Head of Division, PPO Mediation Facilitation

Department: Political Affairs, Peace and Security

Directorate: Political Affairs

Grade: P5

Annual Salary: USD 48,204 - USD 54,500

Supervisor: Director, Political Affairs

Reference: ECW-COMM/REC/PA-P/001/2013

Duration: Three (3) years (renewable annually)

Duty Station: Abuja, Nigeria

Closing Date: 03 May 2013

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Director of Political Affairs, the officer’s main tasks and responsibilities will be to: Lead the implementation of the ECOWAS Vision for the Mediation Facilitation Division. Oversee the Mediation Facilitation Division, in line with the provisions of ECOWAS extant Protocols and Decisions, in particular, the 1999 Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Peacekeeping and Regional Security, the Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and the 2008 ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework. He/she will design, develop and lead the implementation of strategies aimed at supporting the coordination and monitoring of mediation efforts by ECOWAS Institutions and Organs, by Member States and non-state actors and by joint initiatives.

He/she will ensure the implementation of the mandate of the Division through the following means:

Ensuring the liaison, coordination and follow-up of activities of the ECOWAS Mediation Organs (the Mediation and Security Council, ECOWAS Council of the Wise, Zonal Bureau, Special Representatives of the ECOWAS President, Special Envoys, etc.);

Building a database of potential mediators and resources in the region and beyond; building a mediation facilitation capacity within the ECOWAS Commission to promote preventive diplomacy interventions in the regions through competence and skills enhancement of mediators, information sharing and logistical support;
Establishing or facilitating capacity enhancement of relevant institutions of the Community to undertake mediation and arbitration activities within and between Member States;
Facilitating the enhancement of the competence and skills of appropriate state institutions and civil society institutions within Member States to undertake mediation, conciliation and arbitration activities;
Working closely with Member States and ECOWAS Mediation Organs to mobilize local resources, including eminent persons, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community groups, women’s organizations, and other civil society organizations, the private sector and any such actors as may be necessary, for the purpose of mediation, conciliation and facilitation to resolve disputes;
Acting as liaison between the ECOWAS Commission and the AU Mediation Division and the UN Mediation Support Unit, think-tanks, academia, and Inter-Governmental Organizations;
Assisting the Director of Political Affairs in coordinating the preparation of statements, talking points, speeches, and lectures for the Commissioner, Political Affairs, Peace and Security, President of the Commission and other designated officials;
Supporting the Director of Political Affairs in formulation and implementation of programmatic tasks, such as preparation of budget, monitoring of performance parameters and critical indicators, reporting on budget and programme performance, preparation of inputs for result-based budgeting, and evaluation of staff performance;

Qualifications/Experience/Skills

Competencies:

Professionalism – Sound knowledge of the political, social, governance, economic, cultural and security environment/ developments in West Africa. Sound Knowledge and exposure to a range of mediation facilitation issues, to include approaches and techniques to address Track I, Track II and other forms of community-based conflicts. Good knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines related to conflict prevention and mediation. Ability to identify, evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the conflict management in the region.

Management & Coordination – Ability to apply the ECOWAS administrative rules, regulations, policies and guidelines. Takes ownership of all responsibilities and is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results within prescribed time, cost, and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational rules and regulations; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; demonstrates initiative, imagination, resourcefulness, energy and tact; able to work under pressure; capable of working in a multicultural environment.

Leadership – Identifies and make in-depth analysis on strategic issues, opportunities and risks and is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; drives for change and improvement; demonstrates courage and resilience.

Judgment/ Decision Making – Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, gathers all available and relevant information, checks assumptions against facts and comes to the heart of the problem quickly and make tough decisions when necessary.

Communication – Strong communication (spoken, written and presentation) skills, including the ability to produce a variety of written reports in a clear, concise style, to deliver training presentations to external audiences, to build/maintain effective partnerships, to manage information and public information activities.

Planning and Organizing – Ability to establish priorities and to plan work assignments, juggle competing demands and supervisory tasks, and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines.

Technology Awareness – Good computer skills, including proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, other and relevant software packages.

Teamwork – Proven interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Qualification and Experience:

A Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) in the Social Sciences, Peace and Conflict Studies, International Affairs, Law, Development Studies or any other discipline related to mediation.

At least 10 years of professional experience in dealing with mediation facilitation and other related subjects-matter progressively at the National, Regional, Continental and International levels. Experience working at the managerial level, with mediation tools, standards, instruments and mechanisms. Knowledge and expertise of the linkages between mediation, gender and women's issues would be an asset. Management and leadership experience is required. A higher degree in the relevant field may substitute for two years of professional experience.

Age

Candidate should not be 50 years old or over at the point of recruitment and must be a citizen of one of the ECOWAS member states.

Language

Fluency in oral and written expression in any one of the ECOWAS working languages : English, French and Portuguese. Knowledge of a second official language (preferably French) would be an advantage.

http://comm.careers.ecowas.int/vacancies/index.php?p=vacancy_page_display&job=ECW-COMM%2FREC%2FPA-P%2F001%2F2013&action=online_application&lang=en