The ECOWAS Commission is recruiting for the position of Director, Customs and Tax Union in Abuja—a high-level leadership role focused on advancing regional trade integration, customs harmonization, and tax policy coordination across West Africa.
This opportunity is being facilitated through partner institutions linked to Deloitte and offers a chance to shape economic policy impacting over 400 million citizens within the ECOWAS region.
Apply HERE for Director, Customs and Tax Union at ECOWAS Commission
About ECOWAS
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a leading intergovernmental organization dedicated to:
- Promoting economic integration and regional trade
- Strengthening political stability and governance
- Advancing a borderless West Africa
Through its Commission and Parliament, ECOWAS implements policies that drive economic growth, social cohesion, and cross-border cooperation.
Role Overview
The Director will lead the technical and strategic management of programs aimed at:
- Consolidating the ECOWAS Customs Union
- Harmonizing internal taxation systems
- Strengthening regional trade frameworks
This role sits at the heart of ECOWAS’ mission to build a unified economic space.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead regional customs and tax reforms across member states
- Monitor implementation of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET)
- Oversee dispute resolution related to customs and tariff issues
- Coordinate tax transition programs within member countries
- Develop frameworks for stakeholder dialogue and policy alignment
- Represent ECOWAS in regional and international policy engagements
- Track implementation of the ECOWAS Common Market in customs and taxation
- Establish dispute settlement mechanisms for the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS)
- Develop and manage regional compliance programs for tariffs and tax regulations
- Formulate policies to enhance trade facilitation and business environment
- Recommend strategies to increase public revenue and reduce fraud, smuggling, and illicit trade
Qualifications & Experience
- Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Law, Economics, Public Administration, International Relations, or related fields
- Minimum of 12 years of progressive leadership experience, preferably in international or regional organizations
- Strong expertise in:
- Regional integration and trade policy
- Economic and social policy development
- Infrastructure and resource management
- Deep understanding of:
- ECOWAS legal and policy frameworks
- Cross-border cooperation and migration policies
- Customs classification, rules of origin, and tariff systems
Core Competencies
Leadership & Strategy
- Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and large-scale programs
- Strong experience in policy development, implementation, and evaluation
- Capacity to drive institutional reforms and strategic initiatives
Stakeholder Engagement
- Ability to build high-level partnerships across governments and institutions
- Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills
- Experience representing organizations in international forums
Governance & Compliance
- Deep knowledge of customs regulations, tax compliance, and trade frameworks
- Ability to design and enforce regional compliance systems
- Commitment to ethical standards, transparency, and accountability
Communication & Multilingual Skills
- Fluency in one of ECOWAS official languages: English, French, or Portuguese
- Working knowledge of additional ECOWAS languages is an advantage
- Strong report writing, presentation, and analytical skills
Salary, Benefits & Conditions
- Grade: D1
- Annual Salary: UAC 81,435.54 (approx. USD $128,488.99)
- Location: Abuja, Nigeria
- Age Limit: Under 50 years
Additional Benefits
- Work in a multicultural, international environment
- Opportunities for career advancement and leadership impact
- Exposure to high-level regional and global policy processes
Recruitment Process
- Written assessment
- Competency-based interview
- Background and reference checks
Work Environment & Inclusion
The ECOWAS Commission promotes:
- Gender equality and inclusive workplace policies
- Diversity across ethnic, cultural, and professional backgrounds
- Equal opportunities for women, minorities, and underrepresented groups
Important Application Information
Applicants must submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
- Completed application form
Note:
ECOWAS does not charge any application or recruitment fees at any stage of the hiring process.
Apply HERE for Director, Customs and Tax Union at ECOWAS Commission
Why This Role Is High-Impact
This is not just a job—it is a strategic leadership position shaping the future of trade and taxation in West Africa. The selected candidate will directly influence:
- Regional economic integration
- Trade efficiency and cross-border systems
- Revenue growth and anti-smuggling frameworks
