Principal Programme Officer, Water Governance and Policies

30 Apr, 2024
JOB TITLE Principal Programme Officer, Water Governance and Policies
JOB CODE 20000700
INSTITUTION ECOWAS Commission
GRADE P5
AGENCY Water Resources Management Centre (WRMC)
ANNUAL SALARY UA56,196.00 / USD 88,666.05
STATUS Permanent
DEPARTMENT Infrastructure, Energy & Digitalization
DIRECTORATE Water Resource Management Centre
DIVISION Water Governance And Policies
LINE SUPERVISOR Director, Water Resources Management Centre
SUPERVISING –         PO Regional Water Observatory

–         PO Water Modeling and Analysis

DUTY STATION Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Applications should be sent to b46watergovernpolicies@ecowas.int

 

ROLE OVERVIEW

Under the Supervision of the Director of the WRMC, the incumbent is responsible for governance and water policy.

 

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

·        Coordinate the development/update of common policy and strategies for water mobilization, supply and sanitation.

·        Develop and implement community texts in the water sector.

·        Support the implementation of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM).

·        Strengthen the capacities of Member States in the definition/updating of policies and strategies and in the development of water resources management tools.

·        Support the setting up of new transboundary basin organizations in West Africa.

·        Support the development and implementation of regional thematic projects in the field of water.

·        Advocate for the ratification of water-related conventions, treaties, agreements and protocols.

·        Assist countries in the implementation of water-related conventions, treaties, agreements and protocols.

·        Support the integration of the environmental dimension in the framework of water management and wastewater discharges.

·        Support countries in assessing and reducing environmental risks (floods, droughts, pollution, ecosystem degradation, silting).

·        Contribute to the development and implementation of regional water policy in West Africa.

·        Initiate in collaboration with other program managers, innovative and bankable projects to be submitted to ECOWAS donors.

·        Contribute to the preparation of quarterly, semi-annual and annual reports.

·        Ensure the supervision of the Regional Water Observatory.

·        Perform any other task assigned by the Supervisor.

 

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

·        Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Water Resources Management, Irrigation, Hydrology, Civil or Environmental Engineering, Forestry Management or related field from a recognized University.

·         10 years progressively responsible and relevant experience in water resources management, sustainable development and/or marine science in the public sector or an International organization.

·        Minimum of 5 years of work experience managing projects, preferably in a supervisory capacity within an international organization.

·        Ability to contribute to water resources management program or policy development initiatives I collaboration with member-states and other stakeholders.

 

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  in order 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.

 

 

 

 

Member States