Customs Specialist/Trainer Specialist for Implementation of the Trade Single Window System for Timor-Leste (TL-TSWS)

The overall aim of this project is to contribute to the improvement of Government finances and to its effort to strengthen the economy of Timor-Leste through increasing security, developing export market, sustaining economic growth, and improving trade competitiveness.

The immediate objectives of the project are to increase efficiency in the Customs clearance process by integrating and synchronizing it with those of eight (8) selected Other Government Agencies and with those of two (2) selected countries among ASEAN and CPLP. This is expected to improve regulatory and revenue control further, to strengthen the customs computerized system, and to reduce the administrative burden on the trading community to a minimum.

This project follows the recently completed ASYCUDAWorld project in Timor-Leste upon which it shall build upon.

The Customs/trainer specialist, in close cooperation with UNCTAD international experts and the National Project Manager, will provide support to the CA and OGAs processes assessment and recommendations for improvement and to CPLP and ASEAN Member States.

The Customs/trainer specialist will report to the National Project Manager.

The Customs/trainer specialist will be specifically responsible for:

a) Assessing and making recommendations on customs procedures, tariff management, classifications and other procedural aspects of customs clearance as well as overall customs management;

b) Assisting with review of customs and OGAs procedures and configuration and customization of ASYCUDAWorld;

c) Assisting with review of customs and OGAs documentation in line with TL-TSWS implementation;

d) Assisting with validation of procedures and documentation by competent authorities;

e) Assisting with development of functional training modules and training implementation plan;

f) Provide support to Customs in implementing CA Single Window related training plan through;

1. Designing and delivering targeted classroom-based training programs;

2. Providing one on one training and mentoring to CA staffs;

3. Coordinating experts to deliver appropriate packages of training and mentoring in order to build skills for analytical projects relevant to the work of staff in CA:

g) Providing feedback/support on customs functional areas;

h) Performing such other functions as assigned by UNCTAD regional coordinator;

It is important to ensure that the Customs/trainer specialist is a dynamic and pro-active individual committed to and accountable for making progress in the project.

Expected Key Results

• Assessment and revision of Customs and OGAs procedures completed
• Recommendations for customs clearance process and OGAs procedures submitted
• Prepare and submit quarterly reports that:  Assess individual progress against the course learning objectives, and evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions and recommend adjustments to the training plan
• Validation and endorsement of submitted recommendation followed-up
• Training completed and user guide completed and distributed

Performance Evaluation

• The performance of the incumbent will be appraised and evaluated by Supervisor of UNCTAD/ASYCUDA using the Performance Appraisal System put in place and monitored by the Customs Authority, Ministry of Finance.
• This process will include a probation review within three (3) months of the commencement of the contract, regular reporting, ongoing workplace communications and annual performance appraisal.

• Demonstrates integrity and commitment to project principles and values and ethical standards
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work well as part of a multi-cultural team and displays gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Ability for team working
• Self-management, emotional intelligence and conflict management
• Analytical and strategic thinking/results orientation
• Knowledge sharing

Education:

• A bachelor’s degree with a minimum four years of working experiences in the field of governance, particularly in customs area or a master’s degree in public administration or related fields with a minimum of two years of working experiences in the field of governance and customs area

Experience:

a) Four years’ experience in Customs operations procedures and intricate details of the customs clearance process

b) Good working knowledge of tariff and classification, valuation and Customs Acts and regulations

c) Demonstrating knowledge on international trade regulations and customs compliance

d) Proven experience in communication among different government ministries with good knowledge of regulations pertaining the activities of government agencies

e) Proven experience in preparing training materials (user guide, tutorials, …) and in conducting training 

f) Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages and advanced knowledge of spreadsheets

Language and other skills Requirements:

a) Good oral and written communication skills in English is essential

b) Knowledge of Portuguese is an asset

c) Excellent interpersonal skills

d) Able to work in multi-cultural environment

Important applicant information

All posts in the SC categories are subject to local recruitment.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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