UNDP Jobs - 56469- International Customs Specialist (Organization of

International Customs Specialist (Organization of ToT for Customs Officers on ODS Import/Export)

Location :

Home Based Work with one Mission to Tashkent, UZBEKISTAN

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

10-Jun-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

15 working days (June-July, 2015)

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Project Title/Department: UNDP-GEF project “Initial Implementation of Accelerated HCFC Phase Out in the CEIT Region – Uzbekistan”/Environment and Energy Unit.

Uzbekistan adopted obligations to implement the phase-out schedule use of HCFCs under the Montreal Protocol, as stipulated in the Copenhagen Amendment, as well as subsequent supplement approved by the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on the 19th Meeting of the Parties (MOP 19) held in September 2007. This requires further capacity building of all relevant organizations and agencies that can serve to improve the regulatory and legislative acts to assist in accelerating the reduction in the use of HCFCs in the medium and long term, as well as to increase the country's readiness for a full cessation of use and withdrawal from the use of HCFCs; and will allow develop and implement appropriate investment programs in support of reducing dependence on imports of ozone-depleting substances and to implement and use in refrigeration and air conditioning, modern ozone friendly and energy-efficient technologies and best practices.

In this regard, UNDP and the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Nature Protection prepared and launched a project first execution of an accelerated reduction in the use of HCFCs in the region, countries with economies in transition (EIT) - Uzbekistan, which is funded by the Global Environment Facility. The main objective of this project is to assist in ensuring that the requirements of Uzbekistan accelerated withdrawal out of HCFCs under the Montreal Protocol by stabilizing and progressive reductions in HCFC consumption.

The State Custom Committee (SCC) is one of the main partners of the project. Within the project, the SCC should be equipped with modern portable Ozone Depleting Substance (ODS) analytical equipment and the SCC custom officers should be trained on legislation, regulations, customs control and using analytical equipment for better control of ODS export/import. For updating the training materials for customs trainings and conducting ToT for customs officers the project hires an International Customs Specialist.

Deliverables of the assignment will serve as a foundation for the organization of immediate trainings (by trained trainers) for working level Customs officers who operate in the main territorial Customs departments and main posts affiliated with those officers. Based on the developed recommendations and training module the trained trainers will organize immediate trainers for estimated 300 working level customs officers and regular trainings for new staff Training Institute

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager (PM), he/she will work as a part of the project team, and liaise with the project National Technical Coordinator (NTC), National Consultant/Specialist and MPU/Chemicals (Istanbul).

Duties and Responsibilities

Develop a training module for trainers (custom officers) on ODS import/export and application of modern ODS analytical equipment/technologies (home based):

Review national guidelines for customs officers and training programs of Higher Military Customs Institute, and develop recommendations for their improvement based on the experience of the European Union to regulate F - gases and new developments adopted by the Decisions of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer;
Review the Third Edition of «Ozone action training manual for customs and enforcement officers» (developed by UNEP);
Review and analyze ODS import/export control legislations of developed countries, in particular EU countries;
Familiarize with the national legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan related to regulation of the ODS import/export.

Develop a training module for trainers on ODS export/import, including:

Overview of the ozone layer protection issue;
Overview of Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, Montreal Protocol on Substances that Depleting the Ozone Layer (MP) and its` four Amendments;
Obligations of MP Parties and deadlines on elimination of ODS consumption;
Sanctions for non-compliance with the MP;
International legislation of developed countries to regulate ODS import/export and modern requirements for elimination of ODS consumption;
Legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan to regulate ODS import/export and requirements for elimination of ODS consumption;
Methods to prevent illegal trade and concealment of ODS;
Brief overview of HS (Harmonized System) codes for ODS, including F - gases;
Brief overview of labeling and packaging of ODS and F - gases;
Brief overview national strategy of the Republic of the Uzbekistan for ODS phase-out;
Existing methodologies for determining ODS and F-gases;
General safety regulations of customs officers during the customs inspection and identification of refrigerants;
Practical exercises for customs examination and working with modern analytical tools determining ODS and F-gases;
Information about modern e-learning programs for Customs Officers, etc.;
Develop a Training Program of 4-5 day ToT for customs officers and authorities;
Finalize draft training program based on consultations with/feedback from PM, NTC, National Consultant/Specialist and MPU/Chemicals by using Skype or other available means of communication;
Develop and submit to the project the draft of ToT handout materials for training participants in English and/or Russian languages;

Conducting 4-5 day ToT for customs officers and authorities on ODS import/export and application of modern ODS analytical equipment/technologies (6-day mission to Tashkent):

Develop 4-5 day training agenda and receiving clearance of the PM;
Conduct a training for trainers and evaluation of training participants performance after training completion (using e-learning programs will highly encouraged);
Prepare a report on ToT and developing practical recommendations for the trainers for further conducting workshops for customs specialists and nature protection inspectors (based on the structure of the contents and number of pages (not more 15-20 pages) agreed with the Project Manager).

The following deliverables and indicative schedule are expected from the consultant. Exact dates of beginning and completion stages as well as scope of works for each phase can be corrected by Project Manager based on reasonable justification by the International Consultant. The project reserves the right, if necessary, to amend the terms of reference of the International Consultant on a written agreement. The final schedule will be agreed in the beginning of consultancy assignment. All deliverables should be submitted to the project by the Consultant in English and/or Russian.

Deliverables:

Training module for customs officers and authorities on ODS import/export and application of modern ODS analytical equipment/technologies submitted, agreed/approved by the PM and E&E Unit of UNDP in Uzbekistan (5 w/days). - June 20, 2015;
3-5 days training organized for 20 (5 trainers trained and 15 officers from the central administration of the State Customs Committee Office) Customs officers conducted and reported to Project Manager (6 w/days); - July 20, 2015;
Final report, which includes details of conducted ToT and practical recommendations for trainers for further conducting workshops for customs specialists and nature protection inspectors submitted, agreed/approved by the PM and E&E Unit of UNDP in Uzbekistan (3 w/days). - August 20, 2015.

Payment conditions

This is a lump sum contract that should include costs of consultancy and international travel costs (in-country travel cost will be covered by the project), accommodation and meal (DSA or per diems in Tashkent) and visas costs required to produce the above deliverables. Payment will be released in 2 (two) installments (30% and 70%) upon timely submissions of the above mentioned respective deliverables English or Russian and their acceptance by the Supervisor and UNDP EEU (Environment and Energy Unit)

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Ability to work in close collaboration with a group of national and international experts, to meet strict deadlines and plan the work according to priorities;
Excellent written and oral communication skills, focus on results, ability to interact productively in a teamwork environment;
Initiative, good analytical skills, ability to work under tight schedule while respecting deadlines achievement, ethics and honesty;
Good ability to use information and communication technologies as tools and resources.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Postgraduate or other advanced university degree in the field of customs, international low and other relevant technical sciences and/or of environment protection.

Experience:

At least 10 years of hands-on experience in the field of customs, control of chemicals import export, including ozone-depleting substances (ODSs), the ODSs-based and ODS-free alternative and energy efficiency technologies, knowledge of best practices using ozone-friendly substances is an asset;
Hands-on experience with development and conducting training programs implemented by national and international organizations. Previous experience with development project in Central Asia countries is an advantage;
Profound knowledge of Montreal Protocol related issues and its associated Policies and Agreements is required;
Deep knowledge of international legal and regulatory related to customs/import/export, environment protection and ODS, knowledge of relevant international policies/strategies is an advantage;
Experience with product optimization and energy efficiency cross-cutting issues is desirable;
Experience in developing countries, including CIS is an asset.

Languages:

Fluency in English. Knowledge of Russian is an advantage.

Documents to be included when submitting the proposals:

Proposal- provide brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work (2 pages or less);
P-11 form and Offeror’s Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability;
Applicants are required to fill and sign a P11 Form and Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability and submit it to the online application;
Above mentioned documents can be obtained at http://www.uz.undp.org/content/uzbekistan/en/home/operations/jobs/

Application process:

To submit your application online, please follow the steps below:

Download and complete the UN Personal History Form (P11) and Offeror’s Letter;
Merge your P11, Offeror’s Letter and Proposal into a single file;
Click on the Job Title;
Click “Apply Now” button, fill in necessary information on the first page, and click “Submit Application”;
Upload your forms

You will receive an automatic response to your email confirming receipt of your application by the system.

Note:

Only shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide a financial proposal.

Financial Proposal

Lump sum contracts:

This is a lump sum contract. The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount. Payments are based upon output, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR. In order to assist the requesting unit in the comparison of financial proposals, the financial proposal will include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (including travel, per diems, and number of anticipated working days);
The payment will be made in four installments to be issued upon completion and submission of Performance Evaluation Form (PEF) on the works performed as indicated in the terms of reference.

Travel

All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal. This includes all travel to join duty station/repatriation travel. In general, UNDP does not accept travel costs exceeding those of an economy class ticket. Should the IC wish to travel on a higher class he/she should do so using their own resources.

In the case of unforeseeable travel, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between the respective business unit and Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed.

Evaluation

The individual consultants will be evaluated based on the Cumulative analysis methodology.

The award of the contract will be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

Responsive/compliant/acceptable;
Having received the highest score out of the set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation;
Technical Criteria weight – 70%;
Financial Criteria weight – 30%.

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points for the Technical Criteria will be considered for the Financial Evaluation.