OCEANIA CUSTOMS ORGANISATION SECRETARIAT
JOB DESCRIPTION
Position: Project Manager – EU ProjectEU Project Background
The EU Project was developed to assist PACP member countries in strengthening their national customs administrations. The ultimate aim was to ensure that PACP countries could effectively manage their respective borders, implement administrative requirements arising out of the EPAs between PACP member countries and the European Union, modernize their respective customs administrations, strengthening their trade data collection and policy capacities and improving revenue collection within a trade facilitation environment.
The ultimate focus for the project is to assist the 14 PACP countries including Timor Leste in achieving compliance to international customs legislations and systems.
Accountabilities
The Project Manager will be Head of the Project Division. He/she will report to the PACP Steering Committee and ultimately to the Head of Secretariat (HoS) who is responsible for the overall management of the OCO Secretariat.
Job Location
The appointee will be situated within the permanent office of the OCO Secretariat located 84 Harris Rd, Suva, REPUBLIC OF FIJI.
Role of Position
The primary role of this position is to effectively and efficiently address all matters relating to the modernization of PACP member customs administrations. This position will coordinate all activities of the EU project to ensure the achievement of the ultimate project purpose in improving efficiency of PACP Customs Administrations.
Task and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of the Project Manager are inclusive however not limited to the following:
GENERAL
· Provide technical advice to and training of staff of Customs, Border Control Agencies, Trading Communities and other related services in the region in the following areas:
§ Risk Management;
§ Integrity and Fraud prevention; ( Arusha Declaration)
§ Best Practices Principles & Revised Kyoto Convention;
§ International Harmonized Coding System;
§ WTO Valuation Agreement;
§ Legislative Update;
§ Regional & International Trade Agreement;
§ Automation & Processing; and
§ Border Controls
· Assist FICs regional Customs Administrations in conducting technical import risk analysis and in developing technically sound import conditions which are consistent with international conventions;
· Assist in capacity building efforts to the FICs regional Customs Administrations so that they will be better placed to rigorously apply International Conventions & Standards, policies, legislations, and monitor commodities in the pathway for compliance with the imposed trade policies;
· Facilitate research and provide advisory roles on trade facilitation issues to the FICs, when required;
· Contribute to the development of audit and quality assurance systems for performance and integrity to be aligned with the WCO standards;
· Prepare the Annual Budget in close collaboration with other Divisions for the EU Project activities;
· Provide assistance to the Head of the Secretariat with the preparation and coordination of the OCO Annual Conference;
· Develop and implement the EU Project Work Plan;
· Prepare and present reports to the EU Project Steering Committee, OCO Annual Conference, Donors, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) and/or other bodies as may be directed by HoS;
· Attend to the internal and external communications and dialogues of the EU Project;
· Represent the OCO and its members to governments, the WCO, international and regional bodies, and national administrations or agencies as may be directed by the HoS;
· Monitor, supervise, and manage all files, documents and EU project materials;
· Conduct seminars, trainings, and workshops at the national & regional level;
· Conduct and analyze project finding;
· Compile data, information and undertake research works;
· Maintain and enhance a co-operative work spirit and productive work atmosphere within the Secretariat.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
· Coordinate with the EU Project Accountant all financial reporting for the EU project;
· Work in close consultation with the Finance Manager of the Corporate Service Division for the preparation of Annual Financial reports;
· Assist the Finance Manager with business and financial strategies, planning, monitoring, management and reporting systems from the EU project view point.
PLANNING
· Assist in reviewing and updating the OCO Strategic Plan, Annual Report and liaise with other regional organizations on all policy matters that impact on customs administrations;
· Assist with the preparation of the OCO Organizational Development Plans;
· Assist with the Research and Development (R&D) efforts for Customs Administrations;
· Work in consultation with other Divisional Heads in planning EU project activities and monitoring indicators.
TECHNICAL
· Coordinate with EU Project Automation Analyst on required IT need of PACP member customs administrations in close coordination with the IT Officer and R&D Advisor;
· Coordinate with EU Project Legal drafter and Law Enforcement & Security Advisor on Legal requirements of member administration.
STAFFING AND HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
· Manage Staff for the Project Division and prepare bi annual staff assessment reports;
· Assist Corporate Service Manager in preparing staff needs assessments;
PURCHASING & PROCUREMENTS
· Coordinate all purchasing for the EU project following guidelines stipulated by both the development partners for the EU project as well as OCO guidelines;
· Assist in close collaboration with both the Corporate Service and Finance Managers for the provisions of contractual services.
PROJECT STEERING COMMITTEE
· Coordinate and prepare Annual Project work plans for the EU Project Steering Committee;
· Assist Finance Manager in preparing EU project financial accounts;
· Act as the Secretariat to the EU Project Steering Committee or as directed by the Head of Secretariat;
· Assist the EU Project Steering Committee in coordinating special taskforces as required.
QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
ESSENTIAL
· Degree from a recognized University in Economics, Governance, Management, Public Policy, Development Studies, Public Finance Management, or Trade Policy, with specialization in International Trade, Trade Negotiations, Risk Analysis, or Project Management or trade related Disciplines. Post Graduate holders are encouraged to apply;
· Familiarity with Development Partner requirements and procedures;
· Excellent written and oral communication and liaison skills;
· Ability to work with and manage consultants;
· Proven ability to work as part of an inter-disciplinary and/or multi-cultural team;
· Proven ability to raise funds and possess the necessary skills to partake in negotiations for raising funds for the activities and the post; and ability to prepare project proposals for funding considerations and report to deadlines often under difficult circumstances;
· Familiarity with Customs procedures and border operations;
· Good knowledge of relevant international & regional security and trade agreements, and their impact on Trade, Security, and the Economic Development in the FICs, especially the PACER, PICTA, SPARTECA and Cotonou Trade Agreements; and respective Rules of Origin;
· Must be familiar with international conventions and protocols like the Revised Kyoto Conventions, Arusha Declaration, 2002 & 2007 Harmonized Coding System, TRIPS, WTO Articles, and WCO Formalities;
· Substantial experience in the development and implementation of Customs & Trade Policy and legislations;
· Good knowledge of Trade information systems and electronic information management systems similar to PC Trade & ASYCUDA ++;
· A sound knowledge of instructional techniques and experience in the design and implementation of training programmes; and experience in designing Customs related training and information materials for Customs Administrations and the business sector;
· Proven planning and organizational skills;
· Experience in consultations with the public and business sector and must have high level of communication skills with excellent verbal and written English together with excellent interpersonal skills;
· Demonstrated capability to co-ordinate, motivate and lead technical staff and be an active member of thematic teams;
· Computer literacy with skills in Microsoft Office software, with high skills in word processing, spreadsheets, web page design, PowerPoint and email; skills in computer based information management systems (electronic depository and retrieval systems); and some knowledge of graphics and desktop publishing;
· Must be familiar with using spreadsheets to analyze surveys, statistics and raw data to produce information for decision making.
Personal Characteristics
· Must have a broad experience and understanding in Customs administrations of the OCO membership;
· A strong Team player who works and coordinates well with others;
· Strong personal commitments to raising the standards of customs administrations in the region;
· A Leader who inspires the rest of the project team;
· Demonstrated ability to work as part of the OCO team and cooperatively with other PACP member customs administrations is essential;
· Must be capable of using sound judgment in decision making; and
· Ability to think strategically with a broader vision whilst focusing on mid to long term goals of the EU project.
PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS
· Exceptional project management skills;
· Excellent communication with staff and proven ability to work with different PACP member customs administrations;
· Proven ability to manage positive client relationships and lead a cross-functional teams of consultants and staff;
· Result oriented who works on a performance based environment;
· Critical and conceptual thinker essential;
· Enjoy customs work and has a passion for organizational improvement;
· Strong diplomacy skills essential;
· Strong grasp of development partners systems and processes;
· Experience in bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations or related activity;
· A good working knowledge of Customs services in the Pacific;
· Familiarity with Customs and Trade systems and practices in the FICs;
· Knowledge and experience of Pacific Island cultures, and a broad understanding of the cultural diversity of the region; highly desirable;
· Skills in other Pacific languages highly desirable.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Overall Skills
· Demonstrated skills in project management;
· Demonstrated organisational skills including the proven ability to write formal reports and proposals;
· Proven ability to prioritise and meet competing deadlines;
· Ability to identify and analyse conflict in priorities and raise awareness of the impact of required changes in a systematic way;
· Proven ability to negotiate with Governments and Development Partners in setting clear objectives and targets at the local and regional levels;
· Sound ability in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and the Internet Computer literacy with skills in Microsoft Office software, with high skills in word processing, spreadsheets, web page design, PowerPoint and email; skills in computer based information management systems (electronic depository and retrieval systems); and some knowledge of graphics and desktop publishing;
· Demonstrate capability to co-ordinate, motivate and lead technical staff and be an active member of thematic teams;
· Research and analytical skills; and
· Strong public/private sector understanding with the different competing expectation from both parties.
Communication skills
· High-level oral and written communication, representation and liaison skills;
· Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a cross-cultural environment;
· Fluency in English;
· Demonstrate the ability to work positively in a small and mixed project team;
· Demonstrated ability to deliver and adjust to a wide range of audience; and
· Experience in consultations with the public and business sector and must have high level of communication skills with excellent interpersonal skills;
Knowledge of Pacific / International issues
· Must be familiar with regional trade agreements especially the Free Trade Agreements and their impacts at the national level;
· Must be familiar with WCO, WTO, UNODCW, CITES, UNEP, IPR Issues, EPA, PACER+, PICTA and other international agreements, conventions and issues which has impact on PACP member Customs administrations;
· Good knowledge and understanding of the cultural features and political developments in the Pacific and their likely impact on Customs and trade and security issues; and
· Awareness of international and regional Customs issues.
Knowledge Development Partner Systems and Processes
· Must be familiar with the Rules and Procedures set out in the practical guide to procedures for programme estimates financed by the European Development Fund (EDF) and the general budget of the European Communities (BUDGET) (Project Approach);
· Must understand specific procedures for the presentation of separate accounts illustration for the EU project expenditures.
Judgment and flexibility
· A high level of motivation;
· Advanced level of both personal and professional integrity;
· Ability to make sound decision and reasoned recommendations in all matters relating to the OCO activities; and
· Ability to learn and adapt quickly.
Managerial and Planning
· Proven ability to plan and manage budgets;
· Ability to develop and manage EU Project Outputs and Annual Work Plan;
· Experience in Project/Organizational management, including implementation management skills, particularly in planning; and
· Experience in Contract management.
Eligibility
The candidate must hold the following country citizenships to be able to qualify for this position;
· The Pacific African Caribbean and Pacific (PACP) member countries; or
· A member country of the European Union.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions
The incumbent is located in a busy, open area office. The incumbent will be faced with constant interruptions and must meet with others on a regular basis.
Sensory Demands
The incumbent must spend long hours in intense concentration. The incumbent must also spend long hours on the computer entering financial and other information which requires attention to detail and high levels of accuracy.
Mental Demands
There are a number of deadlines associated with this position, which may cause significant stress. The incumbent must also deal with a wide variety of people on various issues.
Tenure
The appointment is initially for a term of three years, subject to a one-year probationary period, with the possibility of renewal depending on performance and continued funding availability.
Remuneration
Remuneration and other benefits will be discussed during interview.
Applications should be addressed to the Head of Secretariat, Oceania Customs Organisation, Private Mail Bag, 84 Harris Rd, Suva, FIJI. Or sent electronically to
SelemanaS@ocosec.org ONLY THOSE WHO WILL BE SHORTLISTED for interview will be notified.
Applications should be received by close of business on 29th of April, 2011.
Иногда даже Тур Хейердал напивался и переедал.
