Customs Management Advisor

Customs Management Advisor

Cluster or office Economic Transformation Cluster

Duty station Addis Ababa

Contract duration 31.12.2026

Ethiopia is in the midst of a far-reaching economic transformation. As part of its Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda 2.0, the Government is committed to strengthening domestic resource mobilization, enhancing customs and tax systems, and aligning national standards with international, continental and regional 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.

To address these challenges, the Private Sector Development in Ethiopia (PSD-E) programme is expanding its support to national reform efforts. Within this framework, the new component “Modernize and harmonize Ethiopia’s tax administration and customs management systems for private sector growth” will launch in October 2025 and run for 48 months, supporting evidence-based, private-sector-oriented reform in tax and customs administration.

We are looking for a motivated and experienced Advisor on Customs Management to join our team in Addis Ababa. In this role, you will work in close collaboration with national institutions and international partners and report directly to the Component Manager. You will help shape and implement innovative solutions that reduce bottlenecks, build institutional capacity, and create a more transparent and efficient customs environment that fosters private sector growth.

This is your opportunity to be part of a high-impact reform process that contributes directly to Ethiopia’s sustainable economic development. If you are a dynamic, forward-thinking professional eager to drive real change, we look forward to your application.

Please note that the job title will be changed to “Private Sector Advisor” during the recruitment process

Responsibilities

1,Policy Reform and Strategic Advisory

• Support the Ethiopian Customs Commission in developing and updating customs policies aligned with international standards (e.g., WCO, WTO TFA).
• Contribute to strategic planning and legal framework reform related to customs modernization and trade facilitation .
• Provide expert advice to senior leadership within the Customs Commission and the PSD-E project team 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 and external stakeholders

2. Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Development

• Design and implement training programs for customs officials on key topics such as valuation, risk management, and post-clearance audits.
• Strengthening institutional capacity through improved data management, operational procedures, and internal processes.
• Support inter-agency coordination and promote the adoption of digital tools and technologies in customs operations
• 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
• Assist in aligning Ethiopia’s customs system with international and regional trade frameworks (e.g.,WTO and AfCFTA).

3,Project Implementation and Stakeholder Coordination

• Collaborate closely with the PSD-E project team to ensure coherence with overall project objectives and Customs Commission priorities.
• Foster strong relationships with public and private sector stakeholders to advance reform and digital transformation efforts.
• Cover all aspects of a results-oriented project management cycle, including ToR development, contract management, support monitoring and evaluation, and reporting

Qualifications

• MA in economics, international trade, public finance, customs administration, law, public policy
• Additional certification or training in customs management, trade facilitation, or related international standards (e.g. WCO, WTO) is an asset.

Professional Experience and Technical Knowledge

• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in customs administration, trade policy, or economic governance.
• Proven experience in advising government institutions on customs modernization, policy reform, or trade facilitation.
• Familiarity with international customs standards (WCO, WTO TFA) – Continental and regional trade frameworks (e.g. AfCFTA and COMESA)
• Experience with capacity development, training design, or institutional strengthening initiatives.
• Strong understanding of customs procedures, valuation, risk management, post-clearance audits, and cross-border trade facilitation.
• Sound knowledge of digital transformation in public administration (e.g., electronic customs systems, single window platforms).
• Ability to interpret legal and regulatory frameworks and contribute to their reform and harmonization.
• Familiarity with project cycle management, monitoring and evaluation, and results-based reporting.
• Excellent command of English and Amharic (spoken and written)
• Proficiency in standard IT applications (MS Office) and digital collaboration tools; familiarity with data systems for trade/customs is a plus.

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.