Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) Programme in the Division on Technology and Logistics (DTL) of the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The Programme Management Officer (Customs) reports to the ASYCUDA Regional Coordinator for Europe and Central Asia Region.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the ASYCUDA Regional Coordinator for Europe and Central Asia Region, the Programme Management Officer (Customs) will provide substantive assistance and functional support to the National Customs Services (NCS) and National Project Teams (NPT), and will be responsible for the following duties:

• Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of UNCTAD/ASYCUDA and Single Window /projects, etc.; monitors and analyses programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions.
• Performs consulting assignments, in collaboration with the client, by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan the client will use to manage the change.
• Analyses existing customs-related legislation, customs regulations and customs procedures from the viewpoint of customs automation and Single Window implementation at the national and regional levels.
• Researches, analyses and presents information gathered from diverse sources.
• Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies.
• Assists the NCSs in the preparation of functional specifications for the development of additional functionalities in accordance with the national requirements and international standards and best practice in the customs sector.
• Provides advice to NCSs on the functional aspects of ASYCUDA national extensions/e-documents, with the view to ensure their full integration into the overall operational NCSs ASYCUDA and Single Window environment.
• Undertakes survey initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyses and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions.
• Prepares various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
• Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
• Undertakes outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Participates in or lead field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.
• Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
• Performs other duties as required. Competencies
• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field, such as digitalization of customs and international trade. Ability to identify issues, analyse and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be clients and seeks to see things from clients point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. Education Advanced university degree (masters degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job – Specific Qualification Not available. Work Experience A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area, including in digitalization of customs procedures, is required. Experience in organizing and delivering functional training courses within governmental organizations is desirable. Experience working in an international environment, such as the United Nations, Funds or Programmes is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either Russian or Arabic or Spanish or Chinese (Mandarin) or French is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details). Required Languages Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking English UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II Desirable Languages Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking Russian UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II Arabic UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I Spanish UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I Chinese (Mandarin) UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I French UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview. Special Notice
• This position is temporarily available for three months. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.
• While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post.
• Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station.
• This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule…