementation of activities.

·       Coordinates the monitoring of activities linked to the implementation of programs and projects.

·       Carries out quality reviews of documents submitted by project coordinators and project leaders.

·       Proposes, where necessary, adjustments required to achieve the objectives of programs piloted by partner institutions.

·       Report regularly on the status of program implementation.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS AND EXPERIENCE

·       At least a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Agriculture, Agri-Economics, Agri-Engineering or any related discipline from a university of recognized standing.

·       10 years relevant experience in the development and/or application of science-informed public policy, especially international standards related to food safety or trade, and/or in managing food safety risk communication or related activities.

·       Superior knowledge of the concepts, principles, techniques and practices in the agriculture, food security, nutrition, and poverty reduction field.

·       Thorough knowledge of the host country’s development prospects, practices in environment and rural development, economic, political, social, and cultural characteristics, ECOWAS Environmental Policy (i.e. agriculture, water, land, etc.)

·       Demonstrated experience in networking with donors, government officials and the private sector as part of capture and design processes.

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 fulfilment 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 analyse 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.

·       Superior organizational and project/program management skills with significant experience identifying timelines, targets, costs and resources necessary to deliver on operational/program/project outputs.

·       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 identify gaps affecting the achievement of program/project expectations and to design and implement intervention plans required to build the desired capacity (e.g. training, structural realignment, partnerships, reallocation of resources.

·       Ability to implement rigorous monitoring, and evaluation practices and to set in place regular reporting schedules relevant to key outputs (e.g. management indicators, project milestones, program results, processing targets).

·       Ability to plan, organize, and control resources, procedures, and protocols to achieve specific goals.