Consultancy- Egyptian Customs Authority’s (ECA) Advance Ruling Department Development
Project Overview and Role:
Palladium was awarded the USAID/Trade Reform and Development in Egypt (TRADE) Activity contract, which has a 5-year timeframe and a ceiling of $36.3 million. The goal of the TRADE Activity is to increase Egypt’s international trade by increasing exports from SMEs, and in particular New and Expanding Export-Ready Enterprises (NEEREs). This will be achieved by addressing the constraints that impede the competitiveness of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
In order to achieve the Activity’s goal (increasing exports in selected sectors), Palladium must attain the following three Results:
Enhanced Export Capacity of SMEs, in particular New and Expanding Export-Ready Enterprises (NEEREs)in Selected Sectors
Strengthened Public and Private Trade-Support Institutions (e.g., Trade
Associations, Export Councils, etc.); and
Improved Trade and Investment Policy, Regulatory and Institutional Environment
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
Background on the assignment:
With the overall goal of reducing time and cost to trade and to support the Egyptian Customs Authority (ECA) to fulfil Article (3), under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), USAID TRADE through this consultancy aims to deliver an intensive training program to ECA officials. This program will focus on equipping them with the necessary technical skills required to implement the Advance Ruling system, thereby contributing to Egypt's compliance with its commitments under the WTO TFA and facilitating trade.
The consultant(s) will be required to perform the following tasks:
- Conduct interactive training in person (and virtually when needed) for the (ECA) Advance Rulings (AR) Working Group on the following subjects:
- Develop and outline the entire AR process, covering all stages.
- Establish a procedure for tracking incoming and existing AR requests.
- Create a process for determining the issues addressed in current AR requests, past AR decisions and otherwise under review.
- Review the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) AR Letter (NY and HQ).
- Compare ARs to the pre-inquiry guidance currently issued by ECA.
- Discuss relationship between AR and information requested in AR application form.
- Drafting an AR application form.
- Review and finalize the draft AR regulations.
- Prepare PowerPoint presentations, talking points, and written guidance for the above topics.
- Review existing draft regulations for AR program and suggest edits and additions for a complete AR program.
Deliverables:
- PowerPoint Presentation(s) on the abovementioned topics, to be presented in person or virtually if needed.
- Detailed written guidance documents, offering comprehensive information and instructions on AR system, and to develop
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for AR processes and Instructions.
- Sample spreadsheets or tracking formats and analysis.
- A brief report providing feedback on existing draft regulations, with specific comments and recommendations for improvement, and to support ECA’s WG until the amended regulation is issued.
- Brief consultancy report describing the purpose of the consultancy, details of activities implemented (main tasks delivered, progress achieved); observations, issues and/or problems encountered; and details of expected (or recommended) follow-on activities by USAID TRADE or ECA.
Required Qualifications:
- Minimum of 10-15 years of experience in implementing AR-related work (e.g., tariff classification, valuation, and origin determination) and knowledge of international best practices in applying AR.
- Demonstrated practical experience in similar assignments.
- Previous experience in North Africa or the Gulf Area is preferable.
- Should have high proficiency in English. Arab language is a plus.
Company Overview:
About Palladium - Palladium is a global leader in the design, development and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with governments, businesses, and investors to solve the world's most pressing challenges. With a team of more than 3,000 employees operating in 90 plus countries and a global network of over 35,000 experts, we help improve economies, societies and, most importantly, people's lives.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion - Palladium is committed to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do. We welcome applications from all sections of society and actively encourage diversity to drive innovation, creativity, success and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce; and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment regardless of their background or personal characteristics. These include: (but are not limited to) socio-economic background, age, race, gender identity and expression, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, veteran, marital or Indigenous status.
Should you require any adjustments or accommodations to be made due to a disability or you are a neurodivergent individual or for any other circumstance, please email our team at accessibility@thepalladiumgroup.com and we will be in touch to discuss.
Safeguarding - We define Safeguarding as “the preventative action taken by Palladium to protect our people, clients and the communities we work with from harm”. We are committed to ensuring that all children and adults who come into contact with Palladium are treated with respect and are free from abuse. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process including safeguarding-focused interviews and a rigorous due diligence process.
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