Head of Customs and Trade Facilitation

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

1.0 Background
The CCTTFA is a multilateral agency formed through an Agreement by the seven Governments of the Republic of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Republic of Rwanda, the United Republic of Tanzania, the Republic of Malawi, the Republic of Zambia and the Republic of Uganda. The Central Corridor is the integrated transport multimodal and logistics network that connects CCTTFA Member States through the port of Dar es Salaam.

CCTTFA works with the member states Governments and other Development Partners to improve the efficiency of the transit corridor for smooth facilitation of transit trade.

CCTTFA is looking for a prospective applicant to fill the vacant position of Head of Customs and Trade Facilitation, which needs to be filled urgently. The Head to be hired is expected to be highly professional and competent and meet the merits below per the TORs.

2.0 Role and Responsibility of the Head of Customs and Trade Facilitation
The overall objectives of the Head of Customs and Trade Facilitation will be to lead the development and implementation of customs and trade facilitation strategies and initiatives along the Central Corridor. The role requires close collaboration with member states, regional and international partners, private sector stakeholders, and other key actors to enhance trade efficiency and competitiveness.

The Head of Customs and Trade Facilitation’s roles will be:

• Policy Development and Implementation:
  • Develop and implement strategies, policies, and programs for customs modernization and trade facilitation.
  • Aligning customs and trade facilitation efforts with regional and international agreements, including the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Coordinate with member states, customs authorities, port authorities, and private sector actors to address trade facilitation challenges.
  • Establish partnerships with regional economic communities (e.g., EAC, COMESA, SADC) and international organizations (e.g., WCO, WTO).
• Capacity Building:
  • Design and implement capacity-building programs for customs officials and trade stakeholders along the corridor.
  • Provide technical support and advisory services to member states on customs and trade facilitation matters.
• Monitoring and Evaluation:
  • Monitor the implementation of trade facilitation measures and assess their impact on trade efficiency.
  • Develop performance indicators and prepare periodic reports on trade facilitation activities.
• Advocacy and Resource Mobilization:
  • Advocate for harmonized customs procedures and policies among member states.
  • Mobilize resources for customs and trade facilitation projects and programs.
• Project Management:
  • Oversee the implementation of trade facilitation projects, ensuring timely delivery and compliance with budgets.
  • Provide technical input and leadership in feasibility studies and project planning.

• Perform other activities related to work as assigned by the Executive Secretary.

3.0 Reporting/Coordination
The Head of Customs and Trade Facilitation shall be reporting to the Executive Secretary of the CCTTFA

4.0 Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Education: A Master’s Degree in International Trade, Economics, Customs and Tax Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience:
  • At least 10 years of progressive experience in customs administration, trade facilitation, or regional trade initiatives.
  • Proven experience in policy formulation, stakeholder engagement, and regional integration.
• Skills:
  • Strong understanding of regional and international trade agreements and conventions.
  • Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
  • Proficiency in English is required; knowledge of French and/or Swahili is an added advantage.

5.0 Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking and leadership.
• Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills.
• Ability to work in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.
• Results-oriented and able to meet tight deadlines.
• Commitment to promoting regional integration and trade facilitation.

6.0 Length of Contract:
The duration of the contract is 5 years renewable (twice) subject to availability of funds and performance.

7.0 Nationality:
This Position is only open to People with Malawi Nationalities.

8.0 Age Limit:
The candidate must be at or below the Age of 45 years during the time of recruitment.

9.0 Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to submit their application, including:

1. A cover letter detailing their suitability for the role.
2. A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) with at least three professional references.
3. Copies of academic and professional certificates.

Applications should be sent to the below EMAIL Address:

[email protected] and copy the Ministry through [email protected]

Before 14th February 2025 23:59 pm.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

10.0 Terms and Conditions

The position is based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and involves occasional travel within the region. Salary and benefits will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.