Border Monitor, P-4

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 19 Jul 2012

DATE OF ISSUANCE: 04 Jul 2012

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT: United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti

DUTY STATION: Port-au-Prince

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: 12-CIV-MINUSTAH-425790-R-PORT-AU-PRINCE

Applying to a Position-Specific Job Opening carries an expectation to accept the post, should it be offered at the end of the selection process.

Remuneration

Depending on professional background, experience and family situation, a competitive compensation and benefits package is offered.

More Info

Responsibilities

The Border Management Unit is the MINUSTAH focal point on technical border management issues. The Unit provides technical support to the Government on implementation of an integrated border management strategy, including the coaching and monitoring of civil border management officials. It works closely with the Government to establish a border commission to deal with technical issues and regain control of its borders, restore national sovereignty, restore revenue collections and curb the smuggling of illicit goods and human trafficking. It provides technical assistance to the various Ministries, including the Ministry of Economy and Finance and would closely work with the Director General of Haitian Customs to enhance the capacity, capability and security of customs authorities at air, land and sea border crossing points. Tasks and duties: 1) the Border Monitor Advisor will report directly to MINUSTAH Border Management Unit Chief. 2) Train and mentor on basic customs skills. 3) Serve on the Haitian Customs Reform Committee and focus on the rehabilitation of facilities, capacity building and acquisition of required equipment on behalf of the Customs Service. 4) Actively take resource mobilization efforts to find international donors and additional funding for the Haitian Customs. 5) Develop training programmes on prevention of smuggling of contraband. 6) Produce technical reports, assessments and recommendations for the rehabilitation of land, air, sea borders. The post is located in Port-au-Prince but it is expected to have extensive travel throughout the country, notably at border posts.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM - Thorough knowledge of international customs and excise duties best practices and standards, customs law enforcement and customs clearance procedures. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspect of peace operations. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING - Develop clear objectives consistent with approved strategies; identify priority tasks and activities; modify priorities according to requirements; provide sufficient time and resources to carry out work, taking into account risks and unforeseen contingencies in the planning, and monitor implementation of the plans and activities. COMMUNICATION - Demonstrated ability to speak and write clearly and concisely; listen to opinions of others; correctly interpret messages and respond in an appropriate manner; ask questions to clarify issues and promote two-way communication; ability to share information and keep people informed. JUDGMENT/DECISION-MAKING - Able to identify key elements of complex situation; quickly arrive at the heart of the problem; compile information before making a decision; consider the positive and negative factors of a decision before proposing a plan of action based on all available information; ability to make difficult decisions if necessary. BUILDING TRUST - Reputation for dealing honestly and openly with issues and staff; recognised and highly respected by peers, clients and staff.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Advanced University degree (Masters‘ level or equivalent) in customs administration, international law, public administration, political science, international relations, or related areas. A first university level degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and work experience and related training may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

At least seven (7) years of experience in customs operations, application of customs laws and port taxes, methods of repressing illicit trafficking and tax fraud, classification of goods, techniques for calculating and collecting excise duties, customs valuation, external tariffs, and customs brokers; auditing customs and excise duties; knowledge of customs procedures according to the revised Kyoto Convention is required; management of customs and excise tax exemptions; customs regime and special regimes granted under investment promotion instruments; implementation of international customs agreements; and customs techniques for detecting narcotics and drugs. Having served as a high rank official in a customs and excise administration is required. Completion of a national level Customs Surveillance or Border Security training program is required. Relevant professional experience in developing countries is required; in post-conflict countries is desirable.