Head- Regional Integration Unit
Economic Affairs & Regional Integration Division · Castries, LC
HEAD - REGIONAL INTEGRATION UNIT
ABOUT THE OECS
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is an inter-governmental organisation dedicated to economic harmonisation and integration, protection of human and legal rights, and the encouragement of good governance among independent and non-independent countries in the Eastern Caribbean. Under the Treaty of Basseterre (RTB, 1981) and now The Revised RTB (2010), Member States agree to cooperate with each other and promote unity and solidarity, including participation by Protocol Members in an Economic Union. Read More...
JOB SUMMARY
The Head of the Regional Integration Unit is to be the lead technical officer responsible for promoting and supporting the implementation of actions that advance Article 3.c. of the Revised Treaty of Basseterre viz “the abolition as between protocol member states of the obstacles to free movement of persons, services and capital”.
In executing this role, a modality that builds upon and integrates Migration, free movement and regional integration within the social and economic development initiatives of the Commission and OECS member states is imperative, thereby requiring close collaboration with stakeholders and the use of innovative information technology-based solutions
Under the general direction of the Director of the Economic Affairs and Regional Integration Division (EARI), and in close collaboration with other Heads of Unit within the EARID, the Head of Unit of the Regional Integration Unit (Head, RIU) shall be responsible for the supervision and technical management of the Unit staff and Unit work programme and budget.
The major elements of work in this Unit are:
- Guide and advise the staff of the RIU, and the Commission generally, on the implementation of the activities to further advance the regional integration process and the accomplishment of the goals of the Revised Treaty of Basseterre. In that regard, the Head of the RIU is responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of a work programme for the Unit, and the establishment of the OECS Economic Union.
- Promoting policies and programmes for free movement of persons within the ECEU. The Head of the RIU will be the thought leader on issues on matters related to the accomplishment and operation of the Eastern Caribbean Economic Union (ECEU). He/she will be the primary technical support to the OECS Working Group on Free Movement of Persons and will also provide direct support to the Commission’s Senior Management, particularly the Director of Economic Affairs and Regional Integration (EARI), in guiding the implementation of the Free Movement of people regime.
- Promoting policies and programmes to manage and influence Migration within the ECEU. This will include continuous monitoring and review of the migration trends and advancing innovative strategies to ensure its positive socio-economic impacts.
- In collaboration with other Units within the EARID promote and support Labour market Policy and Strategy Development and Implementation in relation to the accomplishment of the requirements of Articles 12 and Article 27 of the RTB entitled Movement of persons and Right of Establishment and Freedom of trade in services.
- In relation to (iv) above this work element will address the specific measures to foster competition and consumer protection for a fair and equitable integrated economic framework within the ECEU. It will also deal with the implementation processes related to the agreed policies and strategies, particularly through the relevant organs of the Commission and other specialised agencies in the OECS and wider region.
- General and specific research on issues related to the work of the Unit and Commission and presentation and dissemination of findings and recommendations to internal and external audiences.
- Monitoring, reporting, and evaluating regional integration issues in the Member States This work element will focus on following international and regional economic developments that will impact regional integration and influence the policy choices and responses of OECS Member States, on a short as well as medium to long term basis. It also requires close collaboration with other units within the Commission and includes the implementation and updating of the ECEU Quantitative Monitoring framework and the adoption of Good Practise in the implementation of regional integration processes.
- Technical and policy advice and guidance. Provide to the Member States and the Commission technical advice and guidance on critical regional Integration related issues and lead on the conceptualization of new focus areas in order to ensure that the Unit continues to be at the forefront of knowledge and trends in advancing/ deepening the regional integration processes.
- Represent at regular structured interface forums and activities, and collaborate with the Member States on the above issues, especially through involvement in and support to national processes support and enhance regional integration.
- Interface, collaborate and coordinate with the OECS private sector on regional integration issues.
- Contribute towards the advocacy and communication work of the Commission in relation to the dissemination of information on the objectives, purposes and results of regional integration programmes and initiatives and provide input and direction to the development and execution of a public awareness programme at the regional level for the OECS Economic Union.
- Design and preparation of projects and programmes and support mobilisation of resources to facilitate the implementation of programmes and projects that advance integration among the OECS member states.
Leadership
- Act as a key member of the Economic Affairs and Regional Integration Team for the overall development and implementation of the Commissions strategic goals.
- Develop and engage a high-performing team by acquiring, developing and engaging talent.
- Act as a coach and mentor for employees of the Regional Integration Unit
- Partner with leaders and staff of the Commission to identify and develop proactive solutions to eliminate or mitigate organisational risk.
- Build effective relationships based on trust and respect with key internal and external stakeholders to efficiently drive the OECS agenda and imperatives as set out in the RTB.
- Develop strategic alliances with external parties.
- Efficiently manage complex matters that cut across legal and related areas.
- Assist Member States to give effect to decisions of the Authority in pursuance of the objectives of the Revised Treaty of Basseterre.
- Manage Employee Engagement, Succession and workforce planning within your Unit
EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE
- Postgraduate degree in Regional Integration, Economics, Development Economics or Development Administration, or another relevant discipline.
- At least 5 years’ working experience in regional integration or
- Relevant experience working with key regional or multilateral development and agencies would be an asset.
- Strong quantitative analysis and research skills
- Ability to challenge and influence at all levels.
- Ability to apply expert knowledge and broad understanding of multiple disciplines within technical space.
- Ability to analyse problems and recommend a suitable course of action.
- Positive and pragmatic approach to achieving results
- Excellent analytical, organisational and project management skills.
- Ability to exercise sound and expert judgment and initiative.
- Excellent report drafting skills.
- Strong negotiation and decision-making skills.
- Positive and pragmatic approach to achieving results
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Drive with Purpose and Vision
- Create an Environment of Trust
- Build Effective Teams
- Ensure Accountability
- Demonstrate Decision Quality
- Communicate Effectively
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
JOB LOCATION
The OECS Commission is headquartered in Castries, Saint Lucia. The position of Head-Regional Integration Unit is stationed at the OECS Commission headquarters.
All nationals of the OECS Member States: Antigua and Barbuda, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Anguilla, The British Virgin Islands, Martinique, and Guadeloupe are encouraged to apply.
BENEFITS
The position is on a fixed-term establishment. The salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, and exempt from income taxes. In addition to the basic salary, this post attracts allowances.
The incumbent will be eligible for membership in the Organisation’s non-contributory Group Health and Life Insurance Scheme.
The deadline for all submissions is Friday 15th July 2022
Only applications under consideration will be acknowledged.
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