Project Manager - INAMA Project

WCO - World Customs Organization

Brussels, Belgium

INAMA Project Background

The losses of well-known endangered species such as elephant and rhino are mirrored by similarly dramatic trends in populations of less visible but equally threatened protected species of mammals, reptiles, fish and birds. This unprecedented surge in wildlife crime reflects a fundamental shift in the structure and operation of the illegal wildlife trade over the past decade. Burgeoning demand, the entry of highly sophisticated technologies and well-connected actors into the illegal wildlife trade arena, and globalization have proven a deadly combination for many species. 

Data records of ivory and rhino horn seizure show that illegal wildlife trafficking is increasingly organized cross-regional and cross-continental by increasingly professional organised syndicates. The illegal hunted products like ivory and rhino-horn cross very often several inland borders in Africa, intercontinental sea and land borders and pass through several countries outside of Africa to reach their destination mainly in Asia. 

Therefore Customs administrations play a vitally important role in the fight against wildlife trafficking which is often closely interlinked with international crime. They can disrupt the illicit trade continuum through its border operations, intelligence and investigations. In order to be effective against wildlife trafficking Customs administration require the necessary hardware and software, as well as the related knowledge and skills to implement simplified and improved Customs procedures, with modern Customs operational techniques. In today's digital age, a fast flow of information between countries, agencies and front-line staff is a key factor in effective border control and the disruption of illicit trade. Further there is a need for an adequate legal framework which allows cross-country operations/information flows but also a fast information flow and exchange between agencies relevant for combating wildlife trade like wildlife management agencies and police.

The WILDLIFE project, which is an umbrella project with funding sources from UK, USA and Sweden, will focus on strengthening the enforcement capacity of targeted Customs administrations in sub-Saharan Africa, while focusing on the illicit trade in wildlife and in particular endangered species as defined by CITES.

Duties and responsibilities

Reporting to the WCO-Sweden Programme Director, the Project Manager will have oversight responsibility to plan, direct and monitor the project from inception to implementation. He/She will be accountable for expected project results and will perform the usual project management duties, including:

• Provide leadership and management of the project from beginning to end;
• Oversee the delivery of all project results and activities according to Results-Based Management principles;
• Engage all project stakeholders to ensure continued support for implementation;
• Identify and recruit project experts and staff;
• Communicate with involved experts, management and Project Steering Committee;
• Manage procurement processes from beginning to end;
• Develop annual work plans and schedules;
• Forecast and monitor project expenditures and develop financial reports;
• Monitor project risks, develop and implement mitigation strategies;
• Monitor and evaluate project progress, and prepare progress reports accordingly;
• Ensuring effective project visibility and ensuring representation of the project in regional and international fora;
• Establishment of effective project communication with all relevant stakeholders through implementation of a revised communication strategy;
• All other project related duties.

Essential Qualifications

Education

• University degree in a relevant field of study (International Relations, Development Studies, Economics, Public Administration, Accounting, Business Administration...) or an equivalent combination of education, skills and experience.

Experience

• Vast experience in donor-funded project management in the context of capacity-building and international development. Preference may be given to candidates with such experience in the field of institutional reform and trade-related technical assistance;
• Experience in the field of customs reform and modernization will be considered as an advantage, especially in the field of enforcement and cross-border agencies cooperation;
• Experience in managing capacity-building projects benefiting Sub-Saharan will be considered as an advantage;
• Experience and knowledge of the CITES convention and other similar conventions will be considered as an advantage;
• Experience in managing financial and human resources, including hiring and monitoring independent consultants;
• Experience in managing procurement processes;
• Experience in engaging and managing stakeholders from private and public sectors, preferably in the international development context.

Skills

• Ability to communicate in English;
• Ability to communicate in French and/or Portuguese will be considered as an asset;
• Strong written and oral communication skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team;
• Ability to work in an international environment;
• Ability to manage multiple activities and priorities simultaneously;
• Ability to use common administrative software (MS Office, internet, etc.).

Duty location

WCO Secretariat, Brussels/Belgium, with frequent travel to the Sub-Saharan African region.

Performing of duties

As mentioned above the RPM is directed and supervised in her/his work by the WCO. He/she shall not seek or accept any instructions in connection with the exercise of his/her functions from any government or any authority other than the WCO.

Contract duration

Initially for one year (with a probationary period of three (3) months). Depending on budget availability, the project may run until 2018. Depending on performance and budget availability, the contract will be renewable for up to two years initially.

Remuneration

Subject to the availability of the above mentioned funds, the WCO shall compensate the Contractor at the rate of 5.000 Euros in monthly instalments non taxable.

The Contractor will benefit from a basic supplementary health insurance cover. The successful candidate however has to take care of any pension arrangements.

Application

The onus is on the applicant to demonstrate how he/she meets each of the education and experience requirements.

Interested candidates should submit their application for review no later than 23 July 2014, 17:00 PM CET, including a cover letter (1 page max) and a curriculum vitae (5 pages max) in English to: 

World Customs Organization 
Administration and Personnel Section 
Rue du Marché, 30 
B-1210 Brussels, Belgium 

By email to: wco.sidaprogramme@wcoomd.org 

The subject of the candidate's application message must read as follows: 
WCO – INAMA Project –Project Manager – Application – LAST NAME / FIRST NAME of Candidate 

The WCO thanks all interested applicants, however only those short-listed for an interview will be contacted. 

Candidates who currently hold a position within a national Customs/Revenue agency are requested to provide a statement of support from their administration. The extent of this support is further detailed in the terms of reference. You may submit any request for additional information via email, providing full name and contact details.