Programme Officer - Customs (AfCFTA) at the African Union (AU)

The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent. It was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organization of African Unity (OAU, 1963-1999). We are an Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Programme Officer - Customs (AfCFTA)

Requisition ID: 1688
Location: Accra, Ghana
Division: Conflict Management
Reports to: Head of Division of Customs Enforcements
Directorate / Department: Customs Administration (AfCFTA)
Number of Direct Reports: 0
Number of Indirect Reports: 0
Job Grade: P2
Contract Type: Regular

Purpose of Job

• The Program Officer Customs will be responsible for the preparation, coordination and assisting on implementation of the AfCFTA Customs Cooperation.

Main Functions

• Assist the Head of Division and the Director in implementing projects with Regional Economic Communities, State Parties and private Sector to guarantee custom enforcement;
• Support the Head of Division and the Director in developing sensitisation and outreach programmes and proposing corrective measures wherever necessary based on feedback received through the outreach programme
• Prepare documentation for meetings of the Sub -Committee on Trade Facilitation, Customs Cooperation and Transit
• Participate in meetings, seminars to enhance effective Customs enforcement and write minutes and reports of such meetings;
• Maintain and Update list of Customs focal points in Member State
• Monitor and Collate information on Customs modernization and new tools from international organisations that deal with Customs related issues
• Circulate documentation related to Customs Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance to Member States
• Assist the Head of Division and the Director in monitoring the implementation of Annex 3 of the AfCFTA Agreement at national level;
• Prepare concept notes and annual work plans for the Division’s work/activities on Customs Cooperation. 

Specific Responsibilities

• Develop and/or finalize project work plan, proper documentation and reporting of all activities including any other relevant issues during execution of activities
• Assist in the development of a plan for project related monitoring and evaluation and baseline data required for impact evaluation
• Support and regularly monitor, evaluate, and report on implementation of international Customs related Conventions  
• Ensure secretarial services are provided to concerned State Parties, partners, relevant Stakeholders and maintain regular communications
• Coordinate with team members including administration and finance, in planning and execution of activities
• Participate in different meetings, trainings, workshop and seminars as required for the organization of projects/meetings
• Prepare timely updates, and regular progress reports (project status & activity report, and other reports)
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Director.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• University Master’s Degree In Business Management, Customs International Trade, Development Economics, International Relations, International Business, International Law, Political Science or relevant disciplines with two (2) years of relevant work experience. Supervisory experience not mandatory but an added advantage Or
• Bachelor's Degree in Business Management, Customs International Trade, Development Economics, International Relations, International Business, International Law, Political Science or relevant disciplines with five (5) years of relevant work experience. Supervisory experience not mandatory but an added advantage

Required Skills:

• Ability to work in a multicultural environment;
• Ability to work independently to meet critical and competing deadlines (multi-tasking), to produce high quality work in short timeframes;
• Excellent interpersonal/teamwork skills,
• Must be computer literate with a working knowledge of common computer applications and systems
• Excellent drafting, reporting, communication and presentation skills.
• Strong program/project management skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Excellent planning and organizing skills
• Ability to liaise with a diverse range of people and stakeholders;
• Proficiency in one of the African Union working languages. Proficiency of two or more of the other working language(s) would be an added value.
• Applicants must be proficient in one of the African Union working languages (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese or Spanish). Knowledge of one more or several other working languages would be an added advantage.

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic Insight..
• Developing Others:
• Change Management..
• Managing Risk.

Core Competencies:

• Teamwork and Collaboration..
• Accountable and Complies with Rules..
• Learning Orientation.

Functional Competencies:

• Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Job Knowledge and information sharing:
• Drive for Result
• Continuous Improvement Focus.

Tenure of Appointment

• The appointment will be made on a regular term contract for a period of three (3) years, of which the first twelve months shall be considered as a probationary period.
• Thereafter, the contract will be for a period of two years renewable, subject to satisfactory performance and deliverables.

Languages:

• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish) and fluency in another AU language is an added advantage.

Remuneration
Indicative basic salary of US$ 31,073.00 (P2 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment (57% of basic salary), a Housing allowance of US$ 21,832.68 (per annum), and education allowance (100% of tuition and other education-related expenses for every eligible dependent up to a maximum of US$ 10,000.00 per child per annum), for internationally recruited staff and a maximum of $3,300 per child per annum for locally recruited staff.

Application Closing Date
10th April, 2023.