International Vacancy Announcement for the Post of Deputy Executive Director

Basic salary: D1 ($32,803.00 – $42,111.00)

I. Introduction

The Governing Council of the African Regional Institute for Geospatial Information Science and Technology (AFRIGIST), Obafemi Awolowo University Campus, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, hereby announces to the international academic and professional communities that the post of the Deputy Executive Director will be vacant with effect from 1st March 2026.

II. The Institute

The African Regional Institute for Geospatial Information Science and Technology (AFRIGIST), formerly known as Regional Centre for Training in Aerospace Surveys (RECTAS), was established in 1972 under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) as an educational “one-stop” solution institution that trains highly skilled manpower and conducts research in geospatial information science and technology, and its applications.

AFRIGIST is located within the campus of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The Institute is a bilingual (English and French) inter-governmental joint institution for Africa, with full diplomatic accreditation in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Its membership is open to all African countries.

Current member countries (8) are: Benin, Burkina, Cameroon, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Nigeria (host country), and Senegal. Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, and South Africa have shown interest in becoming member states.

III. Vision of AFRIGIST

To be a leading Institute of Excellence providing one-stop solution for quality geospatial information science training, education and research and critical capacity for sustainable development in Africa.

IV. Mission Statement

To contribute to rapid sustainable development of member states in particular and Africa in general, through the development of critical capacity for timely delivery and responsible use of appropriate geospatial information.

V. Objectives of AFRIGIST

  • Provide theoretical and practical training in Geospatial Science and Technology including photogrammetry, remote sensing, cartography and geographic information science and their applications in geophysical surveys, environmental studies, natural resources management, mapping, land administration, etc.
  • Conduct seminars and courses to provide opportunities for government officials in the region to exchange information and experiences in Geospatial Science and Technology.
  • Carry out studies and research in Geospatial Science and Technology.
  • Provide advisory and consultancy services to member states of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and other institutions concerned with the production and/or use of geospatial data and information.

VI. Conditions and Benefits

The Deputy Executive Director is appointed on a fixed term basis, initially for four (4) years, renewable for two further terms of two years each upon satisfactory performance. Benefits include severance allowance of annual salary, vehicle and furniture, transportation, meal subsidy, utility, housing, entertainment, spouse, children and educational grants and allowances. Salaries are quoted in US dollars ($) but paid in appropriate national currencies of staff.

The Deputy Executive Director should be a national from AFRIGIST member states, preferably francophone because of the bilingual nature of the Institute.

A. The Ideal Candidate for the Post of Deputy Executive Director

  1. Possess an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Geomatics and Surveying, Geography, Geoinformation Science and Technology or related discipline. A Ph.D. is an advantage.
  2. Be under 55 years of age.
  3. Have at least 8 years post qualification experience with a minimum of 3 years in institutional administrative capacity.
  4. Have evidence of experience and academic leadership.
  5. Be experienced in managing teams at senior level.

B. Competencies

  • Professionalism: Demonstrate ability to apply rules, show pride, professional competence, efficiency, and meet deadlines.
  • Accountability: Take ownership; comply with regulations; support subordinates; take responsibility.
  • Planning & Organizing: Set clear goals; identify priorities; allocate resources efficiently; foresee risks; monitor and adjust plans.
  • Leadership: Act as role model; develop strategies; ensure gender balance; promote participation.
  • Managing Performance: Delegate responsibility; clarify roles; match tasks to skills; support staff development; appraise performance fairly.

C. Duties/Responsibilities of the Deputy Executive Director

  • Assist the Executive Director in performing functions and preparing work programs prioritization.
  • Coordinate work of different units under the Directorate.
  • Oversee Institute activities including preventive diplomacy and ensure timely and coordinated programming.
  • Manage staff discipline.
  • Assist in planning and implementing good offices.
  • Handle administrative tasks including budgeting, reporting, staff evaluations, and recruitment participation.
  • Manage day-to-day maintenance of motor vehicles.
  • Participate in staff selection/recruitment considering geographical and gender balance.
  • Promote teamwork and communication within and outside the Institute.
  • Lead and supervise organization of meetings, seminars, and substantive preparation.
  • Develop and maintain relations with senior government officials and the relevant stakeholders; cooperate with other departments.
  • Represent the Institute in international, regional, or national meetings as needed.
  • Ensure proper functioning of the administrative section.
  • Deal with routine labor matters and disputes.
  • Act as Secretary to the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).
  • Give lectures.
  • Act as Officer-in-Charge during Executive Director’s absence.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

D. Languages

Fluency in both English and French (oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

E. Assessment

Evaluation may include an assessment exercise followed by a competency-based interview.

F. Method of Application

Applicants must forward 20 copies of signed Curriculum Vitae and application letters containing the following details:

  1. Full name
  2. Date of Birth
  3. Nationality
  4. Permanent Home Address
  5. Current Postal Address, telephone numbers, and e-mail
  6. Marital Status
  7. Number of children (with dates)
  8. Institutions attended (with dates)
  9. Academic Qualifications (with dates)
  10. Professional Qualifications (with dates)
  11. Honours, distinctions, and memberships
  12. Outstanding publications, discoveries, inventions
  13. Working experience in education/research environment
  14. Administrative, fund attraction, managerial experience
  15. Specific community services
  16. Present employment details, status, salary, employer
  17. A vision statement for the centre (500 to 1000 words)
  18. Extra-curricular activities
  19. Names and addresses of three referees (one preferably the current employer)

Applications can be sent by post in a sealed envelope, clearly marked “Application for the post of Deputy Executive Director”, to:

The Secretary to the Governing Council
African Regional Institute for Geospatial Information Science and Technology (AFRIGIST)
Off Road 1, Obafemi Awolowo University Campus,
P.M.B. 5545, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

Or by email at vacancy@afrigist.org.

Referees should submit their reports directly and confidentially marked “Referee’s Report for the Post of Deputy Executive Director” to the Secretary by the application deadline.

G. Conditions of Service

The appointment is for an initial term of four years, with the possibility of renewal for two further terms of two years each. Salary and other terms shall be as approved by the Governing Council.

H. Mode of Submission

Applications must be submitted no later than 19th September 2025.

Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.

Signed:
Chairman of the Council and Representative of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria