The Functional Consultant – E-Customs Solutions will be responsible for the design, implementation, and support of digital customs transformation solutions. The role involves understanding the wider spectrum of customs operations, regulatory requirements, and digital workflows to implement an e-customs system and to implement layered/integrated solutions that enhance compliance, mitigates tax evasion, minimize fraud and ensures transparent and efficient customs processes.

This consultant will work closely with customs authorities, logistics partners, and IT teams to define requirements, configure solutions, test functionalities, and provide training and ongoing support.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Solution Design & Implementation

• Analyze customs processes, identify inefficiencies, and define business requirements for the e-customs platform.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to document process workflows, tax calculation models, and compliance requirements.
• Define the functional specifications for an e-customs system, ensuring it captures shipment details, supplier invoices, serial numbers, duties, and taxes.
• Define the functional specifications for layered/integrated complementary solutions that work in tandem/integrate with e-customs to ensure tax compliance and combat fraud.
• Configure/customize the system based on business needs, ensuring alignment with international trade compliance standards.
• Lead functional testing, UAT (User Acceptance Testing), and validation of system capabilities.

2. Stakeholder Management & Consultation

• Serve as the primary point of contact for customs authorities, freight forwarders, carriers, and exporters to gather requirements and ensure alignment.
• Liaise with technical teams (software developers, data engineers) to translate functional requirements into system capabilities.
• Provide expert advice on customs digital transformation solutions, leveraging global best practices.

3. System Support & Optimization

• Ensure smooth operation of the e-customs solution post-implementation, resolving functional issues and coordinating with technical teams for bug fixes.
• Monitor system performance and suggest enhancements for better efficiency, security, and compliance.
• Provide user training and support documentation for customs officers, logistics professionals, and other stakeholders.

4. Compliance & Data Accuracy

• Ensure the solution adheres to national and international customs regulations (WCO, WTO, regional trade agreements).
• Validate tax and duty calculations, ensuring accuracy in comparison with the customs system’s calculations.
• Implement auditing and reporting mechanisms to detect discrepancies, flag potential fraud, and ensure regulatory compliance.

5. Project Management & Reporting

• Work within an Agile or Waterfall framework to deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Develop reports on implementation progress, key challenges, and improvement recommendations.
• Coordinate with external partners/vendors if third-party integrations are needed.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Educational Background:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, International Trade, Customs & Trade Compliance, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Certifications in customs regulations (e.g., WCO Certified Customs Specialist) or Customs software (e.g. ASYCUDA, TradeLens etc.) are a plus.

Professional Experience:

• 7+ years of experience as a Functional Consultant, Business Analyst, or Solution Architect in customs domain and related systems implementation.
• Experience working with customs authorities, freight forwarders, or logistics companies is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of import/export regulations, customs duties, VAT, and special industry taxes.
• Hands-on experience with customs clearance, tariff classifications, and risk assessment methodologies.
• Knowledge of business process modeling (BPMN, UML) and workflow automation.

Technical Skills:

• Strong ICT background and Previous Experience with a solutions provider in similar role of implementing and supporting solutions to customs sector.
• Familiarity with other layered/integrated digital systems to complement e-customs system in monitoring / controlling the various customs processes lifecycle.
• Experience with tax and duty calculation models for customs transactions.
• Strong proficiency in SQL, data analytics tools, and reporting platforms (Power BI, Tableau, or similar).
• Experience with data formats such as XML, JSON, UBL, and EDI used in customs declarations.
• Understanding of API integrations, web services, EDI, and blockchain-based trade facilitation.

Soft Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex, regulated environment.
• Adaptability to work with diverse teams across government, logistics, and IT sectors.
• Project management capabilities (PMP, Agile, or PRINCE2 certification is a plus).
• Fluent in English and French.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Successful implementation of e-customs solution within the defined timeline and budget.
• Improved customs compliance and accuracy in duty and tax calculations.
• Reduction in customs fraud due to digital transformation.
• Stakeholder satisfaction (customs officials, logistics providers, and trade partners).
• System uptime and performance for operational reliability.