Head of Division, System Operation Coordination

NOTICE OF INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT

Position - Head of Division System Operation Coordination

1. Introduction

The West African Power Pool (WAPP) is a specialized institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) that aims to integrate national power systems into a unified regional electricity market to ensure a reliable and cost-competitive supply of energy to West African citizens.

The headquarters of the WAPP Secretariat is based in Abomey-Calavi, Republic of Benin.

The WAPP Secretariat, as part of the achievement of its mission, intends to recruit a Head of Division System Operation Coordination

2. Job Summary
Under the direct supervision of the Director of Information and Coordination Center, the incumbent technical is responsible for overseeing network engineering studies and analyses, the development of standards, transmission regulatory policies, operating rules and Grid Code studies, as well as grid reliability coordination activities. These responsibilities support the development of the regional electricity network and ensure the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the regional power system and the transparent operation of the regional electricity market.

3. Qualifications, experience and skills of the Profile

3.1. Academic & Professional Qualifications Required

The candidate shall have the following minimum academic and professional qualifications:

Basic Education: Master’s degree in electrical engineering, with a specialization in Electrical Power Engineering, or an equivalent qualification in a relevant field

Years of professional experience: Minimum ten (10) years of progressive work experience in power system operation, coordination, supervision or planning, including five (5) years at a supervisory level. Experience in large companies and organizations, power production or distribution firms is an asset.

3.2 Skills & Abilities Required

The knowledge, skills and abilities required for this position are summarized as follows:

1. Possesses excellent oral and written communication skills in either English or French, together with a good understanding of the other language.
2. Demonstrate strong decision-making, leadership, strategic and complex thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills.
3. Possesses excellent interpersonal skills, a strong team spirit and outstanding oral and written communication abilities.
4. Demonstrate proven experience in power system operations, including unit commitment, security-constrained unit commitment and related operational activities.
5. Demonstrate expertise in power system planning studies, including network modeling, power system contingency analysis, optimal power flow, dynamic stability analysis, and power system risk analysis and mitigation.
6. Have experience in the electric utility industry, particularly in one or more of the following areas: power system operations, power system planning and Energy Management System (EMS) network applications.
7. Possesses practical knowledge of power system analysis and simulation tools, such as PSS/E, DIgSILENT, PSS®MUST, EMS applications or equivalent tools.
8. Demonstrate experience in developing operational and planning procedures, guidelines, policies and technical frameworks for power system operation and planning.
9. Possesses good knowledge of Wide Area Monitoring Systems (WAMS).
10. Possesses an in-depth understanding of interconnected power system operations.
11. Have experience in, or sound knowledge of, the rules, protocols and procedures governing the ECOWAS regional electricity market, including participation in task forces, working groups, technical committees or similar bodies.
12. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of power system and network behavior, with the ability to anticipate system developments, interpret technical analysis results and recommend operational improvements based on regional electricity market outcomes and the evolution of the power system.
13. Demonstrates excellent communication, analytical synthesis and technical presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at different organizational levels.
14. Fluency in English or French with a good working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of another ECOWAS working language will be an advantage.

The detailed job profile is available for download here.

4. Additional Information

4.1. Eligibility requirements

1. Applicants must be nationals of ECOWAS Member States.
2. External candidates should not be over 50 years old at the application submission deadline, 20 December 2026.

4.2 Remuneration

The position is classified at Grade P5 of the WAPP Salary Grid. The level of the position depends on the qualifications, professional experience and remuneration of the incumbent. The WAPP offers competitive remuneration conditions comparable to those in force in sub-regional/international organizations of similar status.

5. Equal Opprtunities

1. WAPP is an equal opportunity employer that offers equal chances to men and women
2. Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

6. Submission of applications

Applications should comprise:

1. A signed Application/Cover letter.
2. A signed CV following the WAPP CV format, available for download here.
3. Copies of academic qualifications, work attestations and/or work certificates
4. Copy of national ID card or passport

• Interested and eligible candidates who meet the minimum qualification for the position must send their applications to the following secure email address: recruitment@ecowapp.org
• All applications must be submitted online in pdf format. Paper applications will not be accepted.
• Applications received after the required submission deadline will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates shall be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process.

The application email should clearly bear the mention “Application for the HOD System Operation Coordination position” in the subject line of the message and on the cover letter.

Closing date for this position is 20 December 2026 included at 10:00am, Cotonou local time (GMT+1).