Work for the IMF. Work for the World.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is seeking to fill a senior customs administration resident advisor position to support Ukraine’s reform agenda in customs administration. Reporting to the Fiscal Affairs Department (FAD) headquarters, the advisor will collaborate with and provide advice to the Ukrainian authorities, specifically the Ministry of Finance (MOF) Customs Policy Department and the State Customs Service (SCS). The initial appointment term will be for one year, with the possibility of an extension for another year if performance is assessed positively and there is a continued need for technical assistance support in the field. In the first year of this assignment, the resident advisor is expected to be located outside Ukraine, specifically in Vienna, Austria, with the need to conduct regular work visits to Kyiv, security conditions permitting. Thereafter, and if the security situation improves, and the Fund decides to resume operations in Kyiv, consistent with IMF policies on field positions, the resident expert will be asked to relocate to Kyiv. This position is funded by the IMF Ukraine Capacity Development Fund. [1]

FAD is already assisting the authorities with the design, management, and implementation of the Ukraine National Revenue Strategy until 2030 (NRS[2]), which includes a customs administration component. The advisor will support the authorities in implementing customs reform and modernization in line with the NRS, addressing a wide range of customs administration issues according to international good practices and regional standards, while considering the local context.

Specifically, the advisor’s responsibilities, in support of the UCDF program, will include:

Providing direct capacity development (CD) for the implementation of the customs administration component of the NRS, and working closely with the SCS in the design, management, and implementation of customs administration reform and modernization.
Supporting the management and delivery of the customs administration CD workplans and training programs according to the agreed budget, integrating with FAD’s other revenue CD work in/for Ukraine.
Organizing and providing support, including quality control, to short-term customs administration experts working on targeted reform activities, and supporting FAD-led CD activities in the customs administration and other IMF-related customs administration activities.
Organizing and delivering customs administration capacity-building events, such as workshops and training programs
Assisting the FAD project manager in reviewing CD needs and developing annual workplans in collaboration with the MOF and the SCS.
Coordinating with other development partners on CD support for customs administration.
Reporting on progress in delivering the customs administration CD workplan and results at regular intervals.
Reviewing progress in the implementation of customs administration reform.

The Customs Administration Advisor will work closely with the SCS staff and cooperate with FAD’s Tax Policy Advisor and Tax Administration Advisor who support the MOF Tax Policy Department and Customs Policy Department and the State Tax Service. The Advisor will also liaise regularly and work closely with the IMF’s Resident Representative office in Kyiv, and the IMF Ukraine CD Coordinator, as well as with IMF headquarters, in particular the IMF’s Ukraine Team, the FAD, and other Fund resident experts. The Advisor will also work closely with other development partners, in coordination with the Resident Representative office in Kyiv, and the Ukraine CD Coordinator to coordinate CD support.

The technical skills and qualifications required for the position include extensive knowledge and experience in a senior management role within customs administration, with a strong understanding of customs operations and expertise in the following areas:

Legislative and regulatory environment for customs administration: This includes organizational structure/management, revenue, customs procedures, compliance management, and enforcement.
Organization and strategic management of customs administration: This encompasses strategic planning and implementation mechanisms, organizational risk management, change management, performance management, and ethics.
Customs administration reform and modernization: Experience in driving and implementing reforms and modernization initiatives.
Information technology in customs administration: Proficiency in utilizing IT to support effective and efficient customs operations and management in addition to customs procedures.
Customs administration functional procedures and controls: This includes compliance risk management, special regimes management, post-clearance audit, informal trade control, and enforcement.

Qualifications

Applicants should have extensive practical experience in the aforementioned areas in a senior management position within a customs administration. Preference will be given to candidates with comprehensive experience in managing customs operations, expertise in combating corruption within customs administration, digitalization of customs administration, EU accession issues, and awareness of the issues and challenges facing customs administration reforms. Previous experience in international capacity building in customs administration, particularly on revenue-related aspects (such as participating in CD activities and organizing and conducting training courses and workshops), would be advantageous. Familiarity with IMF publications regarding customs administration and general IMF surveillance and financial support is desirable.

General requirements for candidates include:

An advanced university degree or equivalent and at least four years of relevant professional experience. Preference will be given to candidates with 10 years of professional experience in a customs administration or an international organization providing CD on revenue policy and administrative matters.
Demonstrated organizational, planning, and project management skills to manage multiple priorities and ensure timely delivery of high-quality outputs.
Fluency in English with strong oral and written communication skills. Proficiency in Ukrainian would be advantageous.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, maintaining effective and cooperative relations with authorities and donors, and handling sensitive issues with discretion in a multicultural environment.

Qualified applicants who are not selected for this long-term advisor position may be considered for other short-term CD assignments.

Department:

FADR1 Fiscal Affairs Department Revenue Administration 1

Hiring For:

A11, A12, A13, A14

The IMF is guided by the principle that the employment, classification, promotion, and assignment of staff shall be made without discrimination against any person. We welcome requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities during the selection process. Information on how to request accommodations will be provided during the application process.

Resident Customs Administration Advisor for Ukraine, Based in Vienna, Austria (FADR1)