Introduction
The World Customs Organization (WCO) is an independent intergovernmental body, established in 1952 as the Customs Co-operation Council (CCC), whose mission is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of Customs services across the globe. The WCO represents 186 Customs administrations that collectively process approximately 98% of world trade. As the global centre of Customs expertise, the WCO is the only international organization with competence in Customs matters.
As a forum for dialogue and exchange of experiences between national Customs delegates, the WCO offers its Members a wide range of conventions and other international instruments, as well as technical assistance and training services provided either directly by the Secretariat, or with its participation. The Secretariat also actively supports its Members in their endeavours to modernize and build capacity within their national Customs administrations, as well as fostering international cooperation among them.
Short Description of the Vacant Position
The Implementation and Capacity Development Directorate (ICDD) is looking to recruit a Programme Assistant (PA) to provide administrative, financial, communication and logistical support to the Programme’s implementation. A variety of project support activities are expected to be performed including assisting the team in monitoring expenditure and financial reporting, stakeholders’ relations, communication and outreach activities. The PA will lead the logistical, administrative and financial aspects of the programme management.
Qualified candidates may be placed on a reserve list and considered for other similar positions arising in the coming 12-15 months.
Project Background
The RoO Africa Programme is a capacity building and technical assistance initiative funded by the European Union and implemented by the WCO to support African partners in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The main beneficiaries of the programme are:
- At continental level, the AfCFTA Secretariat and the African-Union Commission (AUC);
- At regional level, the African Regional Economic Communities (RECs);
- At the national level, the African Customs Administrations (CA) and other Government Administrations (OGA), where relevant;
- The Private Sector stakeholders involved in origin matters.
The main activities of the programme include:
- Organizational diagnostics, gaps and needs assessments, analysis and review of national policies, and processes.
- Mapping exercises and case studies including on applicable Rules of Origin and trade agreements in Africa including EU Economic Partnership Agreements.
- Assistance in developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guidelines.
- Capacity building and competency development.
- Support to the development of information and awareness-raising campaigns.
- Thematic seminars, workshops, training and information exchange sessions.
- Study visits.
- Evaluation of national, regional and continental institutional structures, policies, procedures.
- Development of methodologies on Data sharing methods and tools.
- Train the trainer programmes.
- Support to implement RoO-related flagship initiatives (E-certification, self-certification); and
- Dedicated facility for demand-driven technical assistance.
The Programme also contributes, in coordination with the Policy and Standards Directorate, to further develop RoO-related e-learning, IT-tools and knowledge publications.
A full time Programme Management Team consisting of a Head of Programme (HoP), a RoO Lead Expert (OLE), a RoO Expert (OE), a Programme Officer (PO) and a Programme Assistant (PA) are established at the WCO Secretariat in Brussels, Belgium.
Main Objectives of the Project
The overall objective of the Programme is to equip African Members and partners with the required skills, competencies and knowledge on RoO and hence to contribute to facilitating and increasing intra-African trade, trade between Africa and Europe, and between Africa and the rest of the world. Specifically, it aims to assist beneficiaries to implement and apply the RoO in compliance with Annex 2 of the AfCFTA, and with regional and international commitments, and best practices.
Main Accountabilities
Under the supervision of the Head of Programme (HoP), the Programme Assistant (PA) will provide administrative, financial, communication and logistical support to the Programme implementation. In particular, the PA will focus on the following key activities:
Programme Implementation and Coordination
- Conducting background research to inform project planning;
- Contributing to drafting of project activity plans and monitoring of implementation;
- Ensuring accurate updated filing system for all Programme contacts, activities and documents;
- Conducting missions in Africa when needed to support the team and experts; and
- Maintaining an updated monitoring system for Programme activities, deliverables and means of verifications.
Communication and Stakeholders’ Coordination
- Assisting with the implementation of the Programme’s Communication and Visibility Plan;
- Drafting invitation letters, notes verbales and logistical notes and ensuring distribution as relevant;
- Contributing to drafting articles on Programme activities and achievements to be published on the WCO Web Site or through newsletters;
- Ensuring that communications, including invitations, are dispatched to relevant stakeholders and beneficiaries;
- Ensuring Programme communications are properly documented and tracked and in line with the WCO and the EU Visibility Rules;
- Maintaining close contact with WCO support staff from travel, procurement, finance and ICDD;
- Ensuring translation of relevant documents by the WCO translation services;
- Maintaining a network of contacts with relevant stakeholders and beneficiaries to support implementation, monitoring and evaluation activities; and
- Maintaining templates of Programme documents.
Procurement, Travel and Logistical Coordination
- Booking travels and accommodations for experts and participants of Programme activities and assist them in visa and travel insurance matters;
- Booking conference facilities, interpreters and other services in accordance with established WCO procurement policies and relevant provisions of the Programme contract and budget;
- Following up with registrations of participants’ to Programme activities and maintaining participants lists;
- Drafting and disseminating invitation letters and logistic notes for experts and participants of Programme activities; and
- Providing pre-departure briefings to technical experts, addressing questions of business culture / etiquette, entry/exit requirements, safety and security, and governance.
Financial Management
- Generating Purchase Orders and following up with payments;
- Ensuring all programme expenditures are properly settled, closed and recorded;
- Maintaining an updated monitoring system for financial expenditure; and
- Contributing to financial report.
Other Duties
- Any other related duties as may be assigned by the Head of Programme.
Education
- Bachelor’s level degree or equivalent is required.
Experience and Essential Qualifications
- At least five (5) years’ demonstrated experience in supporting the implementation of cooperation programmes.
- Experience in multi-stakeholders funded capacity building programmes.
- Experience in EU funded programmes is considered an asset.
- International exposure in the field of capacity building and technical assistance in Africa.
- Good understanding of the processes of programme annual and periodic reporting.
- Demonstrated experience in logistical and organizational management of events.
- Experience in maintaining monitoring and filing systems.
- Experience in drafting terms of references, invitation letters and logistical notes.
Languages
- Fluency in English and French.
Contract and Conditions
- Staff member under short-term contract of one year with the possibility of renewal based on budget availability and performance;
- Probationary period: six (6) months;
- Full-time employment (thirty-seven (37) hours and forty (40) minutes weekly) at WCO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium;
- Thirty (30) days of annual paid leave;
- Salary of 3,644 EUR/month all-inclusive (remuneration exempted from income tax in Belgium);
- Compulsory WCO health insurance deducted from the salary (approximately 62 EUR/month in 2025).
This position is subject to the Manual for Short-Term Contractors. The successful applicant shall not acquire the right subsequently to occupy a permanent position within the WCO. The successful applicant will not be affiliated to any WCO retirement fund or pension scheme. If a candidate is related to current WCO staff members (spouse, father, mother, son, daughter, brother or sister), they are required to specifically indicate this in the application.
Application and Recruitment Process
The onus is on the applicant to demonstrate how they meet each of the essential qualifications and requirements. Applicants are encouraged to describe tangible achievements in their CVs and/or in their cover letters, as well as to include references.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an assessment which may include a written test and/or an interview. All short-listed candidates may be requested to provide copies of their original diploma, certificates and proof of relevant experience. Pre-selected candidates may also be subject to reference checks to confirm the information provided in their application.
Interested candidates should submit their application for review no later than 16 October 2025, including a CV and cover letter in English or French. This application should be sent by email to: [email protected]
The subject line of the email sent by each candidate should clearly indicate the job vacancy for which they are applying.
The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application, according to the criteria for the position and the applicable WCO rules.
Additional Information
The WCO is committed to the principles of integrity, transparency and accountability, as well as to promoting diversity among its staff members. Accordingly, applications from qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, will receive equal treatment and due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting nationals from WCO Members on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The age limit for employment at the WCO is 65. Please note that the WCO Headquarters building is a non-smoking environment.
