Background

The United Nations Conference on Trade And Development (UNCTAD) is the part of the United Nations Secretariat dealing with trade, investment, and development issues. The organization's goals are to maximize the trade, investment and development opportunities of developing countries and assist them in their efforts to integrate into the world economy on an equitable basis.

Throughout the recent two decades, the Republic of Tajikistan's Government has undertaken significant reforms to open the economy and introduce the market mechanisms. At present, the country’s leadership is willing to continue and deepen the structural transformation, particularly in the areas of transport infrastructure development and export diversification. Therefore, there is an urgent need for modernized and transparent Customs procedures to promote Tajikistan’s positioning as a land-linked transit country and a pro-active player in the regional trade and economic processes.

Under the World Bank funded Program, UNCTAD has recently signed an agreement with the Customs Services under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan (CSGRT) for Reforms, Automation and modernization of Customs processes and procedures by implementation of Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) World under the Phase Four of the Central Asia Regional Links Program (CARS-4) Project of ASYCUDA Component. Administrative measures are taken to prepare the environment for implementing new Customs regimes and procedures to ensure transparency in the Customs clearance process and to fight Customs Corruption on one hand and to have simplified procedures on the other. 

In order to fulfill the requirements for the full implementation of ASYCUDA World, a national team will be hired to work closely with international experts. A National Project Manager of ASYCUDA will be hired under the project to lead and manage the national team for the reforms and full Automation of Tajikistan Customs.

In addition, the Administrative and all logistical arrangements of the project will be done through the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Dushanbe, Tajikistan; therefore, the process of recruitment will be managed through UNDP and the individual contracts will be issued accordingly.

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Project’s National Project Manager, the Senior IT Expert is responsible for effective delivery of project implementation support services ensuring effective operational management of project’s Information Technologies affairs and transparent utilization of IT resources. The Senior IT Expert promotes a collaborative and client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP/UNCTAD rules and regulations.

The Senior IT Expert works in close collaboration with the ASYCUDA Techanial and Functional teams ensuring successful performance and compliance in programme management

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Design, develop and implement the Computer Application Systems, modules and any software components needed to support the implementation of ASYCUDA World System in Customs;

2. Develop Systems and module graphical interfaces, web modules, database modules, application reports and statistics, and any software components needed to deliver complete and functional applications Systems required by the ASYCUDA  Systems.

3. Perform all necessary software maintenance, including coding, testing, debugging, upgrading and modifications of software required;

4. Apply software development methodologies as directed by Senior Executive to develop, implement and test Systems and software components;

5. Design, develop and implement Systems and software technical specifications based on business requirements provided by Customs Services;

6. Provide the necessary technical support and work on a team basis to all members of the ASYCUDA team to accomplish the software development and implementation tasks as required;

7. Contribute technical and professional knowledge and experience to improve ASYCUDA operations and technical platform;

8. Develop and provide monthly & quarterly software project status reports describing the development of the above activities and any issues that may emerge, with conclusions and recommendations as required;

9. Through formal training sessions or coaching upgrade the IT literacy level of the team members, as and when required;

10.Any other task as assigned by the Supervisor

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

1. Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
2. Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP/UNCTAD
3. Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

1. Promotes knowledge management in UNCTAD and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example
2. Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Development and Operational Effectiveness

1. Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
2. Ability to implement new systems and affect staff behavioral/attitudinal change
3. Strong IT System development skills, knowledge of ASYCUDA system desirable

Management and Leadership

1. Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
2. Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude

1. Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills

Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• At least Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Application or similar fields;
• Masters degree in the relevant fields will be given preferences.
• Completion of advanced IT related studee or courses is an advantage;

Experience:

• At least 5 years of proven work experience in Information Technology, Computer Programs Development, or other relevant field is required with Bachelor’s degree or 3 years of relevant work experience with Master’s degree.
• Proven expertise in the development and use of IT-based tools, processes and MIS in support of Business process simplification and processes is highly desirable;
• Completion of JAVA, Oracle courses along with Ms. Office;
• Previous experience in Tajikistan IT Sector especially with Customs or Trade related matters is desirable.
• Experience in training and coaching of IT-based tools, processes and MIS.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in spoken and written English, Tajik and Russian languages is a must.