Director, Custom Union and Taxation

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a 15-member regional group mandated to promote economic integration, social cohesion, and political stability across West Africa. As a premier Intergovernmental Organization (IGO), ECOWAS operates through a robust institutional framework, led by the Commission and the Community Parliament, to harmonize policies, foster a "borderless" region, and uphold democratic governance for over 400 million citizens. 

Provide leadership and management for technical activities related to the consolidation of the ECOWAS Customs union and the harmonization of domestic taxes in the Community.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the regional reforms in fiscal and custom reforms.
• Follow the implementation of the ETC and the disputes relating to the issues.
• Accompagn the member state for the fiscal transition.
• Establish the comprehension regional framework to facilitate the dialogue between the stallholders.
• Represent the commission to the relevant policies dialogue at regional and international level.
• Follow the international commitment on taxation and customs.
• Follow the status of implementation on the common market in regards of taxation and customs.
• Establish the disputes mechanism on the ETLS
• Develop programs to ensure harmonization of customs regulations and domestic taxes as well as the management of ECOWAS fiscal transition program in Member States.
• Develop and communicate the ECOWAS Regional compliance program for customs tariffs and community arrangements relating to domestic taxes in Member States.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures covering Customs tariffs and taxes compliance in accordance with the ECOWAS Regional Compliance program.
• Develop, advise and make recommendations on Customs policy following ECOWAS regional rules and regulations.
• Develop policies to ensure more favorable conditions for the economic operators in line with the trade facilitation agenda of ECOWAS.
• Initiate and advise on policy to increase revenue and reduce the risk of fraud and smuggling in the Member States.
• Perform any other tasks that may be required by direct supervisor.

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Business Administration, International Relations, International Diplomacy, Public Administration, Law or Political Science from a recognized university.

• 12 years progressively responsible experience in applying the principles of economic and social development normally gained through programme development and management experience in an international organization, preferably in the context of West Africa; practical experience in regional integration, trade, infrastructure and natural resources management.
• In-depth knowledge of economic and social policy development in key areas of regional integration, trade, investments, infrastructure development; land policy; agricultural development and industrialization.
• Demonstrated knowledge of West-African regional cross-border cooperation, West African migrations and migration policies protocol on free movement, the Right of Residence and Establishment and the related decisions, boundary delineation and demarcation.
• Knowledge of ECOWAS regional rules and regulations on customs tariff classification of goods and origin of goods and Customs tariffs and taxes compliance policies.
• Must be below 50 years Old
• Senior leadership experience in establishing strategic partnerships, working collaboratively, and building consensus with multiple internal and/or external stakeholders on complex issues in a multi-disciplinary governmental or international organization.
• Ability to communicate with clarity and conviction, make compelling presentations that promote new insights, ideas and perspectives and a better understanding of issues and challenges.
• Exhibit active listening skills to encourage stronger communication amongst team members, to show care and make them feel valued and to drive employee engagement in all institutions and agencies.