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 European Union 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. This 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 IT consultant. The consultant will provide technical expertise in assessing existing systems, supporting the design and integration of new digital tools, and ensuring interoperability with national and international platforms. The consultant will also assist in drafting technical specifications, advising on IT solutions consistent with international best practices, and delivering on-the-job knowledge transfer to MCS staff.
Through this tailored support, the project aims to ensure that the Modernization Unit evolves into a sustainable and effective structure capable of advancing customs modernization and digital reform well beyond the project’s duration.
2. General Objective
The overall objective of this assignment is to provide technical and analytical support to the Modernization Unit of the MCS to advance institutional transformation, digital reform, and alignment with EU standards. The consultant will combine IT expertise with process optimization, policy analysis, data-driven decision-making, and stakeholder engagement to ensure effective and sustainable modernization of customs operations.
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:
- Support the assessment, optimization, and digitalization of customs processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
- Contribute to policy and regulatory reviews, providing IT-focused analysis and recommendations.
- Provide IT expertise to ensure seamless interoperability of systems with national and international platforms.
- Collect, analyze, and visualize data to monitor and report on modernization progress.
- Facilitate stakeholder engagement and support change management initiatives.
- Conduct training sessions and knowledge-transfer activities for MCS staff to strengthen institutional capacity.
4. Specific Activities
The consultant’s responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
4.1 Process Optimization and Reform Support
- Conduct process mapping and identify bottlenecks in customs operations.
- Propose practical improvements aligned with EU standards.
- Support regulatory and procedural reviews, including conducting impact assessments.
4.2 Data and Digital Transformation
- Assess existing IT systems and digital tools used by MCS.
- Draft technical specifications for proposed digital solutions.
- Ensure interoperability with national and international platforms.
- Collect, analyze, and visualize data to inform evidence-based decision-making.
4.3 Stakeholder Engagement and Facilitation
- Facilitate consultations, workshops, and training sessions with customs staff, private sector stakeholders, and other agencies.
- Prepare presentations, reports, and communication materials for internal and external audiences.
- Document lessons learned from pilot projects and modernization initiatives.
4.4 Capacity Building and Change Management
- Deliver on-the-job training and knowledge transfer to MCS staff.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement within MCS.
- Engage staff to identify opportunities for operational excellence.
4.5 Other Tasks
- Perform other modernization-related tasks as assigned by the Customs Director, Head of 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 Assignments
The selected IT consultant will report to the GAFT 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 or equivalent in ICT or a relevant field.
9.2 Knowledge and Experience
The candidate should demonstrate:
- Professional experience in IT consulting, systems analysis, or software development for complex organizations, preferably in public administration or customs-related environments.
- Proficiency in software and systems design, including drafting technical specifications, business process modeling, system architecture, and integration with existing IT infrastructure.
- Experience with digital transformation projects, including implementation of ERP, customs, trade facilitation, or regulatory compliance systems.
- Strong understanding of database management, data analytics, and visualization tools, enabling evidence-based decision-making and reporting.
- Hands-on experience with system interoperability, ensuring seamless integration between national and international platforms.
- Familiarity with cybersecurity principles and practices, including secure data handling, access control, encryption, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Knowledge of software testing, quality assurance, and user acceptance testing (UAT) processes, to ensure systems meet functional and technical requirements.
- Ability to provide technical support and capacity-building through on-the-job training and workshops for staff with varying IT proficiency.
- Experience documenting and communicating complex technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders through manuals, reports, diagrams, and presentations.
- Knowledge of cloud-based solutions, IT infrastructure, and emerging technologies that can enhance operational efficiency and digital service delivery.
- Experience working with public sector institutions or government IT systems is considered an asset.
- Prior experience with MCS processes and systems is a strong 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 IT specialist 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.