DIRECTOR, CUSTOM UNION AND TAXATION, ECOWAS COMMISSION

Job description

Provide leadership and management for technical activities related to the consolidation of the ECOWAS Customs union and the harmonization of domestic taxes in the Community. ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES Lead the regional reforms in fiscal and custom reforms. Follow the implementation of the ETC and the disputes relating to the issues. Accompagn the member state for the fiscal transition. Establish the comprehension regional framework to facilitate the dialogue between the stallholders. Represent the commission to the relevant policies dialogue at regional and international level. Follow the international commitment on taxation and customs. Follow the status of implementation on the common market in regards of taxation and customs. Establish the disputes mechanism on the ETLS Develop programs to ensure harmonization of customs regulations and domestic taxes as well as the management of ECOWAS fiscal transition program in Member States. Develop and communicate the ECOWAS Regional compliance program for customs tariffs and community arrangements relating to domestic taxes in Member States. Develop and maintain standard operating procedures covering Customs tariffs and taxes compliance in accordance with the ECOWAS Regional Compliance program. Develop, advise and make recommendations on Customs policy following ECOWAS regional rules and regulations. Develop policies to ensure more favorable conditions for the economic operators in line with the trade facilitation agenda of ECOWAS. Initiate and advise on policy to increase revenue and reduce the risk of fraud and smuggling in the Member States. Perform any other tasks that may be required by direct supervisor. Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Business Administration, International Relations, International Diplomacy, Public Administration, Law or Political Science from a recognized university . 12 years progressively responsible experience in applying the principles of economic and social development normally gained through programme development and management experience in an international organization, preferably in the context of West Africa; practical experience in regional integration, trade, infrastructure and natural resources management. In-depth knowledge of economic and social policy development in key areas of regional integration, trade, investments, infrastructure development; land policy; agricultural development and industrialization. Demonstrated knowledge of West-African regional cross-border cooperation, West African migrations and migration policies protocol on free movement, the Right of Residence and Establishment and the related decisions, boundary delineation and demarcation. Knowledge of ECOWAS regional rules and regulations on customs tariff classification of goods and origin of goods and Customs tariffs and taxes compliance policies. Senior leadership experience in establishing strategic partnerships, working collaboratively, and building consensus with multiple internal and/or external stakeholders on complex issues in a multi-disciplinary governmental or international organization. Ability to communicate with clarity and conviction, make compelling presentations that promote new insights, ideas and perspectives and a better understanding of issues and challenges. 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. ECOWAS KEY COMPETENCIES Senior leadership experience in establishing strategic partnerships, working collaboratively, and building consensus with multiple internal and/or external stakeholders on complex issues in a multi-disciplinary governmental or international organization. Knowledge of the ECOWAS mandate, strategic plan/priorities as well as the economic, political, and social state/trends of Member States, as pertains to own scope of work. Consistency in actions, values, methods, confidentiality, ethics, measures, principles, expectations, and outcomes which connote a deep commitment to do the right thing for the right reason, regardless of the circumstances. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Heads of Institutions, elected officials and statutory employees to facilitate compliance, build engagement, resolve conflicts, and obtain support for change. Ability to respect the chain of command in an appropriate manner. Ability to promote a culture where people hold themselves personally accountable for results. Ability to provide leadership management, and technical oversight for all project activities and program deliverables in accordance with ECOWAS legal and administrative practices and standards. Ability to conduct periodic reviews of staff performance in keeping with the ECOWAS performance management system and to mentor staff to ensure high levels of motivation, commitment, capacity, and teamwork. Ability to oversee project management, internal controls, and stewardship of financial resources and to address issues in a confident and capable manner whilst making decisions that exemplify impartial and non-partisan decision-making. Ability to exercise the initiative and resourcefulness necessary for simultaneously addressing a variety of stakeholder needs, pursuing multiple tasks, and achieving positive outcomes. Ability to create synergies with client groups and others to achieve objectives in setting and monitoring service standards and indicators. Ability to motivate and engage others in promoting or adopting best practices in client services. Ability to identify and improve services and client interactions through appropriate networks and to create innovative ways of addressing these in an accountable and transparent manner. Knowledge of anti-discriminatory/human rights regulatory environment and ability to advance strategies to foster an inclusive working environment and healthy organization respectful of cultural diversity and gender equality and free from harassment and discrimination. Understanding of diverse cultural views especially within West Africa, being sensitive to group differences, and gender issues and ability to contribute to, advocate for, and/or develop policies that are gender sensitive and responsive to various cultures. Ability to foster a diverse and inclusive interactive work environment that can effectively bring together a wide spectrum of ideas and experiences to solve problems, develop projects/programs and improve results. ability and responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Ability to remain objective in managing conflict regardless of cultural differences /positions, and gender differences, and encourage other staff to overcome cultural and gender bias and differences. Understanding of the ECOWAS organizational structure, workplace culture and dynamics. Ability to apply knowledge of ECOWAS legal framework, strategic priorities, and operational standards to develop/modernize policies and programs and/or to implement policies and programs in a sustainable and effective manner. Well-developed business, social and political acumen, demonstrating a strong commitment to the vision and mandate of ECOWAS coupled with a broad knowledge of the economic, political and social situations and trends in Member States. Sound judgment and decision-making skills on matters relating to policy and strategy development important to the realization of the ECOWAS mandate and the improvement of outcomes for Member States. Ability to analyze reports as well as socio-economic and institutional dynamics and recognize areas of potential obstacles or challenges and develop innovative solutions or alternatives to address barriers and achieve strategic/operational priorities. Ability to anticipate and interpret the effects of environmental changes (social, economic, and political), and its impact and make recommendations. Ability to identify/address strengths and weaknesses, stimulate creativity, reduce resistance to change and improve the achievement of strategic objectives. Ability to make prudent decisions relating to the management of human, financial and material resources. Ability to actively listen and understand the perspectives of others to make informed assertions, decisions, or recommendations. Ability to build multiple external collaborative relationships to support strategic and operational objectives; identify the key issues and accommodate the key players with well-thought-out communication and stakeholder management plans. Ability to communicate with clarity and conviction, make compelling presentations that promote new insights, ideas and perspectives and a better understanding of issues and challenges. 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. Excellent negotiation and conflict management skills focusing on building and nurturing effective and collaborative relationships. 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. Ability to prepare plans, set clear objectives in a consistent manner and have effective oversight of performance management practices to ensure that goals and standards are met. Ability to set effective goals/results and manage change in a manner that demonstrates resilience, composure, and a positive outlook in an environment of uncertainty and ambiguity. Ability to enable the development of organizational and individual talent throughout the implementation of strategic, operational, programme, project, and individual plans. Ability to implement plans, mobilize/engage people, identify critical success factors, mitigate risks, monitor indicators and feedback, initiate corrective measures, and build capacities for sustainability. Ability to institute rigorous monitoring, and evaluation practices and to learn from setbacks and mistakes to ensure continuous improvement GRADE LEVEL: D1 REMUNERATION: UA 81,435.54/USD 128,488.99 AGE LIMIT: Below 50 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: Curriculum Vitae Cover letter Application form Failure to comply with any of these requirements will result in the cancellation of the application. Application Closing Date: 10th May 2026 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.