The World Customs Organization (WCO) is an independent intergovernmental body, established in 1952 as the Customs Co-operation Council (CCC), whose mission is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of Customs services across the globe. The WCO represents 187 Customs administrations that collectively process approximately 98% of world trade. As the global centre of Customs expertise, the WCO is the only international organization with competence in Customs matters.

As a forum for dialogue and exchange of experiences between national Customs delegates, the WCO offers its Members a range of Conventions and other international instruments, as well as technical assistance and training services provided either directly by the Secretariat, or with its participation. The Secretariat also actively supports its Members in their endeavours to modernize and build capacity within their national Customs administrations, as well as foster international cooperation amongst them.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

In 2015, the WCO and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to strengthen their partnership in the areas of trade facilitation, Customs modernization and capacity building. This cooperation was further developed through the WCO-JICA Joint Project, which supports selected WCO Members in Africa, the Pacific Islands, and Central Asia and the Caucasus.

The Project focuses on strengthening sustainable Customs capacity through the Master Trainer Programme (MTP) and related technical assistance activities. The MTP supports Customs administrations in developing pools of qualified trainers and practical training materials on key Customs topics, including risk management, post-clearance audit, classification, valuation and geospatial intelligence.

The Project Assistant will contribute to the effective implementation of the WCO-JICA Joint Project by providing administrative, logistical, financial and communication support for project activities, missions, workshops, meetings and reporting.

MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT

The WCO-JICA Joint Project aims to support Customs modernization and sustainable capacity building in WCO Members. Its main areas of work include:

Supporting the implementation of the WCO Action Plan on Fragile Borders and ConflictAffected Situations,
Supporting trade facilitation and Customs modernization in the Pacific Islands, including through WCO the Small Island Economies (SIEs) initiative,
Contributing to enhanced connectivity in Central Asia and Caucasus,
Implementing MTPs and follow-up activities in relevant Customs areas; and
Strengthening cooperation between the WCO and JICA.

MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES

Under the supervision of the Manager of the WCO-JICA Joint Project, the Project Assistant will provide administrative, logistical, financial and communication support for the implementation of Project activities. In particular, the Project Assistant will:

(a) Support the planning, preparation and logistical organization of missions, workshops, meetings, training activities and online engagements;
(b) Prepare cost estimates, process claims and invoices, and support budget monitoring and financial follow-up;
(c) Assist with reporting, including the regular progress reports to management;
(d) Prepare and submit travel requests according to the WCO procedures;
(e) Maintain project records, documents, archives and activity files;
(f) Support procurement and contracting processes, including the preparation and follow-up of relevant documentation;
(g) Assist with the preparation of project reports, progress updates, correspondence and briefing materials;
(h) Supporting the revision (editing) and formatting of training materials and project documents;
(i) Maintain and update project related information using relevant WCO tools and databases when required;
(j) Support communication and liaison process with Member administrations, donors, partner organizations, experts and external stakeholders;
(k) Contribute to the preparation of web articles, social media content and other visibility materials;
(l) Provide French-English translations and vice versa for project related activities; and
(m) Perform any other project-related duties as assigned by the line manager.

EDUCATION

University degree; or an equivalent combination of education, skills and experience.

EXPERIENCE AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATION

Minimum two (2) years of previous experience in providing administrative, logistical and financial support in a programme/project context is required;
Experience in supporting the organization of workshops, meetings, missions and events (virtual and physical);
Experience with MS Office (in particular Word, Excel and PowerPoint);
Experience in and/or knowledge of the functioning of international organizations;
Experience with ERP and other procurement systems would be beneficial (in particular knowledge in processing financial information, cost estimates, invoices or claims).

LANGUAGES

Fluency in English and French is mandatory.
The ability to draft, edit and proof-read formal documents in English and French is required.

COMPETENCIES

Ability to work constructively in a small team and in a multinational environment;
Strong organizational skills;
Strong oral and written communication skills;
Ability to work under pressure and adhere to tight deadlines;
Ability to adapt to and effectively use the administrative and financial tools;
Knowledge of WCO tools will be an asset.

CONTRACT AND CONDITIONS

Staff member under short-term contract of until 30 June 2027 with the possibility of renewal based on budget availability and performance;
Probationary period: six (6) months;
Full-time employment (37 hours and 40 minutes weekly) at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium;
30 days of annual paid leave on a pro-rata basis per year;
Salary 4,100 EUR/month all-inclusive depending on experience (remuneration exempted from income tax in Belgium);
Relocation package not available; and
Compulsory WCO health insurance deducted from the salary (around 71 EUR/month).

This position is subject to the Manual for Short-Term Contractors. The successful applicant shall not acquire the right subsequently to occupy a permanent post within the WCO. The successful applicant will not be affiliated to any retirement fund or pension scheme taken by the WCO. If a candidate is related to current WCO staff members (spouse, father, mother, son, daughter, brother or sister), he/she is required to expressly indicate this in the application.

APPLICATION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit their application for review no later than 1 August 2026, including a CV and motivation letter in English or French. This application should be sent by email to: vacancy.pajica@wcoomd.org

The subject line of the email should clearly indicate the name of the candidate.

The onus is on the applicant to demonstrate how he/she meets each of the essential qualifications and requirements. Applicants are encouraged to detail concrete achievements in their CVs and/or in their cover letters as well as include references.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an assessment which may include a written test and/or an interview. All short-listed candidates may be requested to provide copies of their original diploma, certificates and proof of relevant experience. Pre-selected candidates may also be subject to reference checks to confirm the information provided in the application.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to criteria of the position and the WCO applicable rules.

Appointment to this position is contingent upon the availability of funding.

Shortlisted candidates may be placed on a reserve list for similar positions at the WCO.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The WCO values commitment to the principles of integrity, transparency and accountability as well as values diversity among its staff members. Accordingly, applications from qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, will receive equal treatment and due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting nationals from WCO Members on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The age limit for employment at the WCO is 65. Please note that the WCO Headquarters is a non-smoking environment.

While we do our best in sharing high quality job postings, Jobs in Brussels can't guarantee or be made responsible for the content in the postings (e.g. specified deadlines or links).

World Customs Organization is looking for a Project Assistant, WCO-JICA Joint Project (French-speaking)