Programme Officer Forecasting

Programme Officer Research

Under the supervision of the Director Research and Statistics, the incumbent oversees the

undertaking policy research and analysis on all the pressing issues related to the socio-

economic development of the ECOWAS region to inform decision making of the

Community

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

·       Develop and implement Regional Economic Research Programmes.

·       Implementation ECOWAS Research Policy.

·       Develop and implement cooperation mechanism between researchers in ECOWAS region (Research Network),

·       Lead the development of regional economic and social policies.

·       Undertake and carryout macro-economic, sector and theme-based research and analysis within the framework of economic programs of Member States.

·       Leads in preparing and updating comprehensive documentation on the economic situation of ECOWAS Member States and other regions in Africa as well as information on institutions, regional, African and international development bodies and agencies.

·       Analyze economic statistics, recognize indicators in economics in relation to the development of the national and regional economy.

·       Materialize economic predictions by making use of econometric techniques.

·       Measure the significance of economic policy on the national and regional economy.

·       Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to regional economic policies.

·       Assess foreign economic, trade, and financial interests that affect regional interests.

·       Examine economic data to formulate assessments of economic activity and various elements of the regional economy.

·       Focusing on any number of macroeconomic or microeconomic issues relevant to the region.

·       Administer all regulatory requirements and prepare reports and presentations for management to recommend changes if required.

·       Provide support in implementation of regional policies and prepare reports on a regular basis.

·       Any other responsibility that may be assigned to him/her by the President of the ECOWAS Commission.

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• At least master’s degree (or equivalent) in Economics and Statistics or related fields from a recognized university.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in research and statistics work including 2 years at a supervisory level.
• Knowledge and experience in statistical programmes to compile process and analyze data and monitor data collection activities such as population-based and remote sensing surveys.
• in-depth knowledge and experience in programme management with ability to apply statistical methods to the collection of information.
• Knowledge of terminological and reference research techniques with ability to use all sources of reference and information and to conduct complex research.
• Good academic knowledge of a broad range of subjects dealt with by the agency i.e., Health, political, social, legal, scientific, technical etc.
• Firm grasp of Economic Analysis; Econometric modeling; familiarity with econometric software

·       Capacity to independently undertake research on economic issues, backed by publications in recognized quantitative journals.

·       Ability to apply quantitative methods of economic analyses.

• Ability to analyze all economic data and perform statistical studies and develop forecasts for various economic activities and maintain knowledge on various forecast models and recommend changes if required.
• Ability to apply economic analysis to issues within a variety of fields, such as education, health, development, and the environment.

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 fulfillment 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 to appropriately interpret and apply directive text, provide technical advice, coach others and assess performance.

·       Ability to analyze 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.

·       Organizational and project/program 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.