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SCOPE OF WORK

Position:                                 ICT Consultant to Develop Technical Specifications for Moldova Customs Service Accounting Software (Consultant)

Program:                               USAID Moldova Institutional and Structural Reforms Activity (MISRA)

Location:                                Chisinau, Moldova

Period of Performance:        December 2023 – March 2025

Total Level of Effort:             up to 60 days

Project Background

The USAID Moldova Institutional and Structural Reform Activity (MISRA) is a five-year project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by Nathan Associates Inc. MISRA’s objective is to stimulate a sustainable and inclusive recovery from the regional crisis, improve the institutional, business, and trade enabling environment in Moldova by supporting Moldova’s public institutions and the private sector to accelerate the implementation of trade liberalization mechanisms, adopt structural and investment climate reforms, accelerate financial sector reforms, improve economic governance in the public sector, and enhance strategic communications between the private and public actors. MISRA builds on prior and ongoing USAID and US Government activities in the business enabling environment and trade facilitation space to strengthen Moldova’s economic growth and resilience, and by doing so, increase transparency and accountability.

MISRA is supporting structural reforms of the Government of Moldova’s regulatory and operational practices to improve trade and the business environment in support of job creation, investments, sustainable growth, and a quick economic recovery.

Overview

In line with the project's objectives, MISRA is cooperating with the Moldova Customs Service (Customs) of the Republic of Moldova. The mission of Customs is to safeguard the country's economic security by efficiently collecting taxes and duties, combating customs fraud, facilitating international trade, protecting society, and applying customs legislation consistently and impartially.

To efficiently manage tasks and responsibilities, Customs is actively engaged in the digitalization of its processes, some of which is being carried out with assistance from USAID MISRA, in preparation for implementation of the new Customs Code on January 1, 2024. Customs aims to improve its accounting software which manages customs duties, by improving the features and functionalities of guarantee instruments, deferred payments, and administration of other customs obligations. The existing software, referred to as Accounting, was integrated into the Customs system in 2014, replacing the previous Economist module. However, since its integration in 2014, there have been no further updates to the module, although there have been advancements in reconciling payments with Treasury, MPay, and maib data. To address the challenges in managing payment records, the Customs Revenue and Guarantees Division resorted to creating manual Excel tables to verify data from various sources.

Considering the implementation of the new Customs Code and the need for achieving more effective management and oversight, it is imperative to develop either an improved or new accounting module for customs payments, as appropriate, based on the review of the existing software. MISRA will assist Customs with developing a software solution in line with new regulations and the objective of improved functionalities for effective payments/revenue management, compliance, and tracking of all payment processes. Mandatory enhancements will include creating real-time data exchange web services with the Treasury and other payment instruments used; incorporating the ability to defer import/export duties within a guaranteed deferral period; monitoring and tracking deferred payments; and offsetting payments against other obligations.

Tasks

The Consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

Task 1. Prepare a technical specifications document for the software. The process of preparing the technical specifications will involve, but not be limited to, assessment of relevant legislation and existing software, analyzing how to connect with the existing Customs and other government data, conducting meetings, and meeting with Customs representatives, MISRA, and other stakeholders. The technical specifications should be coordinated with and approved by Customs and MISRA.

Task 2. Participate in meetings and provide feedback/assistance to the selected IT developer during the drafting of the System Design Detailed Document as required

Task 3. Assist MISRA and Customs during the acceptance phase of the software as required.

Deliverables

1. Technical specifications document for the software.

Supervisory Responsibilities and Reporting

The Consultant will report to the Deputy Chief of Party/ Lead of Component 2 and the Senior Trade Specialist.

Skills and Qualifications 

• University degree in ICT or related fields preferred.
• Experience of at least 5 years preferred in roles of the scope and size of this assignment, including proficiency in documenting technical specifications, which include creating clear and comprehensive requirements, design documents, and system architecture diagrams.
• A demonstrated understanding of government regulations, standards, and compliance requirements in respect to software development, especially in respect to sensitive data and security.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for effectively conveying technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Knowledge of English preferred.

How to Apply

We welcome your CV and preferably cover letter at Moldovajobs@nathaninc.com. Please apply by November 03, 2023, with “ICT Consultant to Develop Technical Specifications for Moldova Customs Service Accounting Software” in the subject line. This short-term position will remain open until filled.