Programme Management Officer (Customs)

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) Programme in the Division on Technology and Logistics (DTL) of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). UNCTAD was established in 1964 and is dedicated to promoting the integration of developing countries into the world economy. The organization operates in over 190 countries and employs a diverse workforce committed to fostering sustainable development and economic growth. UNCTAD's mission includes providing research, policy analysis, and technical assistance to developing countries, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and technology.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management Officer (Customs) plays a crucial role in supporting the Albania Customs Administration (ACA) and National Project Teams (NPT) by providing substantive assistance and functional support. The officer will be responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating UNCTAD/ASYCUDA EU-compatible systems and projects. This includes monitoring and analyzing program/project development, reviewing relevant documents, identifying issues, and proposing corrective actions. The officer will also perform consulting assignments, facilitate workshops, and assist in developing action plans for clients. Additionally, the role involves analyzing EU customs-related legislation and procedures, conducting research, assisting in policy development, and preparing functional specifications for customs automation. The officer will also prepare various written outputs, provide support for meetings and conferences, conduct training workshops, and coordinate budget-related activities. Overall, the position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to enhancing customs procedures in alignment with EU standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Management Officer (Customs) include:

• Participating in the development, implementation, and evaluation of UNCTAD/ASYCUDA EU-compatible systems/projects.
• Monitoring and analyzing program/project development and implementation.
• Reviewing relevant documents and reports, identifying problems, and proposing corrective actions.
• Performing consulting assignments and facilitating workshops to assist clients in managing change.
• Analyzing EU customs-related legislation and procedures from the perspective of customs automation.
• Conducting research and presenting information from diverse sources.
• Assisting in policy development and preparing evaluations or research studies.
• Preparing functional specifications for additional functionalities in customs automation.
• Providing advice on the functional aspects of ASYCUDA national extensions. 1
• Designing data collection tools and interpreting survey responses. 1
• Preparing written outputs such as background papers and reports. 1
• Supporting consultative meetings and conferences, including document preparation. 1
• Conducting outreach activities and training workshops. 1
• Participating in field missions and providing guidance to external consultants. 1
• Coordinating budget and funding activities and preparing related documents.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Programme Management Officer (Customs) position include:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics, or a related field.
• A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration, or a related area, particularly in customs digitalization.
• Experience in organizing and delivering functional training courses within governmental organizations is desirable.
• Experience working in an international environment, such as within the United Nations system, is also desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of customs management and trade facilitation.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration, or a related area. This experience should include a focus on the digitalization of customs procedures, which is critical for the role. Additionally, experience in organizing and delivering functional training courses within governmental organizations is desirable, as is experience working in an international environment, particularly within the United Nations system and its associated funds and programmes.

Languages:
For this position, English is required as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency at UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Additionally, knowledge of either French, Arabic, Spanish, Russian, or Chinese (Mandarin) is desirable, with proficiency at UN Level I being sufficient for these languages. This multilingual capability is important for effective communication in a diverse international environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for six months. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The temporary nature of this position means it does not guarantee future employment or incumbency of the post. Candidates must be aware that eligibility may be limited to those based at the duty station, and the position may be restricted to internal candidates. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. An impeccable record of integrity and professional ethical standards is essential for this role. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and the United Nations does not concern itself with applicants' bank accounts.