Terms of Reference – Project Coordinator – Zambia

Terms of Reference – Project Coordinator – Zambia

Center for International Private Enterprise / Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation

 

1. Background

The Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation is a public private partnership for trade-led growth, supporting governments in developing and least-developed countries in implementing the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement. Alliance projects cut through red tape and end costly delays at borders by bringing together governments and businesses of all sizes as equal partners to deliver targeted trade reforms. The Alliance is led by the Center for International Private Enterprise, the International Chamber of Commerce, and the World Economic Forum, in cooperation with Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). It is funded by the governments of the United States, Canada, and Germany.

CIPE, on behalf of the Alliance, is in the process of implementing a project to modernize the framework for the licensing of customs clearing agents (customs brokers) in Zambia. Because customs brokers serve as the intermediary between the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA or Customs) and traders, a well-functioning border relies heavily upon brokers’ knowledge, professionalism, and integrity. Both the private sector and the Government of Zambia have underscored substantial concerns about the current licensing system and its negative impacts on trade in the country.

Under current practices in Zambia, some brokers are able to attain licenses without proper training, proof of knowledge and compliance, or even demonstrating a physical address for their business. Partly resulting from this, ZRA has estimated that the number of licensed customs brokers, around 700, is in excess of what is required given the level of business in Zambia. The private sector expresses that brokers often lack sufficient knowledge and expertise in clearing goods because there is no proper customs brokers framework, training, and examination in place. Members of a subset of the broker community, often referred to as “briefcase brokers,” do not always have a physical address for their business and are actively undermining the competitiveness of compliant traders. The Government, on the other side, has expressed its concern about the lack of knowledge and understanding of the duties and responsibilities by importers and their customs brokers.

The overall objective of this project, therefore, is to support Zambia to design and implement a modern, equitable, robust and fit-for-purpose customs broker licensing framework. The Alliance will conduct the project through a gender lens to ensure that women derive the same benefits as their male counterparts. After the completion of the project, it is expected that:

1. Zambia has a body of highly qualified, trained and efficient customs brokers who are able to facilitate faster clearance and transit of goods across Zambia’s borders
2. The government has an efficient and sustainable customs broker licensing framework
3. Zambia will have implemented a fundamental and transformative category “C” commitment of the TFA, thereby boosting economic growth and reducing poverty.

The Alliance launched the project in January of 2019 to implement the project in three phases:

1. Improving the framework (Completed December 2019) – During this phase, the Alliance will assess all elements for a modern customs broker framework to create a clear roadmap for the creation of a licensing system that incorporates a training course and an examination.
2. Development of exam and training (completed) – The new framework envisions two major parts: a training course, and (2) a subsequent compulsory examination for existing and prospective brokers. This phase will develop such training course in association with ZRA, the customs broker association(s), and the broader private sector including those outfits identified to lead training and exam implementation.
3. Implementation of training and examination (6 months) – The examination and training will be a new condition introduced into an existing established industry. The project will gradually phase them in to avoid disruption.

The project will directly support Zambia in implementing Article 10.6.3 of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), which Zambia has determined to be a “Category C” commitment. This article states “with regard to the licensing of customs brokers, Members shall apply rules that are transparent and objective.”

To support the implementation of the project, the Alliance wishes to hire the services of a local Project Coordinator who will work closely and cooperatively with the Zambia Revenue Authority, the project’s working group, and the rest of the Alliance team to ensure timely and adequate implementation of phase II and phase III of the project.

2. General Objectives

The objective of this position is to provide local coordination and day-to-day management of project activities to ensure the successful and efficient implementation of phases II and III of the “Modernization of Customs Clearing Agent Licensing” project.

3. Scope of Work

The position’s activities shall include, but are not limited to the following:

• Providing management services to facilitate the day-to-day implementation of the Project in Zambia in accordance with the Alliance’s goals;
• Coordinating Project activities and liaising with Zambia government officials, private sector stakeholders, training institutions, and relevant non-government organizations;
• Coordinating with CIPE management and CIPE technical consultants on the implementation of the program and developing strategic plans;
• Providing support as Alliance Secretariat to the Project Working Group, organizing and convening monthly public-private meetings
• Supporting regular missions from CIPE project management and international technical experts;
• Meeting with visiting delegations from private and public stakeholders supporting the Project’s implementation;
• Nurturing and maintaining relationships with other World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement-related programs in Zambia; and
• Coordinating with the Alliance’s Monitoring and Evaluation officers in the collection and analysis of data on the progress and implementation of the Project.

4. Specific Activities

It is expected that the consultant will conduct, as a minimum, the following activities:

• Arrange consultations with the private sector throughout the execution of the project.
• Provide technical and logistical support to any individual consultant or consulting firm hired during the implementation of the project.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly progress reports highlighting the activities conducted, challenges faced, propose solutions, and monthly and quarterly objectives.
• Support the development of terms of reference for the activities identified in the project plan.
• Prepare, maintain and follow up on meeting minutes.
• Participate in evaluation committees to evaluate technical and financial proposals as needed.
• Co-lead project review exercises designed to adjust, organize and streamline project procedures/schedules/plans, highlighting the activities that will impact on project implementation.
• Monitor progress on all deliverables and outputs identified in the project.
• Ensure effective coordination between ZRA, private sector representatives from ZCFAA, ZAFFA, CCFFAZ, SFFAZ, the Alliance team, and any individual consultant and consulting firm hired during the implementation of the project.
• Participate in regular project evaluation and review meetings to identify current and future bottlenecks/challenges/risks and to develop and initiate resolutions.
• Document all changes requested to project scope, schedule, and budget.

5. Duration of Assignment

The duration of the contract is until December 2024. Applicants that are only available part-time will be considered on a case-by-case basis as well. Expected start date: Immediate.

6. Reporting Arrangements

The selected candidate will report to CIPE’s Program Officer for Trade. The candidate will also work closely with the Chair of the Project Working Group.

7. Administrative and Logistical Arrangements

• Candidates should already reside in or around Lusaka
• Office space will not be provided by CIPE
• Meeting space for monthly Project Working Group meetings will be provided on a rotational basis by the members of the Project Working Group in Lusaka, Zambia

8. Payment Schedule

For the performance of duties outlined in this Terms of Reference, the consultant will be paid monthly.

9. Technical Profile of Candidate

Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Economics, Business, IT or another relevant
  Knowledge/Experience
• At least 5 years demonstrated experience in trade or public sector reform
• At least 5 years demonstrated experience in donor-funded project implementation and coordination
• Previous experience working for or with the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)
• Familiarity with the Customs Clearing Agent industry and the role and responsibilities of a Customs Clearing Agent
• Previous experience in project monitoring and evaluation (M&E)
• Sound working knowledge of project management techniques, tools and
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience working both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment is essential
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English

10.Application

To apply for this opportunity, please send a resume, cover letter, and financial proposal to tradejobs@cipe.org by 5:00pm Eastern Standard Time, Monday February 12, 2024 with the subject line: “GATF Zambia Project Coordinator – [FULL NAME]”.

Any and all questions should be communicated in writing before the due date to the same email address.

11. Evaluation Methodology

Evaluation of an applicant’s suitability for this consultancy will be based on the applicant’s technical background as provided on the resume and cover letter as well as the applicant’s financial requirements.