IT Assistansts at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) - 6 Openings

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional group of fifteen West African countries. Founded on 28 May 1975, with the signing of the Treaty of Lagos, its mission is to promote economic integration across the region.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: IT Assistant

Job Code: 20003540, 20000168, 20000185
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Institution: ECOWAS Commission
Grade: G4/G5/G6
Department: Internal Services
Directorate: Directorate of Information, Technology Service
Status: Permanent
Line Supervisor: As Assigned
Supervising: None

Role Overview

• Under the supervision of his/her direct line manager, the incumbent aids all internal and external IT users.  He/She installs, configures, and maintains the IT/ computer network systems for ECOWAS, responsible for ensuring that all IT/computer networks are functioning properly and up to date. 
• S/he will focus on computer operations, user, and desktop support (hardware and software), front end /back end, helpdesk, database management and perform a variety of moderately complex information technology support duties to ensure smooth delivery of all ECOWAS technological services.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Tests personal computers and peripherals on a network to diagnose, hardware versus software problems.
• Act as a customer liaison for the computing operation, communicating, resolving, and/or initiating the resolution of problems and concerns.
• Maintain standard filing system for easy and quick document assess and retrieval.
• Assist in software and hardware upgrades, add or update workstations for office staff.
• Perform routine PC maintenance and updates for performance efficiency.
• Assist in maintaining Internet service, firewalls, and telephone systems.
• Set up and submit debugs computer output.
• Transfers computer files between platforms
• Provide basic troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance for computer equipment (e.g. microcomputers, disk drives, and laser printers)
• Install and configure computer hardware, software, systems, networks, printers, and scanners.
• Help in the use of personal computer hardware, software, and specialized mainframe technology or operates a multi-platform computer environment.
• Set up and configure desktop computers, peripherals and accounts assigning security level.
• Troubleshoots, diagnose problems, implement corrective action procedures within prescribed guidelines and/or escalate to other technical resources as appropriate.
• Utilize computer equipment, software, and diagnostic tools to perform a broad range of user assistance, job processing, equipment maintenance and repair and computer operations assignments.
• Monitor incoming service-desk tickets to understand broad trends and identify dependencies that Help Desk Operators cannot see when working on an individual ticket.
• Manage escalated issues for any incidents, service requests, or issues.
• Investigate which processes can be automated and the ways to do so.
• Initiate and monitor actions to investigate patterns and trends to resolve problems.
• Update supervisor on status of projects or technical issues.
• Keep up to date with industry developments in innovation and effective changes.
• Provide IT focused Start of Session planning and support.
• Develop and document process and procedural enhancements and assist other departments as needed for continuous process and service improvement.
• Maintain accurate and complete records and documentation for company policies and procedures.
• Exercise judgment and creativity in selecting and applying procedures correctly and determining when to refer problems to the supervisor or next level of support.
• Escalate IT service requests approaching or exceeding their SLAs and adjust staff priorities.
• Prepare a summary of open issues.
• Manage, monitor, and report on the services and service levels required to support and deliver an exceptional IT Assistance.
• Order and stock office supplies when necessary.
• Repair and replace equipment as necessary.
• Test new technology.
• Maintain systems, databases, and web pages.
• Provide training as required.
• Provide occasional out-of-hours support.
• Perform any other duties as may be required from time to time.

Academic Qualifications and Experience

• Brevet de Technicien Superior (BTS) / Ordinary National Diploma (OND) or its equivalent in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related discipline is preferred from a recognized University.
• Five (5) years of progressively more responsible work experience with core infrastructure components such as TCP/IP, VPN, file transfer and remote administration protocols and with LAN and WAN operations and administration
• Strong experience with both Linux and Windows 2003 administration, and Active Directory design and implementation
• Extensive experience with SAN, DAS, NAS, and other storage solutions,
• Working knowledge with VoIP, intrusion detection systems, vulnerability systems, QoS, routing protocols and network traffic analysis
• Knowledge of TCP/IP networking; experience in securing Win2k or 2003/Linux computers (security updates, account management, etc.)
• Knowledge in the use of virtual infrastructure technologies to achieve server consolidation and business continuity.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of the operations of secure Email systems, secure DNS, DHCP, scalable software and OS deployment strategies, Web servers, clustering, wireless networking, data protection and backup solutions, Cisco networking technologies, including routers, switches, AAA, firewalls, and VPN concentrators.
• Working knowledge of open source and commercial network and security information management tools,
• Familiarity with best practices in network design and operations
• Strong understanding of network routing and switching protocols required.
• Good knowledgeable in system and data design

Age Limit:

• Be below 50 years old. 
• This provision does not apply to internal candidates.

Ecowas Key Competencies:

• Ability to assume a credible presence when explaining rules, standards, and expectations (e.g. deadlines) to ensure compliance and work expectations are met.
• Ability to motivate self and/or others to engage in discussions that will result in recommendations to improve processes, templates, or other work tools.
• Ability to engage in positive approaches to teamwork, participate actively in discussions and the achievement of team goals.
• Ability to take responsibility for own career and performance with the occasional guidance from the supervisor/mentor.
• Ability to build capacity of self and others by sharing knowledge, tools, expertise, and experience with others to remain proficient and well informed in the execution of assigned role.
• Interpersonal, listening, and multitasking skills with a good understanding of client service responsibilities and role in representing ECOWAS values in all interactions.
• Ability to take initiative to resolve routine problems associated with assigned tasks using good judgment in involving colleagues or superiors as required.
• Ability to work as part of a team to resolve concerns, and problems and improve services.
• Ability to manage own time effectively and organize own work area in a manner that will meet performance expectations related to assigned client services.
• Ability to direct people to the appropriate source for further information and ask for help when overwhelmed with client demands.
• Ability to apply culturally relevant and appropriate approaches with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Good diversity management skills to interact with individuals in a manner that is culturally appropriate and in accordance with ECOWAS rules/policies.
• Ability to recognize preconceived notions and stereotypical views of certain groups and individuals and to successfully adopt inclusive and culturally appropriate behaviors.
• Ability and responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Knowledge of diversity management relates to daily work expectations and assigned tasks.
• Knowledge of the ECOWAS mandate and operational goals of relevance to assigned responsibilities.
• Ability to keep up to date with Departmental activities, schedules, and goals of pertinence to own work team, functional area.
• Knowledge of ECOWAS procedures relevant to assigned work and the ability to apply sound judgment in their application.
• Demonstrated strong interest and commitment to ECOWAS values and activities in daily assumption of duties.
• Excellent ability to maintain, process and provide accurate information as part of assigned tasks.
• Ability to organize files and information for easy retrieval and record keeping.
• Ability to spot mistakes, act promptly to correct them and learn from experiences.
• Knowledge and ability to challenge and question fundamental assumptions regarding accepted ways of doing things in the spirit of improvement.
• Ability to use current technology to communicate effectively e.g. office software programs, including spreadsheets, word processing and graphic presentation software; ability to type and format presentations, reports, manuals, newsletters, website content and proficiency in information communication technologies (ICT).
• Well-developed information sharing skills using technology and in accordance with established processes and practices.
• Advanced verbal assertiveness and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to acknowledge and understand the validity of others’ viewpoints and to respond in a constructive manner.
• 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 allocate time for specific tasks in a manner that will meet deadlines and quality/quantity expectations.
• Good organizational skills with an excellent ability to break down work into smaller parts and focus on the most important steps first.
• Ability to contribute to maintaining organizational performance standards throughout the implementation of new processes, practices and plans adopted by the Department and of relevance to assigned tasks.
• Ability to monitor progress and to consider new goals in the context of assigned responsibilities.
• Ability to follow through with commitments made to others.
• Assessment method: Assessment of qualified candidates may 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.

Salary
UA 20,166.30 / USD 31,818.39; UA25,527.53 / USD 40,277.34; UA 30,178.98 / USD 47,616.39 annually.

Application Closing Date
21st April, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Applications to: b52itassistant@ecowas.int using the Job Title as the subject of the mail.

Click here to download the application form (Docx.)

Note
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.
• To view the complete job description and apply to this position, follow the link below.