Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Job Opportunity
Position: Systems Sourcing and Implementation Officer
Job Code: 20000166
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Institution: ECOWAS Commission
Grade: P3/P4
Employment Status: Permanent
Department: Internal Services
Reporting To: Principal Officer, Systems Acquisition & Implementation
Supervising: IT Assistant
About ECOWAS
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional organization comprising fifteen West African nations. Established on May 28, 1975, via the Treaty of Lagos, ECOWAS is committed to fostering economic integration, trade, security, and technological development among its member states. The organization plays a pivotal role in driving socio-economic progress through cooperation and harmonization of policies in various sectors, including information and communication technology (ICT).
Role Overview
The Systems Sourcing and Implementation Officer will lead efforts in evaluating, procuring, and implementing new IT systems, including both software and hardware solutions. Reporting to the Principal Officer, Systems Acquisition & Implementation, this role demands expertise in IT procurement, system design, and enterprise software solutions. The officer will also collaborate with IT leadership and infrastructure architects to establish and refine technology architecture standards that align with ECOWAS’s strategic goals.
Key Responsibilities
- Apply expertise in database management, programming languages, and cloud/client-server architectures to procurement decisions.
- Evaluate and eliminate redundancies in application functionalities within ECOWAS’s IT portfolio.
- Conduct comprehensive technical assessments and propose strategic improvements to IT infrastructure.
- Design and implement procurement methodologies that optimize spending and supplier relations.
- Ensure transparency in supplier selection, onboarding, and maintenance processes.
- Lead technical engagements with vendors to ensure alignment with ECOWAS’s ICT strategies.
- Facilitate technical brainstorming sessions with the Enterprise Application team to generate innovative solutions.
- Define and enforce technical standards for the Enterprise Applications department.
- Develop cost-effective sourcing and procurement strategies to enhance operational efficiency.
- Monitor market trends, supplier dynamics, and risk factors to guide procurement decisions.
- Foster collaborative relationships with suppliers and resolve potential procurement challenges.
- Establish and track procurement performance metrics to enhance accountability and efficiency.
- Oversee procurement budgeting, expenditure tracking, and financial reporting.
- Identify gaps between current and desired IT infrastructure, implementing transition strategies accordingly.
- Negotiate optimal contracts for IT-related purchases, ensuring value for money.
- Document technical and functional specifications for all IT procurements.
- Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, regulatory requirements, and legal frameworks.
- Prepare and present progress reports to senior management and stakeholders.
- Continuously refine procurement strategies based on industry best practices and technological advancements.
- Train and educate suppliers on ECOWAS’s procurement policies and procedures.
- Manage logistics and oversee the deployment of IT equipment across ECOWAS locations.
- Collaborate with system implementation teams to facilitate seamless technology rollouts.
- Provide mentorship and leadership within the procurement and IT teams.
- Offer after-hours support when required.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by management.
Required Qualifications and Experience
- A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Systems Management, Business Systems Analysis & Design, or a related ICT discipline from an accredited institution.
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in IT planning, web development, implementation, and maintenance.
- In-depth knowledge of ECOWAS’s ICT infrastructure and strategic technological initiatives.
- Proficiency in web development technologies, including PHP, ASP.NET, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and scripting languages like Perl and Linux shell scripting.
- Hands-on experience with relational databases such as MS-SQL and MySQL.
Age Requirement
- Applicants must be under 50 years of age. This restriction does not apply to internal candidates.
ECOWAS Core Competencies
- Strong ability to influence decision-making and introduce innovative IT solutions.
- Demonstrated leadership skills in managing teams and improving organizational efficiency.
- Commitment to professional hierarchy and organizational structure.
- Excellent problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to independently propose and implement solutions.
- High ethical standards in managing personnel, information, and resources.
- Effective mentorship and leadership skills to build strong working relationships.
- Client-focused approach with proactive engagement in service delivery.
- Cultural awareness and the ability to work in diverse and inclusive environments.
- Strong diplomatic communication and negotiation skills.
- Thorough understanding of ECOWAS policies, regulations, and operational requirements.
- Analytical skills to assess data, identify trends, and develop strategic recommendations.
- Proficiency in project management to organize tasks effectively and meet deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in at least one ECOWAS official language (English, French, or Portuguese). Additional language proficiency is an advantage.
- Proficiency in modern ICT tools and software.
Salary and Benefits
- Annual Salary: UA 49,106.81 (approximately USD 77,480.72)
Application Process
Closing Date: April 21, 2025
Qualified candidates should submit their applications via email to b52syssourcandimplement@ecowas.int, using the job title as the email subject.
Click here to download the application form (Docx.)
Important Notes
- Selection and appointment are subject to background verification and administrative clearances.
- ECOWAS does not charge fees for applications, processing, training, interviews, or testing.
- Applicants should be cautious of fraudulent requests for banking or personal information.
- The selection process may include written assessments and competency-based interviews.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to ECOWAS’s mission in advancing regional technological integration and economic development. If you meet the qualifications and are passionate about IT sourcing and implementation, we encourage you to apply!
