Information Technology (IT) Expert

Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)

1. Introduction
The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) is a Regional Economic Community comprising of 21 African states’ which have agreed to promote regional integration through trade development and transport facilitation as well as development of their natural and human resources for the mutual benefit of all their people. Its vision is to be a fully integrated economic community that is prosperous, internationally competitive, and ready to merge into the African Economic Community. In order to realize its vision and objectives, COMESA has also established several programs to support integration agenda.

To reduce cost of transport and transit and enhance competitiveness and expand intra and extra trade, COMESA has introduced several trade facilitation instruments. One of them is the Regional Customs Transit Guarantee scheme, popularly Known as: RCTG CARNET or COMESA CARNET. RTG Carnet is second of its kind after the TIR carnet, and the only Guarantee system that is operational in the African Continent.
The RCT Scheme is a customs transit regime developed to facilitate the movement of goods under customs seals in the COMESA region. It provides the required customs security and guarantee to the transit countries. Among its key benefit is the reducing the cost of Bond /Guarantee and collaterals charged by Sureties and agents.

Pursuant to the decision of the 17th Meeting of the Council of RCTG, the RCTG Scheme would like to recruit an Information Technology (IT) Expert, and hereby requests for applications for the position, from suitable candidates, from all Member countries that are party to the RCTG Scheme.

2. JOB POSITION: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EXPERT
JOB TITLE : Information Technology (IT) Expert
GRADE: Professional Level (P3)
DUTY STATION: Zambia
SALARY SCALE: COM$ 52,21796 – COM$ 64,181.16 per annum
REPORTING TO : RCT Programme Coordinator

2.1 JOB PURPOSE
To manage and support the overall Information Technology (IT) related service delivery at RCTG scheme and maintain the digital Regional Customs Transit Guarantee Management Information System (RCIG-MIS),
Mobile Application, RCT Helpdesk and RCTG website.

2.2 MAIN DUTIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Under the direct supervision of RCTG Programme Coordinator, the incumbent of the post will perform the following duties:

  1. System Management: Oversee the operation and regular maintenance of the digital Regional Customs Transit Guarantee Management Information System (RCIG-MIS), Mobile Application, and RCIG website,
  2. Helpdesk Development: Design and implement a robust digital RCT Helpdesk system, focusing on user accessibility and efficient issue resolution;
  3. User Support: Proactively respond to and resolve user queries related to the RCTG-MIS and Mobile Application, prioritizing user satisfaction and system usability;
  4. System Updates: Conduct regular reviews and updates of the RCTG-MIS, Mobile Application, and website to ensure they remain current, secure, and user-friendly;
  5. System Integration: Facilitate the integration of the RCTG-MIS with relevant National and Regional systems, enhancing data flow and interoperability.
  6. User-Centric Enhancements: Actively gather user feedback to drive the development and incorporation of new system features in the RCTG-MIS and Mobile Application;
  7. Documentation Review: Regularly update administrative and user guides for the RCTG-MIS and Mobile Application, ensuring clarity and ease of use;
  8. Functionality Enhancement: Continuously improve the functionalities of the RETG-MIS and Mobile Application to address user issues, concerns, and evolving stakeholder demands;
  9. Technology Research: Investigate and recommend software tools and technologies for the optimal management of the RCTG-MIS and Mobile Application;
  10. User Training: Organize and conduct training sessions for users on the RCTG-MIS and Mobile Application, enhancing their proficiency and confidence in using these systems;
  11. Technical Support: Provide technical assistance to Customs Administrations, National Sureties, Clearing and Forwarding Agents, and other stakeholders, ensuring seamless system operation and user satisfaction;
  12. Servicing Meetings, Assist in organizing and servicing Technical Working Group; Management Committee and Council of RCIG meetings;
  13. Prepare IT Annual work plan and regular reports;
  14. Implement COMESA Secretariat IT Policies and requirements; and
  15. Any other related duties that may be assigned to you by the RCTG Programme Coordinator from time to time.

2.3 MINIMUM ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

  1. Bachelor’s degree in any of the following fields; Computer Science, Information Technology or any related fields;
  2. A Master’s Degree in any of the above fields will be an added advantage

2.4 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

At least eight (8) years hands-on experience in design and development of web-based and Mobile applications

2.5. SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE

a. Evidence of applications developed should be provided.
b. Demonstrate technical proficiency on Java, Android, iOS and PHP
c. Demonstrate technical proficiency on emerging Internet trends, technology, and tools.
d. Possess advanced web development and mobile application (Android and iOS) skills;
e. Good command of English language; knowledge of French will be an advantage.

3. WORKING LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT:
Applicants must be fluent in English (both speaking and writing). Proficiency in French and /or Arabic (speaking and writing) will be considered an added advantage.

4. ELIGIBILITY FOR APPLICATION

  1. Applicants must be members of RCT Scheme Member Countries which include Burundi, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
  2. Candidates should not be more than fifty-five (55) years of age at the time of submitting their application.

5. MODE OF APPLICATION AND FINAL DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS:
Applications MUST be submitted electronically through email on the prescribed COMESA APPLICATION FORM which can be accessed at the following COMESA website: http://www.comesa.int/Opportunities, COMESA Job
Application Format.

Women are highly encouraged to apply.

6. ONLY SHORT-LISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED.

Application should reach the address below not later than 29th March 2024 at 18:00 hours Lusaka, Zambia time:

The Director of Human Resources and Administration,
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa
COMESA Centre,
Ben Bella Road,
P.O Box 30051, Lusaka, Zambia.
Email: recruitment@comesa.int