INTERIM Trade and Customs Expert

USAID Vietnam Trade Facilitation Program

SCOPE OF WORK

Position: INTERIM Trade and Customs Expert Base of Operation: Hanoi, Vietnam Period of Performance: SHORT- TERM (o/a August 15, 2021 – October 31, 2021) (Subject to extension based on manager’s recommendation)

Project Background:

The Trade Facilitation Program is a five-year project that aims to support Vietnam to adopt and implement a risk management approach to clearance of goods at Vietnam’s borders, simplify and streamline specialized inspection, and take steps to facilitate the implementation of the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).

More specifically, the Program will work with the General Department of Vietnam Customs (GDVC) to strengthen Vietnam’s National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) and any working groups; streamline border clearance procedures (including specialized inspection (SI) implemented by other line ministries and agencies); harmonize the implementation of risk-based approaches between the national and provincial levels; train national and provincial customs officers and staff from other ministries on risk management; and facilitate dialogue between customs and business and between relevant stakeholders in Hanoi and in the provinces.

Overview:

The Trade & Customs Expert will work closely with the Senior Trade Facilitation Expert (STFE) and the Chief of Party (COP) to support the implementation of specific reforms with partner GVN counterparts. The Trade & Customs Expert will be responsible for Program activities associated with the implementation of trade facilitation measures.

This will involve close cooperation and collaboration with GDVC and local customs departments. The Trade & Customs Expert will in particular have lead responsibility for supporting and assisting GDVC to the implementation of activities related to Risk Management in Customs operations, (risk management via post and express delivery) integrated risk management, multi-agency Risk Management centre) and pre-arrival processing.

The Trade & Customs Expert will be required to work at both central and provincial levels.

Responsibilities and Tasks:

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

identify and prioritize specific interventions to improve efficiency and transparency of customs procedures and trade facilitation initiatives in support of the aims and objectives of the program;
assist the GDVC, and GVN counterparts, and private stakeholders to develop and implement activities to address issues requiring harmonization with international best practice, to meet requirements of WTO TFA and Vietnam’s other international commitments and agreements;
Plan, organize, support and lead the implementation of the activities included in the Year 3 and Year 4 Work Plan on risk-management related (risk management via post and express delivery, integrated risk management, multiagency risk-management center) and pre-arrival processing; and
draft and prepare briefing notes, reports, etc. on findings and recommendations from consultations and play an active role in research, analysis, consultations, planning, and advocacy through collaborating closely with other members of the Program team to identify training and capacity building needs.

The Trade & Customs Expert will be expected to contribute to develop, organize and plans the initial phases of the Program activities to risk-management related activities (risk management via post and express delivery, integrated risk management, multiagency risk-management center) and pre-arrival processing.

The Trade & Customs Expert will work under the direct management and supervision of the Senior Trade Facilitation Expert (STFE)

Qualifications

Degree in law, economics, business administration, international trade, trade policy, customs administration, or similar field;
Minimum 7 years of experience working on trade or customs related matters;
Understanding of requirements under the WTO Trade Agreements, in particular the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and of Vietnamese policy implementing those agreements;
Able to solve problems as well as exercise considerable analysis and judgement to identify solutions;
Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills;
Proficient in word processing, spreadsheets and office software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Applications; and
Fluency in English and Vietnamese.

Reporting

The Trade & Customs Expert will report to the Senior Trade Facilitation Expert and to the Chief of Party.

Proposals should be submitted to tfp.recruitment@vietnamtfp.com no later than August 13, 2021.

Proposals should include: