Program Officer (PO), Maritime Transport at ECOWAS

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: Program Officer (PO), Maritime Transport – P3/P4

Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Grade: P3/P4
Department: Infrastructure
Institution: ECOWAS Commission
Line Supervisor: PPO, Maritime & Transport Facilitation Corridors
Directorate: Transport
Supervising: PO Port Development

Role Overview

Under the supervision of the PPO Maritime & transport Facilitation Corridors, the PO Maritime Transport will provide technical expertise in the area of maritime transport in support of the PPO Maritime & Transport Facilitation Corridors and the Director of Transport.
The PO will also coordinate with major ports and shippers to provide efficient and reliable port facilities and services to support intra-regional trade and trading with external partners.

Role and Responsibilities

Review and assist in the development of policies on Maritime and Inland Water transport with the view of improving efficiency of Regional Ports and maritime resources
Provide Technical support to the implementation of the ECOWAS Regional Port Master Plan
Assist in the Prepare the contribution of ECOWAS to key ports infrastructure and logistics development for a while sensitizing ECOWAS Member States, Partners, Regional, Continental and Multilateral partners on maritime transport and logistics in the West African Region.
Monitor the implementation of policy decision of ECOWAS Authorities on Ports and inland water transportation and related matters.
Support the development, implementation and monitoring of regional strategies for Port operations and inland water ways in the region in collaboration with ECOWAS member states.
Support Member States to provide and maintain efficient modern Sea Ports.
Coordinate the implementation of international standards in West African Ports
Coordinate Member State effort in implementing IMO’s Conventions of safety at Sea and the ISPS Code.
Develop projects to support national Port development programs
Coordinate donor involvement in the Maritime and Ports Sectors
Follow up with development partners on funding and development of the Maritime and Inland Water sector.

Academic Qualification and Experience
Education:

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering or Public Works, Transport Planning, Transport Economics, Transport Logistics or Maritime Transport from a recognized university;

Experience:

5 years of considerable experience in maritime transport. Experience in shipping services or Port Operations or Management in a developing country context
Demonstrated knowledge of transport management and transport service delivery in the area of maritime and inland water transportation
knowledge and experience in policy development process, programme design and execution.
Practical technical knowledge and understanding of projects in maritime transport, transport logistics chains, Port operations and infrastructure development in line with best practices

Age Limit:

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

Ecowas Key Competencies

Ability to persuade/influence others to consider a certain point of view, adopt a new idea or implement new methods and practices;
Ability to resolve challenges that occur with minimal direction and/or to recommend and explain solutions or alternatives for approval;
Ability to mentor others and create feedback loops with supervisors, colleagues and the subordinates to build strong working relationships and improve performance.
Contribute to maintaining directorate’s performance goals and standards.
Good interpersonal skills with ability to keep a stakeholders (member states, development partners, internal sector departments, private sector investors, etc.) informed of progress or setbacks in projects of relevance to timeline, quality and quantity;
Ability to establish and sustain professional credibility with stakeholders in a manner that anticipates their need, mitigates issues and that carefully balances professional obligations with the need to be sensitive and responsive to their needs;
Demonstrate respect for cultural differences, fairness and ability to relate well with people from varied backgrounds, nationality, gender, ethnicity, race and religion;
Understanding of diverse cultural views especially within West Africa, with sensitivity to group differences; ability to challenge bias and to practice tolerance and empathy;
Ability to listen actively, consider people’s concerns and apply judgement, tact and diplomacy;

Knowledge of ECOWAS

Knowledge of ECOWAS institutions, sectors, programs and policies;
Knowledge of member states development trends, indicators, challenges and Opportunities as it relates to project/program assigned to own position.
Ability to study data/information from a variety of sources, identify anomalies, trends and issues, present findings, and make recommendations;
Ability to break down problems or processes into key parts to identify and solve gaps in service, quality assurance, compliance and performance targets;
Knowledge of and ability to apply techniques to generate creative ideas and new approaches to meeting goals;
Ability to use evidence and research to inform policies and programs and identify relevant and appropriate sources of information, including stakeholders, regional institutions and/or internal committees.
Demonstrate operational computer proficiency using appropriate tools;
Ability to make sound use of graphics and tables to effectively present numerical data to write semi-complex technical reports/proposals and edit/check templates, letters, etc.
Ability to convey information clearly and concisely in a succinct and organized manner through both writing and verbal means;
Exhibit interpersonal skills, make presentations, express opinions and debate ideas with others in a constructive manner;
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.
Ability to contribute and/or lead on projects as per accepted project management standards and techniques, to co-ordinate contributions by others to set and meet deadlines;
Ability to organize work, set priorities, and work within timelines, giving attention to details, stakeholders, indicators and risks.