National Customs Expert

USAID Vietnam Trade Facilitation Program

SCOPE OF WORK

Position:                         NATIONAL CUSTOMS EXPERT
Base of Operation:         HANOI, VIETNAM
Period of Performance:  APRIL 2021 – MARCH 2022
                                      (subject to extension based on manager’s recommendation)
Project Background:

The USAID Trade Facilitation Program is a five-year project that aims to support the adoption and implementation of a more risk-based approach to customs and specialized inspection institutions in Vietnam. The Program works with the General Department of Vietnam Customs (GDVC) to strengthen the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) of Vietnam and its Working Groups; streamline border clearance procedures (including specialized inspection implemented by other line ministries and agencies); harmonize the implementation of risk-based approaches between 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 stakeholders in Hanoi and targeted provinces.

Overview:

The Program provides assistance to the Government of Vietnam at both national and provincial levels to improve customs procedures to facilitate cross-border trade. In order to achieve this, the National Customs Expert will be expected to bring expertise to the Program, focusing on customs-related matters and activities in the Annual Work Plan (AWP). Among others this will include: (1) preparation of policy and legislative initiatives in relation to e-commerce, the risk management approach, self-certification of origin, rules of origin and classification of goods, valuation, advance rulings, compliance measurement, and pre-arrival processing procedures; (2) implementation of revised and standardized customs legislation and policies in relation to trade facilitation, including customs procedures, specialized inspection, and risk management; (3) capacity building, including supporting and/or conducting specific training courses for customs and other stakeholders; and (4) cooperation with GDVC, local customs departments, private sector and other stakeholders in the field of customs procedures and capacity building.

The primary role of the National Customs Expert will be to provide customs technical inputs to the activities of the Program. The National Customs Expert will be based in Hanoi but will be required to visit provinces as needed to cooperate and collaborate with stakeholders including, among the others, GDVC, provincial customs departments, line ministries and provincial line departments associated with risk management and specialized inspection. The National Customs Expert will assist and support the Chief of Party (COP) and other Key Experts with implementing all project tasks efficiently, effectively and to the highest professional standards.

Responsibilities and Tasks:

The National Customs Expert will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Implementation of the AWP with a focus on customs-related activities, including risk management, specialized inspection, and training where applicable;
• Support the review, prioritization, and implementation of customs legislations, measures and procedures as related to risk management and specialized inspection, so as to promote their harmonized implementation at the borders;
• Assist to design, organize and implement workshops, focused working groups, training courses and similar events to improve the technical skills of customs officers, operational staff from other line departments and other stakeholders including the private sector;
• Monitor the development of national customs policies, regulations, and the enforcement of legislation to facilitate trade;
• Other contributions to the Program as requested by the COP and Key Experts.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in customs administration, law, economics, business administration, international trade, trade policy, or similar field (Bachelor degree with more than 10 years of experience in field may be accepted);
• Minimum 5 years of experience working for Ministry of Finance or Vietnam Customs at Central and/or Provincial levels. More than 5 years of experience working in the private sector for a customs-related business e.g., customs broker or logistics, may also be accepted;
• Proven knowledge and understanding of requirements under the Vietnamese Customs Law and regulations, border procedures, imports-exports specialized inspection matters, and the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement;
• Proven experience of working or collaborating with the local customs departments, and other stakeholders;
• Able to solve problems as well as exercise considerable analysis and judgement to identify solutions;
• Strong communication, interpersonal and problem solving 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
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with fluency in English and Vietnamese.

Reporting

The National Customs Expert will report to the Senior Trade Facilitation Expert.

Applications should be sent to [email protected].