Advisor Customs Management

Advisor Customs Management

Economic Transformation Cluster

Private Sector Development in Ethiopia (PSD-E)

Contract duration-30.04.2027 (possibility to extend)

Ethiopia is in the midst of a far-reaching economic transformation. As part of its Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, the Government is committed to strengthening domestic resource mobilization, enhancing customs and tax systems, and aligning national standards with international best practices. Yet, despite this momentum, regulatory and administrative hurdles continue to limit the growth potential of domestic firms and deter private sector investment—especially in productive sectors.

The “Private Sector Development in Ethiopia” (PSD-E) programme works to improve Ethiopia’s economic policy framework as well as employment and income situation in the private sector.

As part of the current programme phase, the project “Modernize and Harmonize Ethiopia’s tax administration and customs management systems for private sector growth” is embedded within PSD-E. Its work aims to improve Ethiopia’s tax administration, accounting standards and customs administration with a focus on ease of doing business.

The specific objective in the area of customs management is to enhance cross-border trade facilitation through optimized electronic customs management and valuation systems and efficient customs services that leverage digital means.

Across the three outputs focussing on taxation, the action areas are:

• Digitalization and system harmonization of customs procedures
• Strengthened human capacity in customs management and valuation
• Improved trade data management and market intelligence services

GIZ is seeking a Customs Management Advisor with national expertise to be placed at the Ethiopian Customs Commission (ECC) seconded expert. This role’s focus is to coordinate between GIZ and ECC the activities of of the project on day-to-day basis and to provide advisory to ECC on customs management and valuation (in selected topics).

In this role, the adviser will work in close collaboration with national institutions and international partners and report directly to the Component Manager of the project at GIZ as well as to the direct supervisor at ECC. The adviser will help shape and implement innovative solutions that reduce bottlenecks, build institutional capacity, and create a more transparent and efficient customs management environment that fosters private sector growth

1. Advisory Services to ECC

• Provide technical advisory support on customs management and customs valuation.
• Provide input to the revision of customs proclamations, regulations, and operational guidelines.
• Contribute to strategic planning and legal framework reform related to customs modernization.
• Provide expert advice to ECC senior leadership to ensure alignment with national reform goals.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments, assess their implications, and propose appropriate measures.
• Prepare policy briefs, progress reports, and presentations for internal, project, and external stakeholders

2. Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Development

• Support on upgrading and optimization of Electronic Customs Valuation System (eCVS), Electronic Single Window (eSW) and Electronic Customs Management System (eCMS).
• Promote alignment with international standards and best practices (e.g., WTO Valuation Agreement)
• Support organization of exposure visits, benchmarking missions, and technical workshops.
• Facilitate stakeholder consultations with customs clearing agents, trade associations, exporters/importers and logistics operators.

3. Project Implementation and Stakeholder Coordination

• Collaborate closely with the PSD-E project team to ensure coherence with overall project objectives and ECC priorities, including reporting to PSD-E line management.
• Facilitate communication and alignment between ECC departments, PSD-E project team, and development partners.
• Coordinate with other development partners to ensure complementarity

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree (master’s level or equivalent) in Customs Administration, International Trade, Business Administration, Economics, Law, or related field.
• Specialized training or certification in customs valuation, trade facilitation, or WCO related customs instruments is an asset.

Professional experience and technical knowledge

• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in customs administration, customs management, or trade facilitation.
• Proven experience working with the Ethiopian Customs Commission or related trade institutions is highly desirable.
• Experience in donor-funded or international development projects is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating multi stakeholder projects.
• Strong knowledge of customs valuation principles and WTO Valuation Agreement.
• Practical experience with electronic customs systems (eCMS, Single Window Systems and digital trade platforms).
• Knowledge of customs procedures, tariff classification, rules of origin, transit, warehousing etc.
• Familiarity with customs modernization strategies and digital transformation initiatives.
• Knowledge of Ethiopian customs legal and regulatory framework is a strong asset.
• Experience with capacity development, training design or institutional strengthening initiatives.
• Familiarity with project cycle management, monitoring and results-based reporting.
• Excellent command of both English and Amharic (spoken and written)
• Proficiency in standard IT applications (MS Office) and digital collaboration tools

Other knowledge, additional competencies

• Excellent advisory and communication skills, including the ability to engage with high-level government counterparts and technical experts.
• Strong intercultural sensitivity and ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.
• Team player with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset and the ability to work independently under pressure.
• High gender awareness and intercultural sensitivity
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure
• Ability to accept constructive feedback