International Consultant CC-2024-14 At International Organization for Migration

Position Title: International consultant CC-2024-14

Duty Station: Yerevan, Armenia

Type of Appointment: Consultant (4 months)

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: August 22, 2024

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

Context:

Nature of the consultancy:

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office and the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator, the consultant will be responsible for providing effective technical support to the Armenian Border Guard Troops (BGT) by conducting an assessment of the selected border crossing point (BCP). Specifically, the existing set-up and processes at the BCP in terms of secondary line inspection, Customs examination and trade facilitation will be examined with the goal of identifying emerging needs and developing actionable recommendations for the BGT to improve border operations. The consultant will cooperate with an IOM border management specialist and the findings and recommendations will be compiled into a single, detailed report, offering inter alia expert conclusions on the current needs, a strategic plan for trade facilitation ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, balancing trade facilitation with border security and ultimately enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of border management.

The consultantwill closely interact with the BGT, Armenian State Revenue Committee (customs) and other relevant state authorities and project stakeholders. In order to assess and prioritize necessary follow-up border infrastructure works and other trade facilitation measures, a range of issues and ongoing challenges need to be taken into account, including development of border infrastructure, cross border flows, customs operations and inspections, information dissemination for operators, the security situation at Armenia’s borders, etc.

Background information:

IOM is implementing a capacity-building project aimed at providing expert support to further strengthen the capacities of the Armenian Border Guard Troops to tackle the security and migration management challenges and ensure alignment with international legal obligations, standards, and border management best practices. IOM will provide capacity-building and expert support to further development of the BGT training curricula and strengthening the capacity of border guards for document examination and fraud detection and the secondary line inspections.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Conduct interviews/consultations with relevant stakeholders to have information on customs related procedures, legal requirements, capacities, and infrastructure conditions at the selected border crossing checkpoint.
2. Assess the interagency coordination and data sharing practices, with a view to developments in Advance Cargo Information.
3. Assess the institutional and law enforcement capacities, cross-border criminal intelligence, and capacity for improved security and effective operations.
4. Propose feasible ways to enhance risk analysis, situational awareness capacity, resilience, crisis response and countercorruption capacity relevant for trade facilitation. Some practices and technologies to consider include Customs scanners, e-Transit systems, diligent business practices, Customs laboratories, and dual use goods identification.
5. Identify the emerging needs and priorities as well as main gaps in and areas for development and upgrade of the border management and customs of Armenia.
6. Prepare and collaborate on the final report on the border management needs and gaps assessment, including in-depth recommendations on strategic documents, proposed border management and trade facilitation measures, as well as infrastructure and technical developments for Armenian border agencies.
7. Consult with the IOM project team on appropriate and agreed approaches to the specified tasks before their completion.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education and Experience

Education

• Completed advanced university degree in a relevant field.
• Specialization in Border management and Customs operations.
• Other formal education as relevant for the assignment.

Experience

• At least five years of experience in a professional thematic consultancy.
• Proven experience in conducting assessments of land border crossing checkpoints focusing on movement of goods.
• Proven experience with international organizations and/or government structures.
• Experience in preparing and developing assessment reports on Customs-related topics.

Languages

• Fluency in English is required.
• Proficiency in Armenian or Russian would be beneficial.

Required Competencies

Values

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

• Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Other

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment and verification of residency, visa and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.