Programme Officer (PO) Maritime Security and Safety Officer AT ECOWAS

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.  These include 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.

To facilitate the process, a Maritime Security and Safety officer shall be located in the Regional Security Division of the Department for Political Affairs, Peace and Security.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Head of Division:

Provision of Technical Support/liaison in the implementation of ECOWAS Maritime Security Architecture

Provide technical support in the effective functionality of the Maritime Coordination Centres

Participate when designated in Maritime Security coordination Exercises or Operations

Assist the Head of Division in the development of work plans, budget and the monitoring of budgets related to Maritime Security

Supervise the work of Consultants and multi-disciplinary team consulted to work on Maritime Security issues

Provide professional advice to inform decision making

Assist in the Provision of Maritime Domain awareness analysis report for the Regional Security Division periodically

Assist in the review and analysis of issues and trends related to Maritime Security in the region

Produce and disseminate periodic and activity reports as at when due

Plan, organize and review maritime Security and Safety concepts

Articulate and present evolving maritime contemporary issues to stakeholders including international community

Undertakes other duties that may be assigned by the Head of Division, Regional Security

QUALIFICATION

Education 

Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in the field of Maritime Security related issues or International Relations with focus on Maritime Security. Could be a Civilian or retired Military or Police officer

Experience

Minimum of seven (7) years proven experience in pertinent maritime security related area /field at national Regional or international level;

A higher qualification will reduce the required number of years working experience by two years (2)

Experience in good practices in combatting maritime threats

Knowledge and mastery of contemporary transnational maritime criminalities

Track records on similar experience or achievements in the field of Maritime Security

Experience and Knowledge of the ECOWAS and its mandate will be an advantage. 

Competencies

Planning, organizing and reviewing of maritime concept of operations

Prior experience in research, analytical and problem solving responsibilities highly desirable

Good understanding of international instruments, standards and best practices on Maritime Security

Knowledge of ECOWAS Peace and Security Protocols and Instruments.

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, MS office (Word, Excel, and Power point), knowledge of other relevant software will be an advantage.

Demonstrates fairness and ability to work under pressure and reach results

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

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To apply for any position, candidates should download the JOB APPLICATION FORM, fill it and send it as an email attachment to applications@ecowas.int together with their CV. No certificate should be attached.

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 /001

Duration: 2 years Contract

Duty Station: Abuja, Nigeria