ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·       Advice on the preparation and implementation of common air transport Policies, Laws & Regulations for the ECOWAS Community in accordance with the ICAO’s Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).

·       Develop short-, medium- and long-term aviation projects, programs and plans for the planning, harmonization and coordination of national laws and regulations.

·       Implement the 1999 Yamoussoukro Decision for Liberalization of access to Air Transport Markets in Africa (YD), and the AU Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM);

·       Develop and maintain good relations with the International Civil Aviation organization (ICAO), the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC), the World Food Program (WFP) as well as with other Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and integration organizations such as West African and Monetary Union (WAEMU) and Banjul Accord Group (BAG) Secretariat.

·       Disseminate, sensitize, Implement, assess and follow up the level of implementation by the Member States of the nine (9) Air Transport Supplementary Acts adopted by the Authority on 17 February, 2012

·       Promote the development of direct air flights between the capital cities of Member States, an affordable, reliable, well connected and efficient regional air transportation services within the West African Region and beyond.

·       Develop policies, programs and strategies to ensure the setting up of air transport data base/information systems/observatory within ECOWAS region, the negotiation of air services agreements with third parties and the facilitation of establishment of an Airline Association through the Steering Committee of ECOWAS Airlines established in March 2012, the economy of airports to lower prices paid by air transport users.

·       Implement of policy decisions / directives of ECOWAS Authority on air transport matters and follow up of the Legal Framework for Common Air Transport Market (2012 air transport supplementary acts)

·       Design of short-, medium-, and long-term work program and action plans for the implementation of the ECOWAS regional integration strategic plan for air transport sector;

·       Assessment of regional air transport needs, and identify and prepare program and projects and mobilize funds for implementation in consultation with stakeholders (government administrations, air services providers, private sector investors, and international partners);

·       Provide business support functions including financial management of projects, assistance with the procurement of goods and services, preparation of bids and submissions, and the development and mentoring of other staff.

·       Contribute to fund mobilization with donors, partners for sustainable development of air transport sector.

·       Coordination and monitoring of the execution of regional air transport programmes and projects including studies and work closely with consultants.

·       Organization and participate in ECOWAS Statutory and various other regional air transport meetings. Preparation of documentation, writing of meeting reports and dissemination of meeting outcomes, decisions and directives to all stakeholders and follow-up on implementation.

·       Prepare annual work plans and budgets for air transport activities in line with the Commission’s strategic framework.

Perform other related duties as may be assigned by the Management of ECOWAS Commission, the Commissioner in-charge of Air Transport, the Director of Transport and PPO Air Transport.

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

·       Bachelor’s degree from a reputable University, or equivalent qualification in an air transport related studies such as aviation law or economics, air transport management, engineering, or any related discipline.

·       At least five (5) years post qualification experience in handling economic regulations and policy in a public institution, civil aviation administration, airline management, Airport Authority, or international organizations.

·       At least five (5) years’ experience in managing or implementing Air Transport Sector programs in regional, continental, or international Air Transport institutions.

·       Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with senior government officials, partners, international agencies and professional associations in the air transport sector, policy makers and civil aviation administrations.

·       Ability to write clearly and concisely and to articulately present reports.

·       Initiative taking, ability to take proper judgement, and thoroughness in work delivery.

·       Ability to work in a team and to establish a good team spirit, in a multi-national environment.

·       Ability to use personal computers and contemporary software.