About the WCO:
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.
In June 2024, WCO Council approved a modernization plan for the Organization, which included a restructuring designed to address challenges identified by Members and the Secretariat which comes into effect on 1 July 2025. The new structure includes a new dedicated Project Management Office (PMO) under the direction of the Chief of Staff. The WCO manages a broad range of donor funded projects, sometimes in partnership with other international organizations, which support the Strategic Plan.
The position:
The WCO is looking to recruit an official as Head of Project Management Office who will manage a small team (currently one Technical Attaché and one Coordinator) and report directly to the newly appointed Chief of Staff. The implementation of projects will remain the responsibility of the relevant Directorate, whilst the PMO will provide the oversight needed to ensure alignment of projects with the Strategic Plan and uniform implementation across the WCO, in line with established project management principles. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced individual to establish the Project Management Office and contribute directly to the modernization of the WCO.
Main accountabilities:
Under the supervision of the Chief of Staff, the Head of Project Management Office will focus on the following key activities:
Leadership:
1. Manage PMO staff in accordance with the WCO’s values, Staff Manuals and policies, including management of leave and attendance, recruitment, onboarding, offboarding and associated knowledge transfer, as well as staff welfare, liaising with the Human Resources (HR) Service and other relevant services, as required.
2. Assign tasks to PMO staff, ensuring alignment with individual skills and capacities, balancing workloads to the extent possible, and setting deadlines and expectations.
3. Provide guidance and direction to PMO staff, ensuring ongoing two-way feedback, setting objectives and development plans, conducting performance evaluations, and identifying opportunities for development.
4. Ensure effective communication and knowledge-sharing within the PMO, and in coordination with other managers in the WCO.
Technical responsibilities:
1. Ensure alignment of WCO donor funded projects with the priorities set in the Strategic Plan.
2. Oversee the development of common Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and templates for the full lifecycle of donor funded projects, ensuring a consistent approach across the WCO.
3. Provide guidance and training on the preparation of project proposals.
4. Coordinate with the Directorates to ensure advance planning on project proposals and approvals.
5. Oversee the development of new project proposals across the Organization and present them for the consideration of the Management Committee.
6. Prepare project proposals for the Management Committee, as required.
7. Conduct high-level coordination with donors.
8. Prepare reports and data on project management activities.
9. Coordinate with internal services (Member Relations, Communications, Legal, Accounting, HR, etc.) to ensure alignment with WCO procedures and policies.
10. Represent the WCO at relevant meetings and other fora.
The person appointed will also be required to perform such other duties as may be assigned and may be subject to reassignment within the WCO Secretariat.
Requirements:
* A minimum of an undergraduate degree in a relevant field and/or an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.
* Recognized certification and/or training in project management methods (such as PRINCE2).
* Minimum 7 years of relevant and professional experience in project management;
* Experience in a senior project management role in the WCO Secretariat, or a Member’s Customs administration, for or with international organizations, or other relevant private sector experience.
* Leadership potential and the motivation to take on the day-to-day management of staff in a multi-cultural environment. Previous management experience would be advantageous but is not essential.
* Comprehensive knowledge of project management methods and established project management principles.
* Strong analytical skills and proven experience in working effectively under pressure in a multicultural and cross-institutional environment.
* Strong inter-personal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with staff and stakeholders.
* Strong drafting skills and the ability to prepare and review project proposals.
* Good knowledge of computer applications and information systems, in particular MS Office.
* Fluency in English or French, the WCO’s official languages. Knowledge of the other official WCO language would be considered an asset.
Contract and conditions
* Staff member under WCO contract of five (5) (with the possibility of renewal);
* 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 based on the Co-ordinated Organisations’ salary scale, grade A3, step 1; amount of 7,651.78 EUR/month (remuneration exempted from income tax in Belgium);
* The basic salary can be augmented by allowances based on the staff member’s eligibility, and it is subject to the mandatory withholding of terminal allowance (for retirement planning) and medical and life & disability insurance contributions.
For details on how to apply for the position, please refer to the vacancy notice on our careers page: World Customs Organization
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