Political Advisor, April 2024

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional group of fifteen West African countries. Founded on 28 May 1975, with the signing of the Treaty of Lagos, its mission is to promote economic integration across the region.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Political Advisor

Location: Niamey, Niger
Institution: ECOWAS Commission
Grade: P4 / P5
Status: Permanent
Department: Office of the President
Directorate: ECOWAS Permanent Representation in Niger
Line Manager: Resident representative

Overview

Under the authority of the Resident Representative, the incumbent will work with the Representative of the ECOWAS Commission’s President to brief him/her on various matters and offer advice on different matters and issues relating to politics in the sub-region.
He/She shall review various matters and provide advice on national and regional politics.
He/She shall also write speeches and communiques presenting the ideas, options and views of the Commission in such a way as to inform stakeholders and explain certain positions taken by ECOWAS.
The political adviser shall take into consideration all factors in a given situation, analyse same and advise the Resident representative. He/She shall present reports from time to time.

Role And Responsibilities

Establish a surveillance system to gather information that may influence national or regional politics
Regularly assess political situations and events and their consequences, and render report thereof
Give appropriate advice regarding the country situation and ECOWAS’ position to the Resident Representative
Explain the organisation’s positions, draft summary notes and write the Representative’s speech
Analyse the laws and rules of the area and provide information on the political and economic situation of the country to the Resident Representative
Assist in the development and implementation of the political content of ECOWAS Commission statutory meetings and the Group of Ambassadors meetings
Ensure close relations and contacts are maintained with leaders and all political and social bodies to make them understand ECOWAS position on all subjects
Under the supervision of the Resident Representative, participate in meetings organised by leaders, social actors or the political class, to which ECOWAS is invited
Ensure working links and information channels between the Office and the technical departments of the Commission. Organise and implement, under the authority of the Resident Representative, all activity aimed at enhancing the visibility of ECOWAS in Niger
Contribute to the preparation and organisation of all the Office’s official missions
Ensure that matters under his/her purview are strategically monitored
Perform any other related tasks as may be assigned by the Permanent Representative.

Qualifications and Experience

Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in Political Science, International Relations, Social Sciences, Economics, Law, Public Administration or similar field, from a recognised university.
(7) Seven years’ experience with increasing responsibility in political affairs, governance, diplomacy, conflict resolution, security or a related field;
An understanding of political, economic, governance and security, as well as conflict management and resolution dynamics
Technical skills for the collection of information, research and analysis with modern technology.

Age Limit:

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

ECOWAS Key Competencies:

Ability to work closely in a group through active participation, creation of an environment of respect and openness, application of appropriate techniques for group management, development of its potential, motivation and guidance
Ability to organise teamwork and lead an inter-divisional working group to formulate creative solutions and/or lead a small group of top-level professionals and administrative support staff
Ability to appropriately show respect for hierarchy
Develop on-the-job training techniques combined with excellent coaching and mentoring skills, knowledge of new approaches to staff orientation to facilitate understanding of the position and the organisation
Ability to delegate work and provide timely and consistent feedback on technical competence and effectiveness
Must be able to properly represent the organisation.
Ability to take into account the impact of a change in programme orientation based on the needs of internal and external stakeholders
Ability to promote and take into account staff feedback to streamline processes and meet deadlines in line with client expectations
Must be able to work under pressure
Ability to develop situational problem-solving, mediation and conflict resolution skills, to deal with disagreements, complaints, bottlenecks, time constraints affecting the quality and quantity of services provided to the client
Ability to anticipate growing client needs and expectations, in order to continuously improve service quality, timescales, delivery and respond promptly to client concerns
Must be able to communicate openly with clients, by keeping them informed of progress and issues requiring attention/resolution
Ability to implement programme changes in a manner that ensures a bias-free working and a fair and equitable application of new rules and regulations
Adherence to policies, goals, objectives and principles which promote diversity in the performance of daily tasks and responsibilities promote behaviours that demonstrate tolerance and understanding of diverse cultures
Able to remain objective in conflict management regardless of cultural differences/ positions, gender, and ability to encourage other members of staff to overcome prejudices and cultural and gender differences
Ability to create value by drawing on the diverse contributions of cultures, employees and clients
Ability to mainstream gender and ensure equal participation of women and men in all areas of work
Ability to create a diverse and inclusive interactive environment that builds on the strengths of different innovative practices
Ability to seek out good practices to make relevant organisational decisions in terms of diversity management, while ensuring that project and programme activities are focused on vulnerable areas and monitoring systems.
A good knowledge of ECOWAS institutions and relations between the various bodies, particularly regarding their sectors/work programme
Knowledge of approaches to policy and programme development in an international organisation and project management
Knowledge of rules and procedures of international organisations in relation to the post
Knowledge of indicators, challenges and development opportunities of Member States on projects/programmes relating to the position.
Creativity and flexibility to depart from traditional methods to develop new processes, procedures and tools, using technology to simplify methods and approaches wherever possible
Ability to reassess current procedures and suggest improvements to ensure an efficient and streamlined process
Ability to gather and synthesize information to predict stakeholder views on new policy/programs and excellent analytical skills to assess external policies and trends when considering policy and programme options, advantages, disadvantages and recommendations
Ability to manufacture complex information gathered from a variety of external and internal sources and disseminate it in a logical manner
Ability to apply an appropriate methodology to detect or identify general policy and resources issues
Evaluate, incorporate and inform on recent developments in his/her area of operation using ECOWAS directives and criteria
Develop interpersonal skills, in negotiation, networking and presentation, as well as be able to explain complex information while showing empathy and openness
Proficiency in computer use, ability to use information technology tools to communicate
Must be able to convey clear, concise and organised oral and written information
Listening actively for better communication among team members, being attentive to them, making them feel that their presence is valuable, and fostering a sense of commitment among staff in all institutions and agencies
Proficiency in information and communication technology (ICT)
Proficiency in spoken and written French. Knowledge of one or two ECOWAS languages will be an advantage.
Knowledge of in-house planning cycles and ability to contribute to the development and implementation of Community or institutional policy by identifying the target public, setting coalitions with appropriate population and monitoring the achievements
Ability to take into account circumstances, external trends and factors during the organisation of project activities in order to obtain best results
Ability to take into account the outcome of processes, correspondence, reports and policy documents, to develop practicable plans
Must be able to organise meetings with staff, stakeholders, colleagues and other persons, in order to define organisational requirements while adjusting the plans and activities accordingly
Ability to adjust project plans based on the contributions of staff and stakeholders and/or the capacity to design and implement the guidelines, tools and models in order to adapt new or revised programmes and services.

Annual Salary
UA48,078.94 USD75,858.95 / UA55,624.68 USD87,764.62

Application Closing Date
7th February, 2021.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should download the Application Form below, fill it out correctly; attach a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a Motivation Letter and send to: [email protected] using the Job Title as the subject of the email.

Click here to download Application Form (Ms Word)

Click here for more information

More Information

Job City Niamey, Niger

Niamey Niger

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

Before the creation of ECOWAS, the collective territory known as West Africa, from a regional point of view, was made up of an aggregation of states that had emerged from different colonial experiences and administrations which largely defined the boundaries of the 15 states domiciled in the area.

Even though member states of the community, today make use of three different imported official languages (English, French and Portuguese), there are well over a thousand existing local languages including cross-border native tongues such as Ewe, Fulfulde, Hausa, Mandingo, Wolof, Yoruba, Ibo, Ga, etc. that constitute its over 300 million people tucked in a vast land of about 5.1 million square kilometres.

Prior to colonialism, the area played host to many proud empires and kingdoms that spanned centuries some of which included Ghana, Mali Songhai, Wolof, Oyo, Benin and Kanem Bornu.

The region’s cultural, linguistic and ecological diversity presents both opportunities and challenges for the integration process. The longing to combine forces politically and economically has always been recognised as a step forward in the desire to engender co-prosperity in the area.

In this regard, the first effort at integration dates back to 1945 with the creation of CFA franc that brought the francophone countries of the region into a single currency union. Then in 1964, Liberian president William Tubman proposed an economic union for West Africa leading to an agreement which was signed in 1965 by the four states of Cote d’Ivore, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

However, nothing concrete emanated from these until 1972 when Nigerian head of state Gen Yakubu Gowon and his Togolese counterpart Gnassingbe Eyadema toured the region in support of the integration Idea. Thanks to the drafts that emanated from their efforts as they formed the basis for the emergence of the treaty of Lagos in 1975 which birthed ECOWAS. The treaty of Lagos was initially limited to economic policies but emerging political events led to its revision and therewith the expansion of scope and powers in 1993.

ECOWAS is meant to foster interstate economic and political cooperation. History is on its side in this regard. Dating back to pre-colonial times, West Africans have been among the world’s most mobile populations although much of the migration had been intra-regional. About 7.5 million West African migrants (3 percent of the regional population) are living in ECOWAS countries other than their own. The 1.2 million other migrants are dispersed mainly in North America and Europe. Estimated at about 149 million in 2013, women constitute over 50 percent of the region’s population. The cross-border migration of women as traders and business persons places them as potential champions for promoting integration, even though this is a reality that is yet to be fully exploited.

Over the last few years, West Africa’s population witnessed strong growth, increasing from 70 million to nearly 300 million inhabitants between 1950 and 2010. By the end of 2014, it represents nearly 40% of the population of sub-Saharan Africa. According to the projections of the United Nations, the population of West Africa should reach between 550 and 600 million by 2050. It is the youngest region of the world. Also, with about 5 percent of the world’s population, with an area covering over 40 percent of sub-Saharan Africa, West Africa is the most densely populated on the continent.

The diverse socio-cultural dimension of development should be a necessary building block for establishing peace and security in the region. Drawing strength from its past, leaders of the community have been making sacrifices to keep the shape of the political structure of the region. In 1976, Cape Verde, one of the two Lusophone countries in the region joined ECOWAS, and in December 2000 Mauritania withdrew its membership, having a

At all times, ECOWAS chief executive officers presiding either as Executive Secretaries or Presidents, deferred to the supreme organ of the community-the Authority of the Heads of State of Government for guidance. This body is usually headed by a Chairman. There have been 28 such Chairmen between 1978 to 2015.

0 USD Niamey, Niger CF 3201 Abc road Contract , 40 hours per week Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

We are recruiting to fill the position below:Job Title: Political AdvisorLocation: Niamey, Niger Institution: ECOWAS Commission Grade: P4 / P5 Status: Permanent Department: Office of the President Directorate: ECOWAS Permanent Representation in Niger Line Manager: Resident representative

Overview

Under the authority of the Resident Representative, the incumbent will work with the Representative of the ECOWAS Commission’s President to brief him/her on various matters and offer advice on different matters and issues relating to politics in the sub-region.
He/She shall review various matters and provide advice on national and regional politics.
He/She shall also write speeches and communiques presenting the ideas, options and views of the Commission in such a way as to inform stakeholders and explain certain positions taken by ECOWAS.
The political adviser shall take into consideration all factors in a given situation, analyse same and advise the Resident representative. He/She shall present reports from time to time.

Role And Responsibilities

Establish a surveillance system to gather information that may influence national or regional politics
Regularly assess political situations and events and their consequences, and render report thereof
Give appropriate advice regarding the country situation and ECOWAS’ position to the Resident Representative
Explain the organisation’s positions, draft summary notes and write the Representative’s speech
Analyse the laws and rules of the area and provide information on the political and economic situation of the country to the Resident Representative
Assist in the development and implementation of the political content of ECOWAS Commission statutory meetings and the Group of Ambassadors meetings
Ensure close relations and contacts are maintained with leaders and all political and social bodies to make them understand ECOWAS position on all subjects
Under the supervision of the Resident Representative, participate in meetings organised by leaders, social actors or the political class, to which ECOWAS is invited
Ensure working links and information channels between the Office and the technical departments of the Commission. Organise and implement, under the authority of the Resident Representative, all activity aimed at enhancing the visibility of ECOWAS in Niger
Contribute to the preparation and organisation of all the Office’s official missions
Ensure that matters under his/her purview are strategically monitored
Perform any other related tasks as may be assigned by the Permanent Representative.

Qualifications and Experience

Master's degree or equivalent qualification in Political Science, International Relations, Social Sciences, Economics, Law, Public Administration or similar field, from a recognised university.
(7) Seven years’ experience with increasing responsibility in political affairs, governance, diplomacy, conflict resolution, security or a related field;
An understanding of political, economic, governance and security, as well as conflict management and resolution dynamics
Technical skills for the collection of information, research and analysis with modern technology.

Age Limit:

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

ECOWAS Key Competencies:

Ability to work closely in a group through active participation, creation of an environment of respect and openness, application of appropriate techniques for group management, development of its potential, motivation and guidance
Ability to organise teamwork and lead an inter-divisional working group to formulate creative solutions and/or lead a small group of top-level professionals and administrative support staff
Ability to appropriately show respect for hierarchy
Develop on-the-job training techniques combined with excellent coaching and mentoring skills, knowledge of new approaches to staff orientation to facilitate understanding of the position and the organisation
Ability to delegate work and provide timely and consistent feedback on technical competence and effectiveness
Must be able to properly represent the organisation.
Ability to take into account the impact of a change in programme orientation based on the needs of internal and external stakeholders
Ability to promote and take into account staff feedback to streamline processes and meet deadlines in line with client expectations
Must be able to work under pressure
Ability to develop situational problem-solving, mediation and conflict resolution skills, to deal with disagreements, complaints, bottlenecks, time constraints affecting the quality and quantity of services provided to the client
Ability to anticipate growing client needs and expectations, in order to continuously improve service quality, timescales, delivery and respond promptly to client concerns
Must be able to communicate openly with clients, by keeping them informed of progress and issues requiring attention/resolution
Ability to implement programme changes in a manner that ensures a bias-free working and a fair and equitable application of new rules and regulations
Adherence to policies, goals, objectives and principles which promote diversity in the performance of daily tasks and responsibilities promote behaviours that demonstrate tolerance and understanding of diverse cultures
Able to remain objective in conflict management regardless of cultural differences/ positions, gender, and ability to encourage other members of staff to overcome prejudices and cultural and gender differences
Ability to create value by drawing on the diverse contributions of cultures, employees and clients
Ability to mainstream gender and ensure equal participation of women and men in all areas of work
Ability to create a diverse and inclusive interactive environment that builds on the strengths of different innovative practices
Ability to seek out good practices to make relevant organisational decisions in terms of diversity management, while ensuring that project and programme activities are focused on vulnerable areas and monitoring systems.
A good knowledge of ECOWAS institutions and relations between the various bodies, particularly regarding their sectors/work programme
Knowledge of approaches to policy and programme development in an international organisation and project management
Knowledge of rules and procedures of international organisations in relation to the post
Knowledge of indicators, challenges and development opportunities of Member States on projects/programmes relating to the position.
Creativity and flexibility to depart from traditional methods to develop new processes, procedures and tools, using technology to simplify methods and approaches wherever possible
Ability to reassess current procedures and suggest improvements to ensure an efficient and streamlined process
Ability to gather and synthesize information to predict stakeholder views on new policy/programs and excellent analytical skills to assess external policies and trends when considering policy and programme options, advantages, disadvantages and recommendations
Ability to manufacture complex information gathered from a variety of external and internal sources and disseminate it in a logical manner
Ability to apply an appropriate methodology to detect or identify general policy and resources issues
Evaluate, incorporate and inform on recent developments in his/her area of operation using ECOWAS directives and criteria
Develop interpersonal skills, in negotiation, networking and presentation, as well as be able to explain complex information while showing empathy and openness
Proficiency in computer use, ability to use information technology tools to communicate
Must be able to convey clear, concise and organised oral and written information
Listening actively for better communication among team members, being attentive to them, making them feel that their presence is valuable, and fostering a sense of commitment among staff in all institutions and agencies
Proficiency in information and communication technology (ICT)
Proficiency in spoken and written French. Knowledge of one or two ECOWAS languages will be an advantage.
Knowledge of in-house planning cycles and ability to contribute to the development and implementation of Community or institutional policy by identifying the target public, setting coalitions with appropriate population and monitoring the achievements
Ability to take into account circumstances, external trends and factors during the organisation of project activities in order to obtain best results
Ability to take into account the outcome of processes, correspondence, reports and policy documents, to develop practicable plans
Must be able to organise meetings with staff, stakeholders, colleagues and other persons, in order to define organisational requirements while adjusting the plans and activities accordingly
Ability to adjust project plans based on the contributions of staff and stakeholders and/or the capacity to design and implement the guidelines, tools and models in order to adapt new or revised programmes and services.

Annual Salary UA48,078.94 USD75,858.95 / UA55,624.68 USD87,764.62

Application Closing Date 7th February, 2021.

How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should download the Application Form below, fill it out correctly; attach a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a Motivation Letter and send to: [email protected] using the Job Title as the subject of the email.

Click here to download Application Form (Ms Word)Click here for more information

2021-02-08

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