The Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH (German Agency for International Cooperation) is one of the world's leading providers of international cooperation services for sustainable development. It is owned by the German Government.

In West Africa, GIZ's portfolio includes among others, a programme to support the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in it's regional integration goals. The programme aims to strengthen sector-specific capacities in the areas of Peace and Security, Customs and Trade as well as Strategic Management and Organizational Development in the ECOWAS Commission.

Job Summary

The GIZ Support Programme to the ECOWAS Commission is recruiting a Customs Advisor to support the Commission in coordinating, monitoring, advising and providing periodic progress reports on the implementation of the following major outputs:

Duty Station: Nigeria
Assignment Period: Up until 24.11.2018

Main Duties and Responsibilities:
The advisor is responsible for

•   Managing GIZ support to the ECOWAS Commission in the area of regional economic integration and trade, including but not limited to the ECOWAS Common External Tariff and other customs-related topics
•   Assisting programme initiatives to provide professional advisory services to and cooperate with a broad range of target groups
•   Innovation and knowledge management

Tasks

Advising the partner institution
The advisor;

•   assists and monitors the development and implementation of programme plans and activities in close consultation with counterparts and in line with GIZ and EU rules and regulations
•   deals with the design, preparation and implementation of workshops, seminars and other events on issues connected with the programme's area of activity
•   develops and organises quality assurance measures and suggests necessary changes, improvements and initiatives

Networking and cooperation
The advisor;

•   supports cooperation, regular contact and dialogue with partners, assists with PR work and cooperates with relevant organisations and individuals in the programme environment and with other projects to improve and maintain good working relationships
•   communicates local interests and efforts, forwards these and encourages sharing ideas and information for the benefit of the programme

Knowledge management
The advisor

•   ensures knowledge transfer
•   develops ready-to-use strategies and technical concepts, including guide-lines, manuals and procedures
•   draws up reports and presentation documents
•   prepares appropriate input for various programme reports including EU annual implementation reports, and contributes to other reports as requested
•   assists with research activities and studies

Coordination and other tasks
The advisor;

•   assists with general project planning and develops project concepts including preparation, organisation and moderation of planning exercises and their implementation, management, monitoring, quality management, evaluation, communication and documentation
•   assists in the preparation and follow-up the development of Terms of Reference for various consultants and contractors
•   compiles the relevant information for joint activities and assignments
•   handles day-to-day programme management on behalf of GIZ (e.g. offer preparation, impact monitoring, project progress review, reporting)
•   carries out other related tasks as assigned by the Head of Component

Qualification Required & Experience

•   A bachelor degree in economics, business administration, law, trade policy or a similar area sufficient background in customs at a senior level with relevant knowledge in tariff issues and customs procedures.
•   At least eight (8) years of relevant professional experience
•   Knowledge of international trade and regional integration
•   Knowledge of the ECOWAS region arid already established contacts to relevant actors are regarded as assets
•   Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with ability to work in a multicultural and multilingual environment
•   Very good working knowledge of ITC technologies (related software, phone, fax, email, the internet) and computer applications (e.g. MS Office)
•   Mastery of one of the three official working languages of ECOWAS (English, French, and Portuguese) is required. Proficiency (both written and oral) in a second official working language of the ECOWAS Commission is essential
•   Willingness to upskill as required by the tasks to be performed
•   Willingness to undertake regular travels throughout the ECOWAS region

Location: Nigeria

How To Apply For The Job

We invite eligible applicants originating from the ECOWAS Region, to submit their applications before February 2, 2015.

Send your CV and cover letter in English, plus your scan of your diplomas to:-

ewokolo.jeme@giz.de / OR hr-ghana@giz.de

Closing Date: 02  February, 2015