Zimbabwe is part of the group of countries in Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) that signed the interim EPA (i-EPA) agreement with the EU in 2009. The agreement is expected to boost bilateral trade and investment flows and thereby contributing to the creation of jobs and further economic growth in the ESA partners, while also promoting their sustainable development.

Implementation of the i-EPA is however slow, mainly due to economic shocks that the country is facing since the last few decades. This has led to low levels of economic growth, widespread de-industrialization, shortages in foreign exchange and basic commodities, and a deteriorating export performance. The country experienced a period of economic recovery (2010 to 2014) but starting in 2015, the economy began a downward trend, mainly due to unfavourable weather (droughts and floods), fall in commodity prices, foreign currency shortages and an expansionary fiscal policy that has led to a burgeoning fiscal deficit.

The Zimbabwe EPA Support Project (ZEPA)

In order to take advantage of the i-EPA and other regional agreements, the Government of Zimbabwe is implementing the Zimbabwe EPA Support Project (ZEPA). The project is funded by the European Union (EU) with a budget of EUR 10 million under the 11th EDF Regional Indicative Envelope (2014 – 2020) for Eastern and Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean. The overall objective of ZEPA is to enhance Zimbabwe’s integration into the regional and international trading system.

ZEPA has three specific objectives, namely:

· SO1: Reform and streamline policy, regulatory and institutional frameworks to incentivise production and trade in selected value chains

· SO2: Reduce trading costs and expedite movement, release and clearance of goods

· SO3: Improve competitiveness and export capacity of small and medium sized enterprises in selected value chains

For the achievement of the specific objectives, ZEPA applies a range of measures. On the one hand, a technical assistance (TA) component has been contracted to support the achievement of the specific objectives through procedural support by the TA team and technical advice through mobilised short-term experts, but also to support the management of ZEPA. In addition to the TA component, ZEPA will provide several grants to business support organisations (BSO) in order to support the competitiveness of MSMEs and the development of value chain clusters. Involved Government institutions also receive institutional support through the provision of supplies in order to ensure their capabilities to participate in ZEPA implementation.

Project beneficiaries include the Government of Zimbabwe; including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (MFAIT), Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC) and Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small to Medium Enterprises Development (MWACSMED); Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement (MLAFWRR), Government agencies, including Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), Competition and Tariff Commission (CTC), National Competitiveness Commission, National Economic Consultative Forum (NECF), ZimTrade) and business support organisations (BSOs), including Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) and Small to Medium Association of Zimbabwe (SMEAZ).

About you

Only apply if you have the exact following skills and experience:

Education and skills:

• A Master’s degree in the field of Economics, International Trade, Public Finance, or Business Studies. In the absence of a Masters’ degree, a Bachelors’ degree in the field of Customs Administration or Customs’ Laws and work experience of at least 10 years in the field of Customs Administration and or other Customs field.
• Excellent communication skills;
• English proficiency at C2 level (i.e. fluency in written and verbal communication); and
• Computer literacy with proficiency in the use of MS Office applications, including Word processing, spreadsheets, databases and relevant data analysis software.

General Experience:

• At least 10 years’ experience in senior positions in customs and border management issues;
• Specific experience
• At least 10 years’ experience working in field of economic development and / or trade facilitation;
• Proven technical knowledge of the operation of the WCO TRS guidelines.
• Accreditation as a WCO technical and operational advisor in WCO TRS

· “Experience in which at least two similar projects in which the WCO TRS tool and guidelines were utilized”

• Computer literacy with proficiency in the use of MS Office applications and automated data analytical tools. Familiarity with the will be an added advantage
• Proven analytical and report writing skills

About us

You’ll be working with Crown Agents which is a high impact social enterprise passionate about transforming the future for millions of people. Since our creation in 1833 we have worked across the globe to improve public services and drive economic growth. Our expertise is finding new solutions to difficult problems for clients in the areas of health, governance, economic growth, humanitarian action and supply chain services. We work with and train leaders at local, national and international level to achieve lasting change drawing on our insight and experience.

Crown Agents is committed to diversity and will promote diversity for all candidates at all times as well as a business culture that reflects that belief. Crown Agents will treat everyone equally irrespective of race, religion, colour, sex, age, national origin, disability or sexual orientation, and places an obligation upon all staff to respect and act in accordance with the policy. Crown Agents shall not discriminate unlawfully when deciding which candidates are selected for interview, or in any terms of employment, and will ensure that each candidate is assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the role. Crown Agents is committed to being an organisation enhanced by diversity and encourages applications from anyone who shares our values and commitment to improving the lives of communities affected by poverty or conflict.