Head of Unit, Security

Introduction

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 186 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 wide 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 fostering international cooperation among them.

In June 2024, WCO Council approved a modernization plan for the Organization, which included a restructuring designed to address challenges identified by Members and the Secretariat. As of 1 July 2025, two technical Directorates operate under the broad supervision of the Secretary General. The Policy and Standards Directorate holds responsibility for developing WCO policy and standards, while the Implementation and Capacity Development Directorate is responsible for supporting implementation of the said policies and standards through capacity delivery, coordination of international operations and technical assistance.

About the position

The Implementation and Capacity Development Directorate is led by a Director and is comprised of two Sub-Directorates: Implementation Support and Capacity Delivery, each managed by a Deputy Director. Implementation of WCO instruments, tools and standards is a fundamental part of the Directorate's work, directly responding to the policy developed by the Policy and Standards Directorate.

The Capacity Delivery Sub-Directorate is tasked with the implementation of WCO standards through specific (often donor-funded) projects. Capacity Delivery is divided into five Units: Drugs & Environment, Facilitation Implementation, Nomenclature & Revenue Implementation, Security and Supply Chain Integrity.

The Head of Unit, Security, is responsible for the management of staff in the Unit and in ensuring projects are aligned with the WCO's Strategic Plan.

Key responsibilities include:

• Contributing to ensuring effective delivery in line with the WCO Strategic Plan as an integral member of the Sub-Directorate and Directorate management team.
• Managing staff within the Unit in accordance with the WCO's values, Staff Manuals and policies, including management of leave and attendance, recruitment, onboarding, offboarding and associated knowledge transfer, as well as staff welfare.
• Overseeing and contributing to the drafting of tools, guidance and technical documents related to the Unit's area of responsibility.
• Contributing to the management of the relevant WCO working bodies and acting as first approver for documents and reports prepared by the Unit.
• Overseeing the preparation of briefings for relevant working body Chairpersons, the Deputy Director and Director.
• Representing the WCO at international fora and in meetings with Members, relevant partners and stakeholders.
• Writing and reviewing briefing notes, presentations and speeches to be given by the Secretary General and other senior Secretariat staff.
• Ensuring effective coordination with the Project Management Office, Stakeholder Engagement Office and other Units of the WCO.
• Ensuring collaboration with WCO regional entities to secure support for specified programmes.
• Supporting Programme and Project Managers in cultivating, maintaining and liaising with donors and co-implementers in the Unit's area of responsibility.
• In coordination with the Expert Mobilization & Curriculum Management Unit, contributing to the development and review of training materials and overseeing the planning and delivery of capacity-building activities and the development of accredited expert pools.
• In coordination with the Needs Assessment and Strategic Support Unit and Regional Development Managers, providing input into Member Support Roadmaps and ensure visibility of capacity delivery options in their field in the categorized list of capacity building offer.

Full details on the position and the application process are available on the WCO website: World Customs Organization