Director Administration and Finance

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a 12-member regional group mandated to promote economic integration, social cohesion, and political stability across West Africa. As a premier Intergovernmental Organization (IGO), ECOWAS operates through a robust institutional framework, led by the Commission and the Community Parliament, to harmonize policies, foster a "borderless" region, and uphold democratic governance for over 400 million citizens.

Under the authority and supervision of the Executive Director ERCA, the Director of Administration and Finance provides leadership and management to major sector(s) of technical activities within his/her areas of responsibility and which are substantively important to the accomplishment of ERCA mandate.

The DAF shall be responsible for interpreting broad visions and policy guidelines, and for developing and managing goals and objectives to meet the mandate of the Agency and the ECOWAS in general.  S/he shall ensure strict compliance with ECOWAS Policies and Regulations relating to areas within his/her purview.

The DAF shall be responsible for the design, formulation and implementation of an integrated framework of administrative, financial and human resource policies to enable ERCA accomplish its mission.

S/he shall be responsible for the coordination of financial, administrative and human resource activities of the Agency.  S/he shall provide guidance in the preparation, implementation and monitoring and reporting on the Agency’s annual budget and S/he shall ensure strict budget compliance and monitor use of all budgetary allocations. 

Provide technical advice to all other directorates and staff on financial, administrative and human resource matters.  Ensure safety of staff and property through effective management of the Administration Directorate which includes facility management, Human Resource, IT and security services.

Create a vision and devise strategies for his/her Directorate directly linked to the Institution’s Goals and objectives

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct activities of the staff of the Directorate including Professional and General staff. He or she should utilize a range of managerial skills to ensure that staff of the Directorate performs efficiently and effectively, and that they deliver the regular output needed at sufficient quality and in a timely manner.
• Plan annual goals, objectives, activities and budget tied to ERCA overall plans; measure and monitor goal achievement; negotiate suitable adjustments to goals and budgets.
• Implement performance-based budgeting within the Directorate. Organize the Directorate in an efficient way with clear reporting lines, minimal bureaucracy and optimal delegation of authority.
• Ensure effective and efficient management of the financial resources made available to the Agency.
• Work with the relevant Directorates to ensure efficient and effective services are provided such as recruitment, action on performance decisions, promotions and related matters.
• Set standards of work and create mechanisms to monitor staff output and ensure that standards are maintained and deadlines met without compromising quality of work.
• Manage the system of setting individual performance planning and standards through available Performance Planning and Evaluation systems.
• Provide regular and prompt performance feedback to direct reporting.
• Actively engage in the development of staff to ensure skills are built to match plans, goals and existing structures.
• Guide, supervise, mentor and coach staff within the Directorate as well as provide technical support to all other directorates and staff on Administration, Finance and Human Resource. S/he shall provide guidance in the preparation of the Agency’s annual budget. 
• Coordinate the administrative and financial management of the Agency, under the leadership of the Executive Director and in accordance with the ECOWAS Rules and Regulations.
• Coordinate the preparation of the draft and final Annual Budgets of the Agency.
• Coordinate the various administrative duties and responsibilities relating to Human Resources, Finance, Procurement, Information Technology, Facilities Management & Transport, Insurance and General Administration and services, under the authority of the Executive Director and under conditions that may be determined by relevant regulations.
• Ensure compliance with ECOWAS Financial Regulations Staff Regulations, the revised Tender Code and all other relevant policies and Regulations.
• Operate, monitor and justify the utilisation of the Agency’s accounts.  (All bank accounts should be operated only with prior authorization from the Executive Director and shall be in the name of the Agency).
• S/he is solely responsible, administratively and legally, for all funds, holdings and cheque books placed under the control of the Executive Director.
• Financially responsible for all operations of the ERCA, and also be responsible for the safe keeping of the accounting records of the Agency.
• Co-signatory of all cheques drawn on the bank accounts of ERCA.
• Maintain records of all funds and assets under such form as may be approved by ECOWAS Financial Regulations.
• Ensure the preparation of periodic management reports as provided for in the ECOWAS Financial Regulations.
• Ensure the preparation of Annual Financial Statements
• Ensure the Annual Audit of Financial Statements
• Ensure the establishment of a sound Human Resources Management Policy.
• Execute any other duty as might be assigned by the Head of Institution.

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Accounting and Finance, Business Administration (MBA), Public Administration, Economics, or in a similar discipline from a recognized university.
• 12 years of progressively responsible experience in managing finance and budget operations administration, financial management, or related field, including 6 years of relevant international work experience and 5 years at a supervisory level.
• knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), budgeting and innovation in line with public finance reform; fiscal management skills and business acumen.
• Demonstrated professional ability and mastery of principles, techniques and practices related to one or more specialized services in a broad range of human resources, financial, IT, procurement communication, conference, records management and general administrative areas in an international and/or public sector institutions.
• Knowledge of financial and budgetary principles and practices, budget development and financial administration of resources and ability to develop budgetary policies, formulate new strategies /policies/programmes and technical approaches to budgetary matters, procedures, procurement.

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