International Consultant – Coordinator for ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS) 2.0 study

Result of ServiceOutput 1: ACTS 2.0 study outline, data collection framework including questionnaires, and coordination workplan is submitted, reviewed and validated by ITC and ASEC by 30th July 2025. Output 2: Rolling out of the data collection framework including questionnaires and data collection workplan is implemented, documented and validated by ITC and ASEC by 30th August 2025. Output 3: Draft ACTS 2.0 study submitted for consultation is finalized and validated by ITC and ASEC by 30th September 2025. Output 4: Final ACTS 2.0 study and implementation roadmap submitted, incorporating inputs feedback is submitted and validated by ITC and ASEC by 15th October 2025. Work Locationhome-based Expected durationASAP - 31.10.25 Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe International Trade Centre (ITC) has a unique mandate in the United Nations system to promote increased competitiveness of Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing, transition and least developed countries and assisting them to better use trade as a platform for growth, development, and employment creation. As such, ITC supports these countries to improve their business environment and facilitate better management of border operations, including through the implementation of inclusive and sustainable trade facilitation reforms and in particular the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). About the project: EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package (SCOPE) – Trade is a five-year project funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the ITC in partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretariat (ASEC), as well as ASEAN Sectoral Bodies and Working Groups aimed at addressing three important trade-related pillars which drive economic connectivity in the ASEAN and between ASEAN and the EU i.e., trade policy environment, digital connectivity, sustainable and resilient value chains. SCOPE Trade will improve sustainable connectivity between the EU and ASEAN, and within ASEAN with a focus on trade, economic connectivity and sustainable value chains through improved regulatory frameworks, dialogue and institutional capacities in key areas of trade and economic connectivity and implement the following expected outputs: • Output 1: Improved policies and regulatory environment for fair and sustainable market, trade and investment in ASEAN. • Output 2: Improved capacities of ASEAN for digital connectivity. • Output 3: Increased knowledge and capacities for ensuring environmental, economic and social value chain sustainability among ASEAN/ASEAN Member States institutions and the private sector. Under Output 2, ITC will implement Activity 2.2: Provide technical support to enhance ASEAN digital customs procedures and systems (including ACTS) and Sub-activity 2.2.1: Enhance the utilization of the ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS) and expand its geographical and functional coverage. Under Output 2 – “Improved capacities of ASEAN for digital connectivity” – the project includes Activity 2.2, “Provide technical support to enhance ASEAN digital customs procedures and systems (including ACTS).” To support this, ITC will implement a study on the new generation of ACTS (ACTS 2.0) to upgrade its system, enhance its utilization, and expand its geographical and functional coverage. In order to complete this strategic objective, ITC is looking for a coordinator and will support the overall coordination and development of the ACTS 2.0 study in close collaboration with ITC and ASEC. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES The International Consultant will work under the direct supervision of the two Associate Programme Officers on Trade and Investment Facilitation under the overall guidance and technical direction of the Senior Trade and Investment Facilitation Advisor (all at the ITC headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland) and in close coordination with ASEC officers and ITC SCOPE Technical lead on Output 2 (both based in ASEC headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia) as well as designated officers in PMS. The consultant will be responsible for the following: 1. Preparatory and coordination work • Define and validate the outline and structure of the ACTS 2.0 study, including section breakdowns for legal, technical, operational, and policy components. • Develop a consolidated methodology and workplan, ensuring alignment between legal, IT, and stakeholder consultation inputs. • Set up coordination mechanisms and templates for input collection from other experts and participating stakeholders. • Organize and facilitate internal brainstorming, working sessions and bilateral consultations with key stakeholders (AMS, ASEC, ITC). • Provide strategic guidance to ITC and ASEC to ensure consistency, quality, and policy relevance of study inputs. 2. Lead analysis and drafting • Synthesize and analyse all technical inputs from the legal and IT experts. • Lead drafting of key sections of the study, including introduction, methodology, consolidated findings, and conclusions. • Consolidate and format inputs into a coherent and well-structured report • Support validation processes and incorporate feedback from AMS, ASEC, and ITC • Ensure timely delivery of the final study and associated executive summary, infographics, and presentation slides (where relevant). Copyright Clause: The consultant has to ensure that she has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform her services under this consultancy contract and for the subsequent dissemination by ITC in any form. Documentary proof is to be submitted to ITC. Should any license fee be due for the use of copyrighted materials of third parties, the consultant shall request the prior written permission from ITC. ITC champions workforce diversity, inclusion, gender equality and gender parity and considers all qualified persons - of all genders - equally, including those with disabilities, without discrimination or prejudice of any kind. Qualifications/special skillsMaster’s degree in international trade, public policy, economics, or related fields. • Minimum of 10 years of experience in international trade facilitation, customs modernization, or regional integration. • Proven experience in coordinating and drafting complex analytical reports or studies. • Demonstrated ability to consolidate multidisciplinary inputs (legal, IT, policy) into coherent outputs. • Experience working with ASEAN institutions, EU-funded programmes, or similar regional bodies • Familiarity with transit systems, trade digitalization and cross-border coordination challenges REQUIRED SKILLS: o Strong analytical and project management skills. o Strong drafting, analytical, and synthesis skills. o Excellent organizational and coordination abilities. o Ability to communicate effectively with high-level stakeholders. o Results-oriented, self-motivated, and proactive under tight timelines. DESIRABLE SKILLS: o Experience in strategic communication and report presentation o Familiarity with ACTS or other regional transit systems. LanguagesExcellent proficiency in English is mandatory. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.