Terms of Reference
FCDO Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) Trade Facilitation and Customs Support (Tasdeer) Programme
ASYCUDA expert (WS4.006)
The Project: FCDO Trade Facilitation and Customs Support (Tasdeer)
The FCDO Trade Facilitation and Customs Support programme (Tasdeer) is a £15m programme financed by FCDO and operational from 2020 – 2023. The objective of the Tasdeer is to improve the trade performance and customs capabilities in the OPTs. It will ultimately contribute to increased inclusive private sector-led economic growth and fiscal sustainability in the OPTs. The programme is designed to be flexible and adaptable, and it will work politically and technically to make progress across the four key inter-related workstreams.
- Workstream 1: Support to expedite the movement of goods and reduce transaction costs
- Workstream 2: Support to improve Palestinian trade-related institutions and business enabling environment
- Workstream 3: Support to improve the private sector’s skills and innovation to export and create jobs
- Workstream 4: Support to improve PA’s customs readiness to assume functions from Israel and revenues from trade-related taxes
The programme is implemented by a Cowater-led consortium on behalf of FCDO. A Steering Committee (including representatives from FCDO, the Ministry of National Economy and the Ministry of Finance will approve interventions identified and designed by the supplier. Supplier interventions will be reviewed and quality assured by a Strategic Advisory Panel comprised of experts from the core consortium members across the four key inter-related Workstreams.
Workstream 4.006: Support to ASYCUDA and Automation within Customs
Palestine Customs currently uses the ASYCUDA World (AW) Customs Management System (CMS) that deals with data collection of goods being imported and exported into and out of the country. Palestine Customs has a unique challenge in that goods are cleared by the Israeli Customs Clearance system before the declaration is actually submitted into the Palestine AW system. Declaration data is passed from Israel to Palestine in batch on a daily basis through a cloud-based electronic exchange method, via an interface, into Palestine’s version of AW.
There are constraints on the effectiveness of the AW system in Palestine. The AW system could be used more efficiently, with enhanced use of under-utilised modules. However, it is very likely that there either needs to be an upgrade to a newer version of AW or a replacement with a modern fit-for-purpose CMS. Both of these options are expensive and have a long lead time. Alternatives, such as private sector solutions under PPP arrangements, should also be considered, but these also come with associated transactional costs, long lead times and other issues, such as cleansing and migration of historical data. A more efficient CMS, aligned to modern Customs requirements and capable of the latest IT tools, such as Digital Corridors, Data Pipelines, Artificial Intelligence systems and cargo tracking applications, as well as Single Window methodologies, would be of benefit and a crucial asset for not only Palestine Customs but the whole Palestine trading community.
This intervention is expected to assess the extent of current operational use of AW, identify where its use can be enhanced and to provide a review of future operational alternatives for Palestine to be better prepared for the possibility of transfer of control functions from Israel. Palestine’s Customs IT systems must be in a ‘state of readiness’ for that possibility, particularly in terms of transit regimes and warehouse controls, as well as control of revenue collection.
Description of Role: ASYCUDA Expert
The ASYCUDA Expert will:
- Undertake a review of AW to:
- Ensure that, as it operates, AW is being used to its full potential
- Assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the local modules, in terms of control of goods and data records
- Identify areas within the current AW that could be better and more efficiently utilised, and develop a plan to improve utilisation and efficiency
- Assess the capability of Customs personnel ‘remote working’, ensuring the assessment includes the diverse groups of women and men across the different functions.
- Provide options for CMS improvements, not only an AW upgrade solution but also other provider solutions e.g. PPP with the private sector, closer working with Israeli Customs.
- Undertake an IT systems diagnostic related to AW working across Customs to assess the ability to move forward with the use of modern IT methodologies and tools, such as Single Window, Digital Corridors, Data Pipeline and Artificial Intelligence systems, as well as electronic data processing and digitalisation in general.
- Dependent upon the approval of Phase 1 report, there will be a requirement for involvement in delivery of the Phase 2 Implementation activities.
Roles and Responsibilities
Work under this intervention will include:
Phase 1: Diagnostic (Months 1 + 2)
To examine the key functional areas within the Customs Department in order to determine the extent to which the AW automated system is currently being used and on the basis of the information received make recommendations for improvement.
- Examine each of the key functional areas within the Customs Department
- Determine the current use of the AW system in supporting the key functional areas of the Customs Department regarding data exchange (particularly with Israeli Customs), data quality, capacity for single window, capacity to host several agency risk management and selectivity system.
- Determine the existing knowledge and skills of officers in each of the key operational areas currently using the AW system.
- Provide an overview of gender-based resourcing, in terms of SADDD, location/region and levels of responsibility of the AW users.
- Assess Customs ability to optimise operational capabilities of AW, maintenance etc.
- Identify areas where AW training would be appropriate and suggest a programme of training delivery, where applicable GESI approach in identifying the training areas and highlighting the GESI dimensions in the proposed programme.
- Prepare a report with recommendations for the enhanced use of the current AW system to ensure that the system is being fully utilized, as well as functional ability to adapt other modern IT tools.
- Prepare a report providing an assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of the AW ugrade along with preferred upgrade and operational modules along with the expected cost of the upgrade options.
- Prepare a report with alternative solutions to the AW upgrade including value for money considerations.
Phase 2: Implementation (Months 3 + 4 assuming approval of Phase 1 report recommendations)
- Support the Customs IT department in improving the utilization of the current AW system dependent on the delivered report.
- Deliver some of the suggested training as per the delivered report.
- Support the IT department in integrating the current AW with modern IT tools as recommended in the delivered report.
This work will be undertaken with Palestine Customs. It will also require discussions across Government to look at the other systems that exist, as well as discussions with, wherever possible, Israeli customs.
The expert will be expected to work collaboratively, as and when required, with a further proposed expert who will be conducting a wider mapping exercise and assessment of Customs IT capabilities.
Programming:
- Participate in technical meetings and field/partner visits.
- Support in the preparation for the Technical and Policy Steering Committees and meetings.
- Support Work Stream lead and Deputy Team Leader and Team Leader in formal communication and reporting as needed.
Required Expertise and Competencies:
- BA in computer science, computer engineering or related field is required
- An in-depth understanding of all aspects of AW modules and operational capabilities
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in operational AW assessments
- Knowledge of network interface mapping
- Previous experience of Training Needs Assessments, Experience in the delivery of ASYCUDA training is required
- Wider knowledge of othe CMS solutions is required
- Strong analytical, verbal and writing skills in English
- Ability to produce accurate and concise reports
- Knowledge of Arabic would be an advantage.
- This is an equal opportunity assignment, qualified women and men are encouraged to apply.
Reporting Lines and Managerial Responsibilities:
- This role reports, in the first instance, to the Customs Workstream Lead and as required, to the project deputy team leader.
Duration
Expected Level of Effort is up to Fifty Days, with the length of assignment to a maximum of 16 weeks, being eight weeks for each of the two described Phases.
Location
The assessment work will require in-country working, based in Ramallah. While some remote report writing may be possible, in the event of travel restrictions to Palestine, an alternative implementation methodology may be developed to include local support and to ensure an in-country presence.
Application Process
Candidates are encouraged to apply by July 8, 2021/as soon as possible on our Careers Page.
For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as followed: Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position.
We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.
ABOUT US
With more than 35 years’ experience, Cowater International is Canada’s global leader in management consulting services specializing in international development and has managed the implementation of over 800 projects in more than 80 countries around the globe. We work with governments, partner organizations, communities and civil society to design and implement sustainable solutions that generate lasting social, financial and environmental impacts. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, Cowater International also has corporate offices in Montreal, Quebec; London, United Kingdom; Nairobi, Kenya; and Brussels, Belgium, in addition to project offices in a wide variety of other locations across Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.
We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow with Cowater International.
Terms of Reference
FCDO Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) Trade Facilitation and Customs Support (Tasdeer) Programme
ASYCUDA expert (WS4.006)
The Project: FCDO Trade Facilitation and Customs Support (Tasdeer)
The FCDO Trade Facilitation and Customs Support programme (Tasdeer) is a £15m programme financed by FCDO and operational from 2020 – 2023. The objective of the Tasdeer is to improve the trade performance and customs capabilities in the OPTs. It will ultimately contribute to increased inclusive private sector-led economic growth and fiscal sustainability in the OPTs. The programme is designed to be flexible and adaptable, and it will work politically and technically to make progress across the four key inter-related workstreams.
- Workstream 1: Support to expedite the movement of goods and reduce transaction costs
- Workstream 2: Support to improve Palestinian trade-related institutions and business enabling environment
- Workstream 3: Support to improve the private sector’s skills and innovation to export and create jobs
- Workstream 4: Support to improve PA’s customs readiness to assume functions from Israel and revenues from trade-related taxes
The programme is implemented by a Cowater-led consortium on behalf of FCDO. A Steering Committee (including representatives from FCDO, the Ministry of National Economy and the Ministry of Finance will approve interventions identified and designed by the supplier. Supplier interventions will be reviewed and quality assured by a Strategic Advisory Panel comprised of experts from the core consortium members across the four key inter-related Workstreams.
Workstream 4.006: Support to ASYCUDA and Automation within Customs
Palestine Customs currently uses the ASYCUDA World (AW) Customs Management System (CMS) that deals with data collection of goods being imported and exported into and out of the country. Palestine Customs has a unique challenge in that goods are cleared by the Israeli Customs Clearance system before the declaration is actually submitted into the Palestine AW system. Declaration data is passed from Israel to Palestine in batch on a daily basis through a cloud-based electronic exchange method, via an interface, into Palestine’s version of AW.
There are constraints on the effectiveness of the AW system in Palestine. The AW system could be used more efficiently, with enhanced use of under-utilised modules. However, it is very likely that there either needs to be an upgrade to a newer version of AW or a replacement with a modern fit-for-purpose CMS. Both of these options are expensive and have a long lead time. Alternatives, such as private sector solutions under PPP arrangements, should also be considered, but these also come with associated transactional costs, long lead times and other issues, such as cleansing and migration of historical data. A more efficient CMS, aligned to modern Customs requirements and capable of the latest IT tools, such as Digital Corridors, Data Pipelines, Artificial Intelligence systems and cargo tracking applications, as well as Single Window methodologies, would be of benefit and a crucial asset for not only Palestine Customs but the whole Palestine trading community.
This intervention is expected to assess the extent of current operational use of AW, identify where its use can be enhanced and to provide a review of future operational alternatives for Palestine to be better prepared for the possibility of transfer of control functions from Israel. Palestine’s Customs IT systems must be in a ‘state of readiness’ for that possibility, particularly in terms of transit regimes and warehouse controls, as well as control of revenue collection.
Description of Role: ASYCUDA Expert
The ASYCUDA Expert will:
- Undertake a review of AW to:
- ensure that, as it operates, AW is being used to its full potential
- assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the local modules, in terms of control of goods and data records
- Identify areas within the current AW that could be better and more efficiently utilised, and develop a plan to improve utilisation and efficiency
- assess the capability of Customs personnel ‘remote working’, ensuring the assessment includes the diverse groups of women and men across the different functions.
- provide options for CMS improvements, not only an AW upgrade solution but also other provider solutions e.g. PPP with the private sector, closer working with Israeli Customs.
- Undertake an IT systems diagnostic related to AW working across Customs to assess the ability to move forward with the use of modern IT methodologies and tools, such as Single Window, Digital Corridors, Data Pipeline and Artificial Intelligence systems, as well as electronic data processing and digitalisation in general.
- Dependent upon the approval of Phase 1 report, there will be a requirement for involvement in delivery of the Phase 2 Implementation activities.
Roles and Responsibilities
Work under this intervention will include:
Phase 1: Diagnostic (Months 1 + 2)
To examine the key functional areas within the Customs Department in order to determine the extent to which the AW automated system is currently being used and on the basis of the information received make recommendations for improvement.
- Examine each of the key functional areas within the Customs Department
- Determine the current use of the AW system in supporting the key functional areas of the Customs Department regarding data exchange (particularly with Israeli Customs), data quality, capacity for single window, capacity to host several agency risk management and selectivity system.
- Determine the existing knowledge and skills of officers in each of the key operational areas currently using the AW system.
- Provide an overview of gender-based resourcing, in terms of SADDD, location/region and levels of responsibility of the AW users.
- Assess Customs ability to optimise operational capabilities of AW, maintenance etc.
- Identify areas where AW training would be appropriate and suggest a programme of training delivery, where applicable GESI approach in identifying the training areas and highlighting the GESI dimensions in the proposed programme.
- Prepare a report with recommendations for the enhanced use of the current AW system to ensure that the system is being fully utilized, as well as functional ability to adapt other modern IT tools.
- Prepare a report providing an assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of the AW ugrade along with preferred upgrade and operational modules along with the expected cost of the upgrade options.
- Prepare a report with alternative solutions to the AW upgrade including value for money considerations.
Phase 2: Implementation (Months 3 + 4 assuming approval of Phase 1 report recommendations)
- Support the Customs IT department in improving the utilization of the current AW system dependent on the delivered report.
- Deliver some of the suggested training as per the delivered report.
- Support the IT department in integrating the current AW with modern IT tools as recommended in the delivered report.
This work will be undertaken with Palestine Customs. It will also require discussions across Government to look at the other systems that exist, as well as discussions with, wherever possible, Israeli customs.
The expert will be expected to work collaboratively, as and when required, with a further proposed expert who will be conducting a wider mapping exercise and assessment of Customs IT capabilities.
Programming.
- Participate in technical meetings and field/partner visits.
- Support in the preparation for the Technical and Policy Steering Committees and meetings.
- Support Work Stream lead and Deputy Team Leader and Team Leader in formal communication and reporting as needed.
Required Expertise and Competencies:
- BA in computer science, computer engineering or related field is required
- An in-depth understanding of all aspects of AW modules and operational capabilities
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in operational AW assessments
- Knowledge of network interface mapping
- Previous experience of Training Needs Assessments, Experience in the delivery of ASYCUDA training is required
- Wider knowledge of othe CMS solutions is required
- Strong analytical, verbal and writing skills in English
- Ability to produce accurate and concise reports
- Knowledge of Arabic would be an advantage.
- This is an equal opportunity assignment, qualified women and men are encouraged to apply.
Reporting Lines and Managerial Responsibilities
- This role reports, in the first instance, to the Customs Workstream Lead and as required, to the project deputy team leader.
Duration
Expected Level of Effort is up to Fifty Days, with the length of assignment to a maximum of 16 weeks, being eight weeks for each of the two described Phases.
Location
The assessment work will require in-country working, based in Ramallah. While some remote report writing may be possible, in the event of travel restrictions to Palestine, an alternative implementation methodology may be developed to include local support and to ensure an in-country presence.
ABOUT US
With more than 35 years’ experience, Cowater International is Canada’s global leader in management consulting services specializing in international development and has managed the implementation of over 800 projects in more than 80 countries around the globe. We work with governments, partner organizations, communities and civil society to design and implement sustainable solutions that generate lasting social, financial and environmental impacts. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, Cowater International also has corporate offices in Montreal, Quebec; London, United Kingdom; Nairobi, Kenya; and Brussels, Belgium, in addition to project offices in a wide variety of other locations across Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.
We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow with Cowater International.