The top local employers in West Africa

West Africa is a significant and dynamic region, home to some of the continent’s biggest economies, a rapidly growing population, and abundant mineral resources. This diverse region is home to significant organizations, such as the Economic Community of West African States and the African Development Bank, both actively working for economic integration and stability across the region and the entire continent. Despite widespread concerns about the impact of USAID funding cuts on global development, West Africa has been resilient in providing employment opportunities. Devex data shows that since Jan. 24 this year, there have been 765 jobs posted for the region, a 27.07% increase compared to the 602 posted in the same period from last year. This is chiefly down to the strength of the region’s largest development employer, AfDB, which increased the number of jobs it posted from 396 to 589. This suggests the variety of international and local organizations actively operating in the region that are not solely dependent on U.S. government funding. Organizations actively recruiting include multilateral development banks, European Union missions, NGOs, and nonprofits. In this article, we look at the top organizations currently hiring global development professionals in West Africa following the USAID funding cuts. The top employers based in West Africa 1. African Development Bank Headquarters: Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire Year founded: 1964 Total jobs posted since Jan. 24: 589 AfDB is a multilateral development finance institution dedicated to sustainable economic development and social progress in its member countries. Since Jan. 24, AfDB has advertised mostly mid-level consultancies and short-term contract positions. The bank currently has an opening for a consultant who will provide an environmental and social compliance audit for the Boké-Québo road development project in Guinea. View all current job openings from AfDB on Devex. 2. International Institute of Tropical Agriculture Headquarters: Ibadan, Nigeria Year founded: 1967 Total jobs posted since Jan. 24: 45 The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture is a nonprofit, research-for-development organization that provides solutions for hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation in sub-Saharan Africa. IITA has primarily advertised entry-level opportunities and long-term positions, with job titles including research assistant and operations assistant. IITA is currently seeking a support officer based in Ibadan who will conduct daily administrative tasks for the institute’s various projects. View all current job openings from IITA on Devex. 3. European Union Capacity Building Mission in Mali Headquarters: Bamako, Mali Year founded: 2015 Total jobs posted since Jan. 24: 44 The European Union Capacity Building Mission in Mali is the EU’s civilian crisis management mission, which supports Mali’s internal security forces in strengthening governance and reforming the security sector. Since Jan. 24, the mission has primarily advertised mid-level opportunities and long-term positions. 4. Economic Community of West African States Headquarters: Abuja, Nigeria Year founded: 1975 Total jobs posted since Jan. 24: 26 The Economic Community of West African States is a regional union of West African countries established to promote economic integration and regional peace and stability. ECOWAS has mainly advertised mid-level opportunities and full-time staff positions since Jan. 24, for jobs including programme assistants and administrative assistants. 5. Tostan Headquarters: Thiès, Senegal Year founded: 1991 Total jobs posted since Jan. 24: 10 Tostan is a nongovernmental organization that provides community development and education programs to empower communities in West Africa. Since Jan. 24, Tostan has advertised several mid-level and internship opportunities, with short-term and full-time positions. 6. Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food Headquarters: Lomé, Togo Year founded: 2013 Total jobs posted since Jan. 24: 10 The Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food, or ARAA, is a specialized agency of ECOWAS responsible for coordinating and facilitating the implementation of the regional agricultural policy. The agency primarily advertised senior-level opportunities, as well as short-term and long-term assignments, since Jan. 24. 7. Africa Rice Center Headquarters: Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire Year founded: 1971 Total jobs posted since Jan. 24: 9 The Africa Rice Center, or AfricaRice, is an intergovernmental research organization that improves livelihoods and food security through rice research and development. AfricaRice mainly advertised mid-level opportunities and long-term contract assignments, with job titles such as coordinators and research officers. The center is currently recruiting a senior project accountant who will lead the financial management of the Regional West Africa Resilient Rice Value Chains Development Program, or REWARD, program that aims to address systemic challenges in rice value chains in West Africa. View all current job openings from AfricaRice on Devex. 8. ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Headquarters: Praia, Cape Verde Year founded: 2007 Total jobs posted since Jan. 24: 7 The ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, or ECREEE, is a specialized agency of ECOWAS that promotes the use of sustainable energy technologies in West Africa. ECREEE mainly advertised mid-level opportunities and short-term contract assignments, with job titles such as technical advisers and coordinators. View all current job openings from ECREEE on Devex. 9. Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation Headquarters: Lagos, Nigeria Year founded: 2020 Total jobs posted since Jan. 24: 4 The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is a philanthropic organization founded by Aigboje and Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede with the mission to improve the lives of Africans by transforming public service delivery and increasing access to quality primary health care across the continent. Since Jan. 24, the foundation has mainly advertised entry-level opportunities and full-time positions. 10. Speak Up Africa Headquarters: Dakar, Senegal Year founded: 2011 Total jobs posted since Jan. 24: 4 Speak Up Africa is a strategic communications and advocacy organization that tackles sustainable development challenges across the continent by working with governments, the private sector, and civil society organizations. Since Jan. 24, Speak Up Africa has primarily advertised mid-level and senior-level opportunities, as well as short-term contract positions.