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                     SCOPE OF WORK

Position:                                 Local ICT Consultant

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

Location:                                Chisinau, Moldova

Period of Performance:        March 2024 – February 2025

Total Level of Effort:             up to 50 days

Work Plan Activity:             Task 2.3.5 Enhancing Customs Control Based on Risk Analysis and Establishing the Center of Risk Analysis and Intelligence                  

Project Background

The USAID Moldova Institutional and Structural Reforms 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 within the Government of Moldova to improve trade and the business environment in support of job creation, investments, sustainable growth, and a quick economic recovery.

Overview

This scope of work focuses on initiatives to facilitate the flow of goods at Moldova’s borders. In line with the project's objectives, MISRA is collaborating with the Moldova Customs Service (Customs) of the Republic of Moldova. Customs' mission 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.

The regional trade landscape has been significantly affected by the conflict in Ukraine, which has altered and disrupted trade flows, creating challenges for Moldova's international border crossing points. Despite enhanced customs controls, manually inspecting every shipment is impractical. Advanced risk assessment methodologies must be employed by Customs authorities. Risk management enhances the efficient allocation of resources by targeting higher-risk consignments through improved profiling, thereby better safeguarding against illegal activities, and protecting public health, national security, and intellectual property rights.

While a basic level of risk analysis is already in place within Customs, more sophisticated techniques are required. Therefore, MISRA will collaborate with Customs to establish the new Center of Risk Analysis and Intelligence (CRAI) to bolster Customs’ management, data-driven decision-making, and crisis responses. This is part of MISRA’s broader support, including normative and operational components, systematic risk management processes, digital tools, and necessary hardware and software, if feasible.

MISRA will develop a comprehensive concept for the establishment of CRAI. This comprehensive concept will serve as a roadmap for the design, implementation, and operation of the CRAI, which will play a critical role in enhancing Customs’ ability to effectively facilitate international trade and manage and mitigate risks. In line with the concept, MISRA will assist in drafting the normative and operational documents for the CRAI.

Following the concept and the normative and operational documentation for CRAI, MISRA will assist Customs in the development of software that will digitize the activities and processes enhanced at the new CRAI. The ICT consultant will assist in developing the technical specifications for the software, as well as during the development and implementation phases, providing recommendations for the necessary hardware.

Tasks

The Consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

Task 1. Prepare a technical specifications document for the software and provide recommendations for the necessary hardware. The process of preparing the technical specifications will involve, but not be limited to, the assessment of concepts, relevant legislation, new normative and operational documentation, analyzing how to connect with existing Customs and other government data, conducting meetings, and meeting with Customs representatives, MISRA, and other consultants, as well as 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 ICT 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. Terms of Reference (technical specifications document for the software) for the digitalization of the new Center of Risk Analysis and Intelligence for the Moldova Customs Service.

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 is preferred.
• Preferred experience of at least 5 years in roles of the scope and size of this assignment, including proficiency in documenting technical specifications. This proficiency should include creating clear and comprehensive requirements, design documents, and system architecture diagrams.
• A demonstrated understanding of government regulations, standards, and compliance requirements in relation to software development, especially concerning sensitive data and security.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for effectively conveying technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Knowledge of English is preferred.

How to Apply

We welcome your CV and preferably cover letter at Moldovajobs@nathaninc.com. Please apply by February 07, 2024, with “ICT Consultant – ToR for digitalization of CRAI” in the subject line. This short-term position will remain open until filled.