• Department: Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS)
• Directorate: Peace Keeping and Regional Security
• Grade: P4/1
• Annual Salary: USD 44,328 – USD 51,637
• Supervisor: Head of Division, Regional Security
• Reference: ECW-COMM/PAPS-P /005
• Duration: 2 years Contract

• Duty Station: Abuja, Nigeria

Background

ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Strategy (EIMS) was adopted by the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in March 2014. The Maritime Strategy provides for the operationalization of Maritime Zones E, F, and G with a robust Implementation Plan to tackle piracy and other transnational maritime criminalities in the Gulf of Guinea.  The ECOWAS holistic Maritime Security Architecture is aimed at addressing common maritime threats and challenges with the coordination of member states and other relevant stakeholders. Additionally, coordination with other Regional Economic Communities (RECs)/Regional Mechanisms (RMs), African Union and the United Nations including the international community is key in implementing and sustaining maritime safety and security initiatives.  This includes development of appropriate operational frameworks at various levels to achieve the desired end result in optimizing the economic opportunities. Accordingly, the operationalization of the maritime architecture in the region including member states to initiate Maritime Security Strategies and a Comprehensive Action Plan to compliment ECOWAS Strategy which spells out concrete pillars, objectives with a view to enhancing coordination at the national, sub-regional, continental and the international level.

The 10th European Development Fund is providing funding support for the recruitment of a Maritime Legal and Policy officer for a 2-year contract

Located in the Regional Security Division of the Department for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, the PO Maritime Legal and Policy Officer reports directly to the Head of Division, Regional Security.

The officer provides technical expertise for ECOWAS in the interpretation of Maritime Policy and Legal frameworks at the Regional, Continental and International levels in the framework of the implementation of the ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Strategy (EIMS).

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide Technical Support/liaison in the implementation of ECOWAS Maritime Security Architecture.
• Assist in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends related Maritime Security in the region
• Provide advice on planning, implementation, coordination, monitoring and evaluation of Maritime legal frameworks related to ECOWAS
• Advise on maritime legal and litigation issues at national, regional and international levels
• Supports and contributes to the development and production of documentation and written materials on Maritime Security
• Undertake analysis, study, investigation on maritime law related issues and resources
• Assists in Programme information dissemination and implementation of communication strategy
• To regularly build synergies and collaboration with Central Africa, the African Union, the United Nations and other International Organizations on Maritime Security and Safety international best practices Proven ability to plan, organize and review maritime policy concepts
• Produce reports and write up on maritime legal related issues
• Undertakes other duties that may be assigned by the Head of Division, Regional Security

Qualification

• Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in maritime law,
• A higher qualification will reduce the required number of years working experience by two years (2)
• Experience
• Minimum of seven years professional experience in a field relevant to work
• Proven track record and achievements on similar assignments in the field of maritime law at national, international levels
• Good legal background and experience, especially on Maritime Law/Laws of the Sea
• Experience and Knowledge of the ECOWAS and its mandates will be an advantage
• Proven ability to plan, organize and review maritime policy concepts
• Prior experience in research, analytical and problem solving responsibilities highly desirable
• Good understanding of international instruments, standards and best practices,
• Good knowledge of ECOWAS Peace and Security Protocols and Instruments.
• Must be fluent in one of the official languages of the Commission; English, French and Portuguese. A working knowledge of one of the other languages would be an advantage
• Could be a Civilian or Retired Military personnel

Competencies (Skills and Abilities)

• Communication: Excellent communication skills, written and spoken as well as ability to draft or edit a variety of written reports in English (French is desirable), including summaries and briefing notes.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with ECOWAS personnel and partners to achieve organizational goals; proactively develops partnerships with other institutions, public and private, securing effective cooperation; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others, and able to work in multi-cultural environment, working with transparency and building trust and confidence with colleagues and staff members.
• Planning & Organizing: Good organizational skills and ability to independently plan official activities. Thorough understanding of international instruments, standards and best practices,
• Computer skills: This post requires proficiency in the use of the computer, including internet research, e-mail communications. The knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) is required, while the ability to use other software commonly used in the functional area is an advantage.

Language

• Candidates must be fluent in one of the official languages of the Community: English, French and Portuguese. A working knowledge of another would be an advantage