National Expert - IT (Two positions) (for Nepalese Nationals only), Kathmandu, Nepal

• Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
• Country: Nepal
• City: Kathmandu, Nepal
• Office: UNDP Kathmandu

Closing date: Wednesday, 3 June 2015

National Expert - IT (Two positions) (for Nepalese Nationals only)
Location : Kathmandu, NEPAL

Application Deadline : 03-Jun-15
Additional Category
Management
Type of Contract : Service Contract
Post Level : SB-4
Languages Required : English
Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start)
15-Jul-2015
Duration of Initial Contract : Six months with possibilty of extension
Expected Duration of Assignment : Sixteen months
Background
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) which is governed by its 194 member States, is the United Nations body responsible for dealing with development issues, particularly international trade - the main driver of development. UNCTAD offers direct technical assistance to developing countries and countries with economies in transition, helping them to build the capacities they need to become equitably integrated into the global economy and improve the well-being of their populations.

Nepal adopted the policy of economic liberalization in the early 1990s. Since then the Department of Customs (DOC) has undergone important changes in several fronts including the introduction of open general licensing and elimination of the quota system. The rapid change in the modes of trade meant new challenges for the government/DOC and necessitated strengthening of its capacity.
UNCTAD developed Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) was implemented in the Department of Customs (DOC) in Nepal in three stages. First as a pilot site (TIA) project, and several years later as a component of a Trade Facilitation Project for the deployment of the system in a number of Customs offices. A consolidation of automated operations took place between 2007-2010. Since then ASYCUDA has been deployed in other Customs border offices.
The primary rationale behind the project is to provide DOC and its Customs field offices with streamlined customs clearance processes supported by the latest web-based version of ASYCUDA. Tthe software and its underlying technology are to become the customs core of the Nepal Single Window. Three key groups will stand to benefit from this project
Benefits to Government

1. Timely and accurate trade and revenue data;
2. Customs core of the Nepal Single Window

Benefits to the Department of Customs/Customs Offices

1. Improved capacity for monitoring of cargo and Customs operations;
2. Centralised system and data;
3. The availability of a state-of-the-art tool to support customs operations and decision making;
4. Improved targeted selection of consignments for examination;

Benefits to the trading Community (Imports, Exporters and Shipping Agents)

1. Web-based submission of Customs declaration;
2. Reduction in the 'overhead' costs of dealing with Customs by reducing the need of traders to physically visit Customs house;
3. Immediate electronic advice regarding status of Customs declarations.

We are now looking for qualified national experts to work as part of the National Project Team and support this important initiative of the government of Nepal.
Duties and Responsibilities
The National expert(s) - IT shall work with the National Project Team and other UNCTAD experts and be required to :

• Provide detailed specifications for the WAN system and provide technical specifications for equipment and services;
• Assist with the development and testing of the prototype;
• Provide technical institutional memory throughout the project life and beyond;
• Assist with the development of specific technical documentation;
• Assist with consolidation / migration of data, as appropriate;
• Assist with production of management reports;
• Perform such other functions as assigned by UNCTAD regional coordinator;
• Will be required to travel within Nepal.

Competencies

• Promotes sharing of knowledge and experience, and actively works towards continued personal learning and development;
• Good practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues;
• Ability to go beyond established procedures and models, propose new approaches which expand the range of projects;
• Builds strong relationships with all partner, focuses on impact and results and responds positively to critical feedback;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
• Proven networking, team building, organizational and communication skills;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Required Skills and Experience
Qualification

• Graduation from a recognized institute with a Degree or Diploma in Computer Science or equivalent;

Experience

• Must have good working knowledge of operating systems including MS-Windows and UNIX;
• Must have good knowledge of programming with Unix shell, Java, C-language and RDBMS such as ORACLE or Informix;
• Knowledge of Local Area Network and Wide Area Network design and implementation;
• Proven track record of working in a team environment;
• Good experience in system analysis and design;
• Experience working as an EDP/ASYCUDA expert or in system development would be an advantage.

Language Requirement

• A perfect working knowledge of English.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.