International Customs Expert

Job Description

R4G Background:

Nathan, a Cadmus Company, is implementing the USAID Zambia Revenue for Growth Project (USAID R4G), a five-year project awarded in June 2021, which supports the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) in its efforts to improve domestic revenue mobilization and expand the fiscal space for public spending and investments in service delivery and poverty reduction. USAID R4G engages both government and non-government stakeholders to build capacity in tax policy analysis, improve tax compliance and administration, and strengthen the tax culture in a manner that facilitates private sector growth and accountability relationships between taxpayers and the GRZ.

USAID R4G is organized around four Objectives: 1) Improve Tax and Non-Tax Administration and Compliance; 2) Strengthen Tax Policy; 3) Enhance Public-Private Dialogue; and 4) Enhance Capacity to Address Emerging Fiscal Policy and Management Issues. Gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) is a cross-cutting Objective.

Position Description:

The debt service in Zambia has become unsustainable due to overborrowing, and the country has had to enter a debt restructuring deal with creditors. It is important for the government to demonstrate that it takes its debt obligations seriously and therefore needs to close the 2.5% GDP gap by reducing spending or increasing revenue. The MoFNP is hesitant to increase tax rates given the fragility of the country following COVID-19, severe drought, and electricity shortages, The MoFNP is interested in growing the tax base, improving enforcement, reducing smuggling, and improving revenue performance.

R4G plans to help the MoFNP and ZRA curb smuggling by mobilizing a Customs Expert with significant international experience. The objective of this work is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of Zambia’s customs operations, focusing on identifying and addressing factors contributing to revenue leakages, improving customs revenue collection, and developing strategies to combat smuggling. The expert will assess existing processes, infrastructure, and policies while providing actionable recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of Zambia’s customs operations. This assessment will include site visits to various border posts, ports of entry, and customs facilities.

The Customs Expert will report to the R4G Chief of Party. This is a short-term position to be conducted both remotely and/or in Lusaka, Zambia. To apply, please send a CV via email with the subject line “R4G – Customs Expert” to R4Gproject@cadmusgroup.com before November 30, 2024.

Responsibilities:

The primary objective of this assignment is to build capacity of MOF and its revenue management unit on customs administration, conduct a joint assessment of sample border crossing operations, analysis of the relevant statistics, come up with potential quick win and long-term reform interventions and KPIs to be monitored. Specific activities include:

• Conducting high level preliminary background analysis of Customs Operations
• Preparing a preliminary data request, including:
  • ASYCUDA data
  • Customs seizure statistics
  • Trade data – legitimate trade/imports stats and fluctuations due to impact of smuggling
  • Types of revenue/excise goods
  • Seizures - Source countries
• Prepare training materials, including:
  • Seizure trends, goods, origin, transit, risk identification - ASYCUDA, action and legal process
• Training MOF personnel on customs administration and enforcement.
• Study visits to the selected border crossings based on the analysis of the available statistics (including seizure records - need to establish target borders based on risk and intelligence)
• Identification of the weaknesses of staffing, operational process, integrated border management, border cooperation. Customs to Customs and Customs to business cooperation, including:
  • MoU with source countries on information exchange C2C information exchange.
  • MoU with Business community for ongoing exchange of information
  • All above in line with Trade Facilitation agreement
• Developing recommendations. Overview of findings and recommendations
• Development of KPIs to be monitored and recorded by border management, risk and intelligence, ASYCUDA, Senior Management
• Any other related tasks as assigned by the Chief of Party

Deliverables:

• Customs training
• Brief report conducting the analysis of the situation and presenting initial recommendations.
• Recommendations
• Initial draft benchmarking and KPIs.

Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree with specialization in Economics, Public Finance, Business Administration or other related areas; or
• Bachelor’s degree in economics, Public Finance or Business Administration or other related areas and an additional 2 years of experience relevant to the terms of reference
• At least 20 years of professional experience in tax and customs administration.
• At least 10 years of experience in customs, post clearance audit, risk management, customs policy, etc.
• Experience in integrated border management, trade facilitation, successful development and implementation of PFM IT solutions is a plus.
• Professional proficiency in written and spoken English.

We value the critical role safety and health protocols contribute to all team members’ success and work together to align and comply with all federal, state, and local safety and health mandates related to COVID to ensure a safe and valuable work environment.

Cadmus is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination. Cadmus is committed to providing a respectful workplace where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation (including gender identity and/or expression), national origin, military and veteran status, physical and mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Learn more about Cadmus by visiting our website at: https://cadmusgroup.com/.

About the Organization

At Cadmus, we recognize that solving the world’s most challenging problems can’t be accomplished alone or with cookie-cutter solutions. That’s why we look for team players and problem solvers who are driven to use their unique perspectives and intellectual curiosity to help deliver breakthrough solutions that achieve transformative goals. On the Cadmus team, you’ll collaborate with leading experts to help our clients across the globe.

Cadmus’ mission is to deploy industry-leading expertise to help our clients achieve extraordinary results that strengthen society and the natural world. We offer competitive compensation, outstanding health care and retirement benefits, a vibrant and collaborative work environment, and opportunities for professional growth. We are committed to advancing diversity, fostering a culture of equity in the workplace and society, and maintaining an accessible and inclusive environment where all employees feel connected, respected, and valued.

Join Cadmus. Let’s solve the world’s most challenging problems together.

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