1. BACKGROUND
The Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation (GATF) is a public–private delivery mechanism established to support the effective implementation of the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) through partnerships between governments and the private sector. GATF is funded by the governments of Canada, Germany, the European Union, and Sweden.
The GATF Secretariat is composed of three host organizations: the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC-WBO), and the World Economic Forum (WEF), in collaboration with Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
The Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation (GATF) is currently implementing the project “Trade Reforms for EU Integration: Enhancing Governance and SPS Systems in Moldova”, which aims to support the Republic of Moldova’s EU accession process through the institutional modernization of two key government agencies: the Moldova Customs Service (MCS) and the National Food Safety Agency (ANSA).
A central element of the initiative is strengthening the capacities of the MCS. To this end, the project supports the establishment and operationalization of a Modernization Unit within the MCS. The Unit will serve as a catalyst for institutional transformation by leading process optimization, conducting policy and data analysis, facilitating stakeholder engagement, and driving change management initiatives. Its activities will be closely aligned with the priorities of the Customs Director, ensuring that reforms remain needs-driven and strategically oriented toward EU integration requirements.
To accelerate implementation and reinforce institutional capacities, the project will provide targeted support for the Unit’s effective functioning. The Modernization Unit will coordinate and monitor ongoing reforms, with particular emphasis on digital transformation, process optimization, and alignment with EU standards.
To facilitate these efforts, GATF intends to engage a local Business Analyst. The consultant will provide expertise in collecting, analyzing, and documenting business requirements, assessing institutional processes, and translating them into system and policy requirements. The Business Analyst will also support stakeholder engagement, change management, and evidence-based decision-making to ensure reforms are well-structured, practical, and sustainable.
2. GENERAL OBJECTIVE
The overall objective of this assignment is to provide analytical and advisory support to the Modernization Unit of the MCS, with a focus on assessing business processes, identifying institutional needs, and supporting the design and implementation of reforms aligned with EU standards. The consultant will bridge the gap between business needs, regulatory requirements, and digital solutions, ensuring that modernization efforts are coherent, feasible, and sustainable.
3. SCOPE OF WORK
Under the supervision of the Head of the Modernization Unit and the guidance of the GATF Project Coordinator, the consultant will:
- Conduct business process analysis, identify bottlenecks, and propose optimization measures.
- Support regulatory and policy reviews, translating business requirements into procedural and system requirements.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret qualitative and quantitative data to inform reform design and decision-making.
- Document and validate business requirements to guide IT consultants, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
- Facilitate stakeholder consultations, focus groups, and workshops.
- Support change management efforts through analysis, communication, and documentation of reforms.
- Monitor and report on the progress of modernization initiatives, capturing lessons learned and good practices.
4. SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES
4.1 Business Process Analysis and Optimization
- Map existing customs processes, identify inefficiencies, and recommend improvements aligned with EU best practices.
- Conduct gap analysis between current processes and EU standards.
- Draft business requirement documents (BRDs) and process flow diagrams.
4.2 Policy and Regulatory Alignment
- Support the review of regulatory and procedural acts governing customs processes.
- Translate business needs into policy and procedural requirements.
- Conduct impact assessments of proposed reforms.
4.3 Data Collection and Analysis
- Collect, organize, and analyze data related to customs performance, trade flows, and operational efficiency.
- Use evidence-based analysis to support decision-making and reform prioritization.
- Develop dashboards, reports, and visualizations to communicate findings effectively.
4.4 Stakeholder Engagement and Facilitation
- Organize and conduct consultations, interviews, and workshops with MCS staff, private sector representatives, and other stakeholders.
- Document stakeholder inputs and integrate them into reform proposals.
- Prepare communication materials and presentations for internal and external audiences.
4.5 Change Management and Capacity Building
- Support the Modernization Unit in designing and implementing change management strategies.
- Draft guidelines, manuals, and training materials to support staff adaptation to new processes and systems.
- Promote awareness of modernization initiatives across the institution.
4.6 Other Tasks
- Perform other modernization-related analytical tasks as assigned by the Customs Director, Head of the Modernization Unit, or GATF Project Coordinator.
5. DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT
The estimated period of performance is one year, from November 2025 to November 2026.
6. REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS
The Business Analyst will report to the GATF Project Coordinator and the Head of the Modernization Unit.
7. ADMINISTRATIVE AND LOGISTICAL ARRANGEMENTS
- Office space and access to relevant documents will be provided by MCS.
- Travel within Moldova, if required, will be arranged and covered by MCS.
- The consultant will use own IT equipment.
8. PAYMENT SCHEDULE
The selected candidate shall submit monthly invoices to GATF for review and approval. Payments will be made on a monthly basis upon receipt and acceptance of the invoice. Payment is contingent on satisfactory performance of assigned tasks during the month.
9. TECHNICAL PROFILE OF CANDIDATE
9.1 Academic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in economics, business administration, law, public administration, IT, or a related field. Master’s degree is an asset.
9.2 Knowledge and Experience
The candidate should demonstrate:
- Professional experience in business analysis, policy analysis, project management, or related fields, preferably within public administration or customs/trade-related environments.
- Proven experience in business process modeling, requirements gathering, and documentation.
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data sets and prepare evidence-based recommendations.
- Experience in conducting stakeholder consultations, interviews, and workshops.
- Familiarity with customs procedures, trade facilitation measures, and EU integration requirements is an asset.
- Knowledge of digital transformation projects, IT systems for trade or customs, and alignment of business requirements with technical solutions.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, including the ability to translate technical/analytical findings into accessible language for diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to draft reports, manuals, and guidelines.
- Capacity to support change management and institutional reform processes.
- Experience working with government institutions or international organizations is considered an asset.
- Fluency in Romanian, both written and spoken. Fluency in English will be considered an asset.
- Must be legally authorized to live and work in Moldova.
10. APPLICATION
To apply, please submit:
- Resume and cover letter in English.
- Financial proposal in USD.
Send applications to: tradejobs@cipe.org by 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, September 30, 2025, with the subject line: “GATF Moldova Business Analyst MU” – [YOUR FULL NAME].
All questions should be submitted in writing to the same email address before the deadline.
11. EVALUATION METHODOLOGY
Applicants will be evaluated based on:
- Technical qualifications as detailed in the resume and cover letter.
- Financial proposal submitted.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited for an interview.