Emplois

(en anglais seulement)

The Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC), acting as Canadian Executing Agency (CEA) for a CIDA-funded Deployment for Democratic Development (DDD) mechanism, is currently seeking a Canadian Expert in automated financial systems for accounting and audit (preferably in relation to customs clearance) for a short-term project to assist the Lebanese Customs Administration (LCA) with financial management and accountability.

At this initial stage of the project, we are seeking to recruit someone to complete a 1-2 week scoping mission in the field. Once approved by CIDA (through a submission of a CV), the selected consultant will travel to Lebanon to work with the local partner on the needs assessment and develop a Work Plan (WP) for the project implementation stage. Technical missions identified in the WP will follow once the work plan has been approved by CIDA. DDD will manage the implementation, which - depending on specifics identified during the scoping mission - will require a repeated engagement of the initial CER, or recruiting other consultants.

Initiative Overview

The LCA has initiated a reform program in the 90’s characterized by the adoption of international standards, risk management, extensive use of technology, participation of the private sector, and building of capacity within the service. One of the core elements of this reform has been a revamped clearance process of e-payment of customs duties and taxes through commercial banks that led to downsizing and transformation of Customs Cashier department at ports, airports and land border points.

As the new clearance process means that the payment will be electronic and via commercial banks directly to the Central Bank, the objective of the proposed initiative is to provide guidance, orientation and advice to relevant departments in LCA in the following:

•     Legislative basis of e-payment and dispute resolution
•     Audit and financial tracking in an electronic environment: customer, commercial banks and central bank
•     Modernized archiving techniques of payment transactions.

In addition to e-payment, LCA would benefit from technical assistance in the management of guarantees, deposits and refunds in Customs: customs operations in some instances entail the release of cargo based on bank guarantees, temporary deposits in case of dispute, refund of overpaid duties and other non-cash based transactions.

Requirements

Expertise in automated financial systems (e-payments) for accounting and audit, preferably in relation to customs clearance. Experience in the region a plus.

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter to Kasia Zakowska, DDD Co-Manager, at kzakowska@ipac.ca by December 10, 2010. We thank all applicants; please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.