Customs Clearance Transition Consultant

Job title : Customs Clearance Transition Consultant

• This Scope of Work outlines the professional services to be provided by the Consultant. The primary objective of this short-term, billable assignment is to serve as the  Customs Clearance Transition Consultant supporting the GHSC-PSM project under the strategic leadership of the Director, Warehousing, Distribution, and Customs, by supporting the project in transitioning customs clearance operations in the new model, acting as a key liaison by facilitating effective communication and coordination with relevant Regulatory Agencies such as Nigerian Customs Services, NAFDAC, SON, etc., and Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and proactively identify, address, and resolve issues that pose bottlenecks to port operations, thereby enabling a seamless and effective shift in customs processes, and ensure the smooth implementation of GHSC-PSM's port clearance mandate while maintaining full compliance with regulatory requirements and program objectives.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

The Consultant will be responsible for the following key tasks:

Transition Planning and Mapping

• Conduct a comprehensive review of the current customs clearance process, including roles, documents, systems, timelines, bottlenecks, and stakeholders.
• Map out the new customs clearing model, detailing process flows, responsible parties, and key performance milestones.
• Identify gaps in the current and proposed systems that could impact compliance or operational continuity.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Coordinate consultations with government agencies (e.g., NAFDAC, Nigeria Customs Service, NESREA, SON), USG State Department, port authorities, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment with national customs regulations, regulatory requirements, and donor requirements.
• Facilitate communication and strengthen engagement between GHSC-PSM and relevant federal MDAs and regulatory bodies (e.g., Nigeria Customs Service, NAFDAC, SON, NESREA).
• Facilitate meetings and secure buy-in from all relevant actors involved in the transition.
• Support the resolution of customs-related bottlenecks and ensure smooth coordination of logistics operations at ports of entry.
• Serve as the primary advisor on GHSC-PSM customs and import-related matters.
• Provide coherent, accurate, and timely responses on behalf of GHSC-PSM to regulatory queries and port clearance issues.

SOP Development, and Knowledge Transfer

• Update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the end-to-end customs clearance process tailored to the new operating model.
• Ensure SOPs are aligned with Nigeria's customs code, USG State Department requirements, GHSC-PSM requirements, and global best practices.
• Provide technical assistance to GHSC-PSM and the local clearing agent, in consultation with the government counterpart, on new IDEC waiver and NAFDAC E-permit processing processes in light of the new model of operations, documentation requirements, pre-clearance processes, HS code classifications, and real-time clearance tracking.
• Design and conduct on-the-job hands-on sessions and job aids to facilitate knowledge transfer.

Risk Mitigation and Compliance Assurance

• Identify and mitigate potential risks (e.g., delays, demurrage, documentation errors) that may occur during or after the transition.
• Recommend controls and monitoring systems to ensure continued compliance with customs regulations and donor standards.

Monitoring, Documentation, and Reporting

• Develop tools and templates to monitor clearance performance post-transition (e.g., clearance timelines, cost efficiency, documentation accuracy).
• Track progress of transition activities, documenting key decisions, bottlenecks, and resolutions.
• Submit periodic progress reports and a final transition report with lessons learned and recommendations for long-term sustainability.
• Carry out any other duties as assigned by the Director, Warehousing, Distribution, and Customs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, International Trade, Customs Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in customs clearance operations, including engagement with the Nigeria Customs Service and port authorities.
• Proven experience advising transitions in customs, logistics, or regulatory compliance.
• Strong understanding of Nigerian import regulations, HS codes, NAFDAC, and SON requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to develop SOPs, knowledge transfer plans, and performance tracking tools.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and analytical skills.
• Experience working on USAID or donor-funded programs with strong knowledge of their requirements is preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail, strong oral and written communication skills are required.
• Excellent technical writing and oral presentation skills are highly desired
• Good attitude and work ethic
• Fluency in English is required