Anunțuri de Angajare

SCOPE OF WORK

Position:                                 Business Analyst (further Consultant)

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

Location:                                Chisinau, Moldova

Period of Performance:        May – September 2024

Total Level of Effort:             up to 65 days

Work Plan Activity:             Task 2.3.1 Streamlining most important business processes within Customs Service in accordance with new Customs Code

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.

The main objective of the Component 1I Objective: Improved public governance framework of trade, business environment and investment enabling sectors. MISRA will support structural reforms of the GOM’s regulatory and operational practices to improve trade and the business environment for job creation, investment, sustainable growth and to pursue a quick economic recovery.

Overview

The Moldova Customs Service (MCS) operates as a governmental entity under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance. Its core mission revolves around bolstering the Republic of Moldova's growth and stability. This is achieved through the safeguarding of the nation's economic and fiscal interests, fostering legitimate trade practices, and delivering high-quality public services to both businesses and individuals.

Commencing from January 1, 2024, the new Customs Code of the Republic of Moldova No. 95/2021 came into effect, aiming to standardize and align national customs legislation with that of the European Union. This implementation stands as a key commitment undertaken by the Republic of Moldova in its pursuit of EU accession candidacy.

Government Decision (GD) No. 92/2023, on the implementation of Customs Code No. 95/2021, also came into force as of January 1, 2024. And through GD No. 1095/2023, amendments and additions were made to GD 92/2023.

Key benefits and innovations introduced by the new customs law and decisions include:

• Elimination of fees for customs procedures and deferred payment for customs duties.
• Reduction of costs and time associated with customs clearance.
• Automatic validation of export customs declarations.
• Digitization and automation of processes.
• Limited physical interaction with customs officials.
• Introduction of verbal declaration for certain categories of goods.
• Decreased costs and delays related to goods declarations.
• Remote declaration of postal items.
• Allowance for declaring up to 999 goods on a single customs declaration (compared to 99 goods prior to the new Code’s coming into force).
• Mitigation of fraud risks and derogation of integrity through online monitoring of customs operations.

As an example, the current management of import and export operations as separate entities contrasts with the newly adopted Code, harmonized with European Union standards, through which these processes are seamlessly integrated, irrespective of declaration format.

Over time, the legislative modifications have required revisions to numerous processes, and, with the newly adopted Customs Code, many procedures have undergone substantial transformation. At the request of MCS, the Consultant will review the new Customs legislation and regulations and, namely, map and provide narrative and visual representation of the following Customs procedures:

1. Import and export operations,
2. Inward and outward activities,
3. Import/export of international postal shipments,
4. Temporary admission,
5. Temporary storage,
6. Customs decisions, and
7. Contravention and violations of customs regulations and procedures.

In the light of the newly adopted Customs Code and decisions, MCS also needs one training session to augment the capabilities of its personnel in understanding the process reforms, including through narratives, mapping, and visual tools. This training is particularly pertinent considering the above-mentioned mapping of the new Customs law and procedures, as it will equip Customs representatives with the knowledge and skills needed to independently map and teach about these and future customs reforms.

Tasks

The Consultant will be responsible for carrying-out the following tasks:

Task 1. Internal processes mapping: This task entails a comprehensive examination of the new Customs Code and decisions, with specific focus on the following procedures: import and export operations; inward and outward activities; import/export of international postal shipments; temporary admission; temporary storage; customs decisions; and contravention and violations of customs regulations and procedures. By conducting this analysis, a meticulous mapping of above-mentioned business processes will be carried out. The business processes mapping will be presented in a narrative format, offering a thorough, step-by-step description.

Task 2. Visual mapping: Based on data collected during the internal processes mapping, visual process maps will be generated. These visual representations will enhance the understanding of the mapped processes, providing a clear and accessible overview of the changes in the above-mentioned Customs processes.  

Task 3. Training session on mapping processes. Develop and conduct one training session for customs representatives to enhance their capacities to independently map and teach other Customs staff about these and future reforms. The Consultant will prepare training materials, explain the methodology for process mapping, and provide step-by-step instructions using examples from the processes mapped within the Customs.     

The Consultant will engage with the Customs representatives during all stages of the tasks described, as their insights, feedback and validation of mapped processes will be invaluable.  

Deliverables

The following deliverables will be developed in coordination with MISRA and the MCS:

1. Mapping of internal processes with visual representation within MCS report: The report will outline the selected business processes, in line with the newly adopted Customs Code and decisions. It will include narrative and visual representations to enhance understanding of the new processes and provide a clear and accessible overview of the respective business processes.

2. Training on mapping processes conducted: One training session on mapping business processes and tools developed. The training session will be delivered to Customs representatives, and it will include delivery of training materials, list of persons trained, participants’ assessment of the training session, and conclusions and recommendations.

Supervisory Responsibilities and Reporting

The Consultant will report to the Deputy Chief of Party / Lead of Component 2 and the Institutional and Structural Reforms Coordinator.

Skills and Qualifications

• A bachelor’s or preferably master’s degree in law or Information Technology, or related field
• At least 7 years of experience in business processes mapping and workflow analysis with visual presentation
• Knowledge of operations and functions of the MCS.
• Strong analytical and interpersonal skills.
• Solid verbal, written and presentation skills, coupled with a strong technical mindset.
• Fluency in both written and spoken Romanian language.

How to Apply

We welcome your CV and preferably cover letter at Moldovajobs@nathaninc.com. Please apply by April 22, 2024, with “Business Analyst - business processes within the Moldova Customs Service” in the subject line. This short-term position will remain open until filled.