Organization: ECOWAS Commission
Duty Station: Abuja, Nigeria
Application Email: b60dirhumansocialaffairs@ecowas.int
Age Limit: Below 50 years (Internal candidates exempt)
Assessment: Written exercise and competency-based interview
STRATEGIC ROLE OVERVIEW
The ECOWAS Commission is seeking a visionary leader for the position of Director, Humanitarian and Social Affairs. Reporting directly to the Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, the Director will be the primary architect for interpreting the governing bodies’ broad visions into actionable policy guidelines.
The successful candidate will provide technical leadership in the design and implementation of humanitarian, disaster management, and social inclusion strategies across the West African region. This is a high-impact role requiring the ability to link humanitarian responses with long-term developmental sectors to meet the Community’s mandate.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Policy Leadership: Interpret and implement frameworks relating to humanitarian affairs, social protection, and gender equality across Member States.
- Strategic Management: Oversee the Directorate’s “transactional” management functions, including multi-million dollar budgeting, organizational staffing, and knowledge management.
- Inter-Directorate Synergy: Collaborate with other directorates to integrate disaster management and social issues into broader economic and political developmental sectors.
- Policy Advisory: Act as a principal advisor to the President of the Commission on matters of emergency response, social research, and humanitarian interventions.
- Partnership & Resource Mobilization: Maintain and expand strategic networks with international institutions, regional partners, and civil society to advance Community goals and mobilize necessary resources.
- Performance Oversight: Direct, prioritize, and control the standards of all staff within the Directorate to ensure alignment with the Revised Treaty.
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
- Education: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Gender Studies, Sociology, Humanitarian/Social Affairs, Economics, or related Social Sciences from a recognized university.
- Experience: * Minimum of 12 years of professional experience in socio-economic development, policy analysis, or program management.
- At least 6 years of relevant international work experience.
- At least 5 years in a high-level supervisory/management role.
- Technical Knowledge: Deep expertise in gender mainstreaming, women’s empowerment, and the socio-political dimensions of the ECOWAS region.
- Strategic Skillset: Demonstrated ability to build sectoral networks and develop successful resource-mobilization proposals.
CORE LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
- Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to build consensus among Heads of Institutions and multiple internal/external stakeholders on complex regional issues.
- Integrity & Ethics: Unwavering commitment to confidentiality, ethics, and the ECOWAS values, regardless of external pressures.
- Conflict Resolution: Advanced negotiation skills with the ability to remain objective across cultural and gender differences.
- Operational Excellence: Proficiency in ICT and the ability to apply ECOWAS legal frameworks to modernize departmental programs.
- Languages: Fluency in one official ECOWAS language (English, French, or Portuguese). Proficiency in a second language is highly desirable.
ECOWAS WORK ENVIRONMENT & DIVERSITY
ECOWAS is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to gender parity and diversity. We strongly encourage applications from women, individuals from minority groups, and persons with disabilities. Our environment fosters a healthy work-life balance and is free from harassment and discrimination.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested and qualified candidates must submit:
- A Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A Tailored Cover Letter
- The Official ECOWAS Application Form DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM HERE
Submission Address: b60dirhumansocialaffairs@ecowas.int
Note: ECOWAS does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Only candidates who comply with all submission requirements will be considered.
Lead the charge in shaping a resilient and socially inclusive West Africa.