International Consultant - Customs and Rules of Origin Expert (DCTS Customs Toolkit)

Organizational Context

The International Trade Centre (ITC), a joint agency of the UN and WTO, supports SMEs in developing countries to enhance trade competitiveness. This role supports the Making Trade Happen project, focusing on strengthening trade institutions and SMEs. The consultant will contribute to developing a customs toolkit to facilitate the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS).

Job Purpose

The purpose of this role is to provide expert technical support for the development of a practical, user-oriented Customs toolkit for the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). This toolkit aims to strengthen the capacity of customs administrations in beneficiary countries to effectively administer and verify DCTS preferences. By promoting consistent implementation and providing operational guidance aligned with international best practices, the role contributes to transforming preferential market access into tangible trade opportunities, enhancing institutional resilience, and fostering sustainable economic growth in developing countries. The consultant will collaborate closely with HMRC, partner customs administrations, and other stakeholders to ensure the toolkit meets operational needs.

Responsibilities

The International Consultant will be responsible for the technical development of the DCTS Customs toolkit. This includes reviewing the DCTS legal framework, operational procedures, and existing guidance from HMRC and other relevant sources. The consultant will define the toolkit's structure, format, and content, ensuring it is practical and user-oriented. Key duties involve coordinating technical consultations with customs administrations, HMRC, and international experts to gather input and validate approaches. The consultant will document operational practices, implementation challenges, and capacity gaps. Responsibilities also include developing practical tools, templates, and guidance on topics such as DCTS overview, self-certification, exporter registration, preferential import procedures, verification processes, and risk-based compliance management. Finally, the consultant will manage the technical review and validation process, consolidating feedback and revising the toolkit for final publication.

Work Experience

A minimum of 6 years of professional experience in customs administration, trade facilitation, or border management is required. Demonstrated expertise in preferential trade agreements, customs procedures, and rules of origin is essential. Proven experience in developing customs operational manuals, guidance documents, toolkits, or training materials is necessary. Experience working with customs administrations in developing or least developed countries and facilitating technical consultations is also required.

Skills

Expertise in preferential trade agreements, customs procedures, and rules of origin. Proven experience in developing customs operational manuals, guidance documents, toolkits, or training materials. Strong experience facilitating technical consultations and multi-stakeholder engagement. Excellent analytical, drafting, and report writing skills. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills. Strong project coordination and organizational abilities. Ability to translate complex customs procedures into practical operational guidance. Ability to work independently. Strong attention to detail.

Explore related opportunities