World Customs Organization is looking for a Technical Officer – Digitalization

1. INTRODUCTION

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is an independent intergovernmental body, established in 1952 as the Customs Co-operation Council (CCC), whose mission is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of Customs services across the globe. The WCO represents 186 Customs administrations that collectively process approximately 98% of world trade. As the global centre of Customs expertise, the WCO is the only international organization with competence in Customs matters. As a forum for dialogue and exchange of experiences between national Customs delegates, the WCO offers its Members a range of Conventions and other international instruments, as well as technical assistance and training services provided either directly by the Secretariat, or with its participation. The Secretariat also actively supports its Members in their endeavours to modernize and build capacity within their national Customs administrations.

2. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE VACANT POSITION

The Compliance and Facilitation Directorate is looking to recruit an official as a Technical Officer – Digitalization. The ideal candidate would be able to demonstrate specific knowledge and experience in the fields of Trade Facilitation and Customs procedures. It is critical that the candidate have strong research, analytical and writing skills. International experience or experience working within an international organization would also be highly regarded. The candidate would have responsibility as technical expert for the WCO Data Model, including aspects such as data structure, data and business information modelling, data analysis and other related areas. The candidate could also demonstrate experience with Advance Passenger Information and Personal Name Record use in one or more transportation modes. Knowledge of Customs use of data and data analytics, including data strategies and data policy would be an advantage.

3. MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES

Under the supervision of the Deputy Director of Compliance and Facilitation, the Technical Officer – Digitalization will focus on the following key activities:

• Draft policy and procedural documents and undertake studies and analyses on Customs procedures as well as on procedures associated with international cross-border trade facilitation and trade compliance.

• Initiate any follow-up actions, including costing, identifying business benefits and resource constraints arising from those studies.

• Deliver training and technical assistance in the area of Trade Facilitation and Customs procedures, and other technical documents prepared by the WCO for Members’ guidance.

• Manage the relevant WCO working bodies in areas of assignment and prepare working documents and briefings for the working body Chairperson, Deputy Director and Director, and prepare reports of those meetings. Similarly, preparing documents and reports relating to meetings of other WCO bodies (e.g. the Policy Commission and Council) whenever required.

• Represent the WCO at meetings, in Customs administrations, in other international and regional organizations and/or in intergovernmental organizations regarding Trade Facilitation and Customs procedures.

• Develop productive working relations with other organizations with observer status at the WCO and private sector entities, especially the Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG), so as to ensure that all stakeholder needs are taken into consideration when developing policies and procedures.

• Write briefing notes, presentations and speeches to be given by the Secretary General and other senior Secretariat staff (N.B.: previous experience of drafting briefing notes and presentations at Ministerial/Director General level would be advantageous).

• Design materials for, and lecture at, seminars and training courses supported by the WCO.

• Draft articles for WCO publications and those of other international organizations.

• Liaise with Members’ personnel, including in particular Customs Attachés posted in Brussels.

• The person appointed will also be required to perform such other duties as may be assigned, and may be subject to reassignment within the WCO Secretariat.

4. EDUCATION

• University degree with at least five (5) years of related experience or equivalent combination of professional experience of at least seven (7) years, skills and knowledge relevant to the position.

5. ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• The candidate must have first-hand knowledge and experience in Customs procedures/facilitation matters.

• The candidate must have strong oral communication skills and be able to deliver clear and concise presentations in one of the official languages.

• The candidate must have the capacity to deliver training and technical assistance to developing countries.

• The candidate should have a good knowledge of computer applications and knowledge of Microsoft 365 would be an advantage.

• The candidate must have good interpersonal skills, be prepared to work independently and in a team and have the ability to work successfully in an international environment.

6. LANGUAGES

• Fluency in English and/or French.

• Knowledge of other languages would be a strong asset.

7. CONTRACT AND CONDITIONS

• Staff member under graded official WCO contract of 5 years (with possibility of renewal);

• Recruitment under grade A3, step 1;

• Probationary period: 6 months;

• Full-time employment (37 hours and 40 minutes weekly) at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium;

• 30 days of annual paid leave;

• Salary based on Coordinated Organizations scale/starting salary amount of 7,651.78 EUR/month (remuneration exempted from income tax in Belgium); and

• Compulsory WCO health insurance deducted from the salary (around 72 EUR/month).

This position is subject to the WCO Staff Manual. If a candidate is related to current WCO staff members (spouse, father, mother, son, daughter, brother or sister), he/she is required to expressly indicate this in the application.

8. APPLICATION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

The onus is on the applicant to demonstrate how he/she meets each of the essential qualifications and requirements. Applicants are encouraged to detail concrete achievements in their CVs and/or in their cover letters as well as include references.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an assessment which may include a written test and/or an interview. All short-listed candidates may be requested to provide copies of their original diploma, certificates and proof of relevant experience. Pre-selected candidates may also be subject to reference checks to confirm the information provided in the application.

Interested candidates should submit their application for review no later than 11th October 2024, including a CV and cover letter in English or French by e-mail to: digitalization.vacancy@wcoomd.org indicating clearly in the email subject matter box the vacancy for which they are applying.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to criteria of the position and the WCO applicable rules.

9. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The WCO values commitment to the principles of integrity, transparency and accountability as well as values diversity among its staff members. Applications from qualified women and men will receive equal treatment and due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting nationals from WCO Members on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The age limit for employment at the WCO is 65. Please note that the WCO Headquarters is a non-smoking environment.