Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) – Job Vacancy
About ECOWAS
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional organization comprising fifteen West African nations. Established on May 28, 1975, following the signing of the Treaty of Lagos, its primary objective is to foster economic cooperation and integration among member states, ultimately driving socio-economic development and stability across the region.
ECOWAS is currently inviting applications from highly qualified professionals to fill the following position:
Position: Director, Information Technology Services
- Job Code: 20000176
- Location: Abuja, Nigeria
- Institution: ECOWAS Commission
- Grade: D1
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Reports To: Commissioner for Internal Services
- Supervises: Office Manager
Role Overview
The Director of Information Technology Services will play a strategic leadership role in shaping and implementing ECOWAS’ IT vision and strategy. Reporting directly to the Commissioner for Internal Services, the Director will be responsible for overseeing all IT operations, ensuring digital security, and aligning technology initiatives with organizational goals.
This role requires strong technical expertise, strategic planning abilities, and excellent leadership skills to drive innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and maintain robust IT governance across ECOWAS institutions.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership & IT Governance
- Develop and implement long-term IT strategic plans and roadmaps to support ECOWAS’ overarching objectives.
- Align IT initiatives with business priorities to enhance digital transformation.
- Provide visionary leadership in adopting emerging technologies to improve efficiency and innovation.
- Establish IT governance frameworks, ensuring compliance with industry best practices, regulations, and cybersecurity policies.
- Evaluate and recommend new IT solutions to enhance operational performance and service delivery.
2. IT Infrastructure & Security Management
- Oversee the development and maintenance of robust IT infrastructure, ensuring system availability and scalability.
- Implement and monitor cybersecurity measures to protect data and mitigate risks.
- Develop and enforce disaster recovery (DR) and business continuity plans (BCP) to safeguard IT operations.
- Ensure data privacy and regulatory compliance in line with international IT security standards.
- Lead cybersecurity risk assessments and audits to ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of ECOWAS’ IT systems.
3. IT Operations & Service Management
- Oversee end-to-end IT service delivery, including helpdesk support and enterprise application management.
- Ensure high system uptime and availability through proactive infrastructure monitoring.
- Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) for IT operations, ensuring service excellence.
- Oversee IT vendor management, procurement, and budget allocations to optimize resource utilization.
- Implement IT performance metrics and KPIs to measure efficiency, effectiveness, and user satisfaction.
4. Digital Transformation & Innovation
- Lead digital transformation initiatives, driving the adoption of cloud computing, AI, and automation.
- Explore and integrate cutting-edge IT solutions to modernize ECOWAS’ internal and external digital services.
- Foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation within the IT department.
- Identify and execute strategic IT projects that enhance ECOWAS’ digital ecosystem.
5. Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure IT practices comply with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and ECOWAS policies.
- Conduct periodic IT risk assessments and develop strategies to mitigate potential threats.
- Maintain detailed IT policies, guidelines, and standard operating procedures for governance and compliance.
- Collaborate with auditors and regulators to ensure adherence to security frameworks.
6. Administrative & Human Resource Management
- Lead and mentor the IT team, ensuring a high-performing and motivated workforce.
- Oversee IT staffing, including recruitment, training, and professional development.
- Manage IT budgets, procurement processes, and contract negotiations with vendors.
- Ensure transparent and effective IT reporting to senior management and stakeholders.
- Encourage a collaborative working environment, fostering interdepartmental partnerships.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- IT System Uptime & Reliability: Ensuring systems remain operational with minimal downtime.
- Project Delivery Efficiency: Timely and cost-effective execution of IT projects.
- IT Security & Compliance: Maintaining regulatory adherence and cybersecurity best practices.
- Stakeholder Satisfaction: Positive feedback from internal users and external partners.
- Innovation & Digital Transformation: Successful adoption of modern IT solutions.
Required Qualifications & Experience
Academic Credentials
- Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field from a recognized institution.
- Relevant professional certifications (e.g., CISSP, PMP, ITIL, OEM Certifications) will be an added advantage.
Professional Experience
- Minimum of 12 years of progressive IT management experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
- Proven experience in IT strategy development, governance, and digital transformation.
- Strong understanding of enterprise IT architecture, cybersecurity frameworks, and cloud technologies.
- Demonstrated ability to manage large-scale IT budgets, procurement, and vendor relationships.
- Experience in international or regional organizations will be an added advantage.
Age Requirement
- Applicants must be below 50 years old at the time of application.
- This requirement does not apply to internal candidates within ECOWAS.
Core ECOWAS Competencies
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to align IT initiatives with broader organizational objectives.
- Leadership & Team Management: Strong experience in guiding teams and driving performance.
- Project & Change Management: Skilled in handling multiple projects and adapting to evolving IT landscapes.
- Cybersecurity & Risk Management: Expertise in safeguarding digital assets and ensuring data integrity.
- Communication & Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills to engage with stakeholders and drive IT adoption.
- Innovation & Problem-Solving: Ability to introduce forward-thinking solutions to complex IT challenges.
Compensation & Benefits
- Annual Salary: UA 81,435.54 (USD 128,488.99)
- Additional benefits as per ECOWAS employment policies.
Application Process
Application Deadline: April 21, 2025
How to Apply:
Qualified and interested candidates should submit their applications via email to:
📧 b52directorinfotechservices@ecowas.int
(Use the Job Title as the subject line of the email.)
Download Application Form Here:
ECOWAS Job Application Form (Docx)
Important Notes:
- Selection and appointment will be subject to background checks and reference verification.
- ECOWAS does not charge any fees for application, processing, training, interviews, or any part of the recruitment process.
- Beware of fraudulent recruitment schemes asking for financial transactions or personal banking details.
- Shortlisted candidates may undergo written assessments and competency-based interviews.
