Organization: ECOWAS Commission
Duty Station: Abuja, Nigeria
Application Email: b60legaldraftinternational@ecowas.int
Age Limit: Below 50 years (Internal candidates exempt)
Assessment: Written exercise and competency-based interview
ROLE OVERVIEW
Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Principal Officer, International Negotiations & Codification, the Legal Drafting and International Negotiation Officer is responsible for drafting Community Acts and producing high-quality legal documents. The incumbent ensures that all ECOWAS legal instruments are accurate, comply with international legal standards, and facilitate the Commission’s strategic objectives through expert negotiation and codification.
KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Legal Drafting: Assist in drafting Community Acts, contracts, agreements, and policies with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and legal compliance.
- Negotiations: Participate in high-level negotiations between the ECOWAS Commission and Member States, development partners, or international institutions regarding project financing and strategic partnerships.
- Legal Research & Advice: Conduct deep-dive research into legal articles and existing Acts to determine their impact on proposed legislation; provide legal opinions to statutory officials and departments.
- Codification & Harmonization: Develop and implement programs for the harmonization of legal and judicial policies across the region.
- Diplomatic Protection: Ensure strict adherence to the privileges and immunities conferred on the Commission and its staff under the Headquarters Agreement and the General Convention on Privileges and Immunities.
- Representation: Represent the ECOWAS Commission at international conferences, seminars, and negotiation meetings with third countries and other Regional Economic Communities (RECs).
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Education: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Law, with a specific specialization in Legislative Drafting from a recognized university.
- Experience: * Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience as a lawyer.
- Experience within the legal office of an intergovernmental organization or government is highly desirable.
- Legal Expertise: Broad knowledge of Public International Law and the ability to apply legal expertise to complex, unusual, and innovative solutions.
- Writing Proficiency: Proven mastery of legal writing, including the ability to prepare legal briefs, opinions, submissions, and complex legal instruments.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Interpersonal & Facilitation: Ability to lead cross-divisional workgroups and enlist active involvement in a climate of respect and openness.
- Project Management: Knowledge of project management (certification such as PMP or Prince2 is an advantage).
- Communication: Fluency in one official ECOWAS language (English, French, or Portuguese).
- Critical Thinking: Ability to synthesize complex information from external sources and predict stakeholder views on new policies.
- Technical Proficiency: Operational proficiency in legal and office technology tools, including collaborative and graphic software.
ECOWAS WORK ENVIRONMENT
ECOWAS provides a work environment reflecting the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. We are committed to gender parity and highly encourage applications from women, minority ethnic groups, and persons with disabilities.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested and qualified candidates should send their application package via email. The package must include:
- A filled Job Application Form (including three professional references). DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM HERE
- A Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A Tailored Cover Letter.
Submission Address: b60legaldraftinternational@ecowas.int
Subject Line: Legal Drafting and International Negotiation Officer
Note: ECOWAS does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Failure to comply with the submission requirements will result in the cancellation of the application.
Drafting the future of West African law and international cooperation.