PRINCIPAL PROGRAMME OFFICER (PPO) RESEARCH AND GRANTS, WEST AFRICAN WEALTH ORGANIZATION

Under the supervision of the Director of Public Health and Research, the PPO Research and Grants coordinates:

• The development and implementation of regional research programmes in areas of interest to WAHO.
• The development and implementation of a regional research capacity-building plan.
• The dissemination, summary and implementation of research findings into policy and practice.
• The development of a strategy and capacity building for the mobilisation of research grants.

Key responsibilities include: identify the Unit's priorities and needs; identify initiatives to be implemented in the Unit; develop plans, strategies and knowledge outcomes; supervise Programme Officers; coordinate the Unit's budget; monitor and evaluate the Unit's activities; manage partnerships; and ensure quality assurance.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent will participate in regional coordination efforts, in order to:

• Assess research development needs, research development process, research dissemination and  research environment within research and academic / third sector institutions.
• Promote a collaborative research programme with research and academic institutions and the third sector.
• Develop a regional research programme in partnership with these institutions.
• Strengthen research capacity and propose skills development programmes.
• Identify key resources and stakeholders
• Define research priorities in line with WAHO's priority thematic areas.
• Develop plans and policies to address priority research needs.
• Develop inter-sectoral initiatives to support research objectives with research and academic institutions.
• Collect research data and develop and implement a knowledge transfer platform to translate the data collected into policy and practice.
• Provide regional leadership in research interventions.
• Evaluate research programmes and provide quality assurance.
• Contribute to the mobilisation of grants to enhance WAHO's research activities.
• Facilitate resource mobilisation activities at regional and national levels.
• Carry out any other tasks as required by the line supervisor.

• A Medical Doctor with Master's degree in Public Health from a recognised university.
• Proof of scientific publication must be provided.
• At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in the management and implementation of complex public health programmes, including two (2) years of relevant international work experience and two (2) years at a supervisory level. 
• In-depth knowledge of the principles and practices of public health management in the ECOWAS region.
• Proven expertise in public health and population health, particularly with regard to infectious disease epidemics.  
• Have a good knowledge and practical experience of the organisation of health systems and health research in West Africa, as well as of collaboration with donor institutions.

ECOWAS KEY COMPETENCIES

• Ability to lead in assigned programmes and projects by providing the necessary managerial and operational expertise required for the fulfilment of the organization’s mandate.
• Ability to lead by example and organize teamwork to encourage cooperation to achieve targeted results, champion and build momentum for change and to bring about employee engagement.
• Develop and implement internal controls for the pilot program to manage potential barriers to implementation.
• Ability to respect the chain of commands in an appropriate manner.
• Excellent self-management skills, demonstrating ethics and integrity, confidentiality and displaying due regards for internal controls of rules, delegations and transparency.
• Ability to bring together complementary skills/expertise, assess individual contributions and recognize/address accomplishments and shortcomings in a manner that brings continued success to the organization.
• Knowledge of program management at the level usually acquired from a certification in program management. 
• Ability to research benchmarks and trends to bring about the best recommendations for the development and improvement of programs/projects that will best serve the community/organization.  
• Well-developed networking and interpersonal skills to seek feedback, information and data from a network of professionals from multiple countries/sectors/organizations and to identify and prioritize the most critical community requirements. 
• Ability to manage and coordinate client management initiatives and make recommendations.
• Ability to develop and implement best practices in client services.
• Ability to develop and implement stakeholder management plans, programs and initiatives to obtain buy-in on new initiatives, to better understand dissenting views, to obtain resources and to increase perceptions of success.
• Ability to be diplomatic, tactful, and respectful of other people from varied backgrounds, understanding diverse cultural views especially within West Africa with the ability to convert diversity into opportunities to improve program/operational outcomes.
• Ability to create a diverse and inclusive interactive environment that benefits from diverse strengths bringing together innovative practices.
• Ability to remain objective in managing conflict regardless of cultural differences /positions, gender differences, and encourage other staff to overcome cultural and gender bias and differences.
• Ability and responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Ability to serve the interest of culturally diverse multinational teams/organizations/communities and people with disabilities without prejudice and bias. 
• Understanding of the ECOWAS organizational structure, associated dynamics and expectations as required to collaborate, participate, contribute and lead effectively.
• Knowledge of the ECOWAS mandate, strategic plan/priorities as well as the economic, political, and social situation and trends in member states, as pertains to own scope of work.
• Knowledge of ECOWAS best practices, program management approaches and research techniques to lead and/or contribute to the development or assessment of programs, projects, or initiatives.
• Knowledge of the ECOWAS rules and procedures in order to appropriately interpret and apply directive text, provide technical advice, coach others and assess performance.
• Ability to analyze a situation by using indicators to assess the costs, benefits, risks, and chances for success, in making decisions.
• Ability to pull together information from different sources to identify the cause of problems, consequences of alternative causes of action, potential obstacles and ways to avoid the problem in the future.
• Ability to break down very complex situations/information into simple terms to explain recommendations and conclusions aimed at solving problems or improving operations/programs/projects.
• Ability to develop new insights into situations, apply innovative solutions to problems and to design new methods of addressing issues or disconnects where established methods and procedures are inapplicable or no longer effective. 
• Ability to communicate with impact, clearly and concisely in a succinct and organized manner conveying credibility & confidence when making presentations, setting expectations and explaining complex issues.
• Ability to listen intently and correctly interpret messages from others and respond appropriately. 
• Accomplished technical writing and editing skills.
• Exhibit active listening skills to encourage stronger communication amongst team members, to show care and make them feel valued and to drive employee engagement in all institutions and agencies.
• Ability to give constructive feedback, provide recognition, address shortcomings, and motivate direct reports to work at peak performance.
• Proficiency in information communication technologies (ICT).
• 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.
• Organizational and project/program management skills with significant experience identifying timelines, targets, costs and resources necessary to deliver on operational/program/project outputs in line with result-based management approach. 
• Ability to set effective goals and targets for self, others, and the work unit and adjusting work or project priorities in response to changing circumstances.  
• Ability to use participatory approach in project planning and identify gaps affecting the achievement of program/project expectations and to design and implement intervention plans required to build the desired task.
• Ability to implement rigorous monitoring and evaluation practices and to set in place regular reporting schedules relevant to key outputs.  
•  Ability to plan, organize, control resources, and to comply with policies, procedures, and protocols to achieve specific goals.

GRADE LEVEL: P5

REMUNERATION: UA 61,491.05/ USD 97,020.58

AGE LIMIT: Below 45 years old.

Assessment method:

Assessment of qualified candidates will include a written exercise and a competency-based interview.

ECOWAS Work Environment:

ECOWAS provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and a healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore, we encourage women to apply for positions that suit their competencies. Individuals from minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are also highly encouraged to apply. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of ECOWAS's workforce.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment will be subject to background and reference checks and other administrative requirements. 

ECOWAS does not charge for any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing in connection with application or recruitment processes and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts. 

The required documents for registration include:

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover letter
3. Application form

Failure to comply with any of these requirements will result in the cancellation of the application.