·        Accounts / Finance Officer

·        Information Technology Officer

·        Translators

·        Administrative Officer

THE OAG MANDATE & FUNCTION

The Office of the Auditor General of ECOWAS Institutions (OAG) is an independent assurance office established to assist the ECOWAS Governance Bodies, in particular, the Council of Ministers and Audit Committee to carry out their oversight function and promote good corporate governance, accountability and value for money in all Community Institutions, Specialized Agencies and Offices. Authority for the OAG is derived from the Council Regulation establishing the office. The OAG is mandated to conduct Community-wide financial audits, compliance audits, performance audits, Investigations, and other Special Audits.

ROLE OVERVIEW

Under the supervision of the Auditor General, the incumbent shall be responsible for planning and coordinating the administrative, financial, human resources and related services within the OAG and supervise subordinate staff for those functions. He/she will ensure that all duties in these areas are performed in line with extant ECOWAS regulations, policies, and directives as applicable.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·        Ensure the planning, coordination, and supervision of the administrative wing of the OAG which covers General Administration, Finance, Human Resources, Communications, and IT services.

·        Ensure that the operations and activities of the OAG in the functional areas comply with the applicable ECOWAS rules, regulations, policies, and good practices.

·        Oversee the timely preparation and monitoring of the annual budget and work plan for the Internal Services Unit.

·        Ensure the timely consolidation of the annual budgets and work plans of the directorates and functional areas to produce the consolidated budget & work plan for the OAG.

·        Develops budget recommendations for operating expenditures and/or capital outlay, personal services, equipment, and materials, and maintains revenue as high as possible.

·        Oversee the smooth coordination of key services such as procurements, contracts management, payroll, personnel administration, travels, conference & language services, financial transactions, accounting records, etc.

·        Ensure smooth operation of administrative functions including work environment, space, equipment, and information & document management system.

·        Monitor and advise on the development and review of ECOWAS regulations, policies, procedures and other important documentation as applicable to the OAG.

·        Contribute with the formulation of current and long-range programs, plans, and policies for departmental programmes.

·        Coordinates activities by scheduling work assignments, setting priorities, and directing the work of subordinate employees.

·        Evaluates and verifies employee performance through the review of completed work assignments and work schedules.

·        Identifies staff development and training needs and ensures that appropriate training is obtained.

·        Ensures that proper labour relations and conditions of employment are maintained.

·        Maintains records, prepares reports, and composes correspondence relative to the work.

·        Executes plans, policies, and programs in business and financial affairs, property and equipment, supplies and maintenance, housekeeping, food services, laundry, stores, buildings and grounds maintenance, engineering, and safety programs.

·        Supervises such management planning activities as job analysis, organization studies, workflow, and simplification of systems and procedures for food service, physical plant, warehouse, accounting, and finances.

·        Monitor payments to vendors and individual contractors for services rendered.

·        Provide information to staff regarding office administration, procedures, processes, and practices.

·        Ensure the implementation of all the initiatives that will enable rational management of material, human resources, and other logistics.

·        Ensure coherence of the activities implemented with the specific objectives of the Internal Services Unit, and overall goals of the OAG.

·        Advise the Auditor General on issues relating to staff development, welfare, remuneration, movements, and other important matters in line with extant regulations and practices.

·        Ensure the safety and proper maintenance of all assets and properties of the OAG.

·        Execute any other duty as may be assigned by the Auditor General.

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

·        Minimum of a master’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field.

·        Strong preference will be given to candidates with academic background and/or relevant experience in Finance and Accounting.

·        Must have professional certification in either of the following – Management, Finance, Human Resources, or related field, from an accredited Institution.

·        10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in finance, accounting, administration, or related area with at least five (5) years in a supervisory role.

·        Candidates with relevant work experience in an international / multi-cultural organization and broad skills set in administration, human resources, information technology, and finance functions is highly desirable.

·        Hands on experience in using enterprise resource planning and document Management Software such as SAP, ECM, etc. will be an added advantage.

AGE LIMIT

Be below 50 years old. This provision does not apply to internal candidates.

KEY KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES & COMPETENCIES

·        Working knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures for administration, management, human resources, communications, and accounting.

·        Knowledge of the principles and techniques of financial management, enterprise risk management, governance, and internal controls.

·        Ability to read and interpret laws, rules, regulations, contractual provisions within the ECOWAS Community.

·        Ability to analyze business operations, policies, procedures, and control mechanisms, identify deficiencies and problem areas, and prepare appropriate recommendations for remedial action.

·        Knowledge of the principles and techniques of administrative management including organization, planning, staffing, training, budgeting, and reporting.

·        Knowledge of labor relations and equal employment opportunity policies and procedures.

·        Knowledge of the principles of office management including organization, workflow, forms, supplies, equipment, and procedures relating to filing, record keeping, correspondence, mail, procurement, stock keeping, and duplicating.

·        Knowledge of methods of research and analysis, work standards, and work simplification.

·        Ability to obtain and analyze facts and precedents in solving problems and making administrative decisions.

·        Ability to formulate policies and procedures based on information of a conceptual nature from varied and complex sources.

·        Ability to build knowledge and understanding of the OAG’s business and of ECOWAS sectoral areas.

·        Ability to lead, participate and supervise subordinates to successfully carry out assigned tasks in simple and complex structures and systems.

·        Ability to organize, delegate, and manage teamwork and encourage cooperation to achieve targeted results, champion and build momentum for change and to bring about employee engagement.

·        Ability to lead by example demonstrating ethics, integrity, confidentiality, due regard for rules & regulations, and foster respect chain of command in an appropriate manner.

·        Excellent people-management skills and ability to deploy emotional and social intelligence to effectively engage and manage relationships to deliver positive results.

·        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.

·        Ability to gain insight into customer needs and identify opportunities that benefit the internal or external stakeholders.

·        Ability to build and deliver solutions that meet customer expectations.

·        Ability to establish and maintain effective customer relationships.

·        Ability to engage and collaborate effectively with staff and partners instilling trust and accountability.

·        Ability to be diplomatic, tactful, and respectful 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.

·        Ability to pull together information from different sources, identify cause, consequences of alternative causes of action, potential obstacles, and ways to avoid the problem in the future.

·        Ability to break down 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 articulate thoughts clearly, concisely, and express ideas effectively using oral, written, visual and non-verbal communication skills, as well as listening skills to gain understanding.

·        Ability to understand and manage your emotions to avoid stress and communicate effectively, confidently, respectfully and empathize with others.

·        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 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 Technology (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.

·          Organizational and project management skills with significant experience identifying timelines, targets, costs, and resources necessary to deliver on operational/program/project outputs in line with result-based management approach.

·          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 use participatory approach in project planning and identify gaps affecting the achievement of program/project expectations and to design and implement intervention plans required to build the desired task.

·          Ability to implement rigorous monitoring and evaluation practices and to set in place regular reporting schedules relevant to key outputs.

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

·        Develops and encourages new and innovative solutions.

·        Willing to take disciplined risks.

·        Honest, encourages openness and transparency; demonstrates highest levels of Integrity

·        Holds self-accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modelling the OAG values.

·        Holds team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities without compromising on quality, and good customer relations, initiative, and independence.

·        Proactive and take necessary initiatives to improve performance and applying appropriate remedial measures when results are not achieved.

·        Knowledge of ECOWAS vision, mission, goals, institutions, sectors, programmes, projects, and activities.

·        Understanding of organizational structures, management systems, strategic plans, business processes, operating procedures, and dynamics as to collaborate, participate, lead, and contribute effectively to achieve assignments and meet performance targets.

·        Knowledge of ECOWAS’ rules, regulations, policies, culture, and operating environment and appropriately interpret and apply same to work, coach others and collaborate with partners.

·        Knowledge of internal and external factors, development trends, indicators, challenges, programmes and projects as they relate to the ECOWAS integration agenda.

·        Interested and qualified candidates who meet the above requirements should submit their resume and a cover letter detailing how they meet the stated requirements and three professional references to the email address on the published advert.

·        Shortlisted candidates shall be required to undergo a written test and subsequently an interview session.

·        Successful candidates shall be subjected to further screening / background checks.