Senior Customs Expert

Contract

This is a SC-8 contract. This kind of contract is known as Service Board / Service Contract. It is normally only for nationals. More about SC-8 contracts.

Background

The United Nations Conference on Trade And Development (UNCTAD) is the part of the United Nations Secretariat dealing with trade, investment, and development issues. The organization's goals are to maximize the trade, investment and development opportunities of developing countries and assist them in their efforts to integrate into the world economy on an equitable basis.

Throughout the recent two decades, the Republic of Tajikistan's Government has undertaken significant reforms to open the economy and introduce the market mechanisms. At present, the country’s leadership is willing to continue and deepen the structural transformation, particularly in the areas of transport infrastructure development and export diversification. Therefore, there is an urgent need for modernized and transparent Customs procedures to promote Tajikistan’s positioning as a land-linked transit country and a pro-active player in the regional trade and economic processes.

Under the World Bank funded Program, UNCTAD has recently signed an agreement with the Customs Services under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan (CSGRT) for Reforms, Automation and modernization of Customs processes and procedures by implementation of Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) World under the Phase Four of the Central Asia Regional Links Program (CARS-4) Project of ASYCUDA Component. Administrative measures are taken to prepare the environment for implementing new Customs regimes and procedures to ensure transparency in the Customs clearance process and to fight Customs Corruption on one hand and to have simplified procedures on the other.

In order to fulfill the requirements for the full implementation of ASYCUDA World, a national team will be hired to work closely with international experts. A National Project Manager of ASYCUDA will be hired under the project to lead and manage the national team for the reforms and full Automation of Tajikistan Customs.

In addition, the Administrative and all logistical arrangements of the project will be done through the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Dushanbe, Tajikistan; therefore, the process of recruitment will be managed through UNDP and the individual contracts will be issued accordingly.

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Project’s National Project Manager, the Senior Customs Expert is responsible for effective delivery of project implementation support services ensuring effective operational management of project’s Customs affairs and transparent utilization of resources. The Senior Customs Expert promotes a collaborative and client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP/UNCTAD rules and regulations.

The Senior Customs Expert works in close collaboration with the ASYCUDA Techanial and Functional teams ensuring successful performance and compliance in programme management

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Supervise and undertake daily ASYCUDA Functional operations in the Customs office;
2. Provide technical expertise to the Tajikistan Customs Services for Customs Reforms, Trade Facilitation and increasing the Customs Revenues;
3. Ensure all ASYCUDA related hardware equipment are properly documented and are being used in professional manner;
4. Maintain and administer user profiles in the ASYCUDA World System;
5. Train Operational Staff of ASYCUDA and other Users in relation to the utilization of the ASYCUDA World System.
6. Development of new components for the ASYCUDA Program according to the requirements of Tajikistan Customs Services;
7. Ensuring correct assessment of Customs Duties and Taxes so that the due revenues are collected properly into the treasury of the state/government;
8. Updating profiles of Air Cargo, Imports, Exports and Transit regimes in ASYCUDA World as per the standards and requirements of the Customs Act and Tariff Book;
9. Assessing and validating authenticity of source documents during inspections and processing in ASYCUDA World System;
10. Preparing relevant materials/documentation for implementation of new modules or update of existing modules in ASYCUDA World System;
11. Any other task as assigned by the line Supervisor

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

1. Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
2. Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP/UNCTAD
3. Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

1. Promotes knowledge management in UNCTAD and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example
2. Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Development and Operational Effectiveness

1. Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
   1. Ability to implement new systems and affect staff behavioral/attitudinal change
   2. Strong IT skills, knowledge of ASYCUDA system desirable
   3. Excellent knowledge of Results Based Management Guide and Toolkit

Management and Leadership

1. Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback

2. Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude

3. Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills

4. Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• At least Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Application or similar fields;
• Masters degree in the relevant fields will be given preferences.
• Completion of recognised advanced Project Management course is an advantage;

Experience:

• At least 5 years of proven work experience in Information Technology, Computer Programs Development, Trade, Customs or other relevant field is required with Bachelor’s degree or 3 years of relevant work experience with Master’s degree;
• Proven expertise in the development and use of IT-based tools, processes and MIS in support of Business process simplification and processes is highly desirable;

• Previous experience in Tajikistan Public Sector especially with Customs or Trade related matters for at least 2 years is desirable.

• Experience with the World Bank related projects is an advantage.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in spoken and written English, Tajik and Russian languages is a must