Trade and Customs Consultant

ROLE: Trade and Customs Consultant

EMPLOYMENT BASIS: Fixed term contracts of 3-6 month in duration

The Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade is the premier association for exporters and importers, empowering organizations and individuals with the tools and knowledge required for effective, sustainable, and competitive international trade. 

We provide a comprehensive suite of memberships, qualifications, training, events, and advisory services for global trade professionals. In collaboration with the UK government, we set trade standards nationally and internationally. In summer 2024 we proud became the Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade, highlighting our role and the professional status of our members in global trade.

In the coming months, we will have a number of opportunities for Customs Consultants to collaborate with us on short to medium term assignments.

These will be remote roles although you will be given a full training and induction. This is an exciting opportunity to collaborate with us on our ongoing mission to empower global trade.

Job Brief

The main function of this role is to support the Trader Support Service (TSS) service delivery ensuring all customs queries relating to Import/Export in Northern Ireland are dealt with in a timely manner. 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide specialist customs and trade knowledge to support delivery of the Trader Support Service (TSS).
• Knowledge requirements will cover the trader, carrier and intermediary communities in Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
• Client engagement virtual and face to face
• Identify trading principles on commodity code checks, valuation of goods for customs purposes, rules of origin (preferential and non-preferential), the trade tariff, VAT implications and use of customs authorisations and procedures.
• Manage, investigate and resolve escalated enquiries including but not limited to incomplete customs and safety & security declarations, incomplete declaration documentation, specific requirements for goods carried such as goods subject to Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) checks, Excise goods, goods requiring licenses, goods subject to special procedures.
• Ensure learnings from client engagement is shared with Managers and colleagues in order that learning, knowledge sharing and training materials reflect the nature of client enquiries.
• Provide a summary of any additional support required by specific traders.
• To support in the achievement of the Team KPI targets
• To act as an ambassador for the function and the organisation in terms of diligent and ethical conduct and performance
• To provide support for specific projects where required
• To communicate in an articulate, professional and informed manner across all levels of the business, both internally and externally
• To maintain the integrity of the business through the accurate and timely recording of all relevant data
• Undertake any other reasonable duties commensurate with a changing environment and a proactive business function

Person Specification

• In depth experience in understanding and applying customs and trade legislation
• Detailed knowledge of the issues around the technical movement of goods into and out of, N Ireland.
• Strong knowledge and application of customs and international trade legislation
• Working knowledge of the UK Tariff and commodity codes
• Working knowledge of Customs Procedure Codes (CPCs)
• A strong understanding of customs compliance requirements and customs legislation
• Experience completing or instructing completion of customs entries
• Experience using freight and/or customs declaration systems (CDS)
• Strong knowledge of customs documentation requirements
• Good attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills - verbal and written
• Experience creating learning content (preferably using Microsoft PowerPoint)
• A professional qualification in customs or trade preferable

BENEFITS: 

• 36.5 hours per week including 4pm Friday finish
• 25 days annual leave (pro-rata) and day off for your birthday too
• Annual performance-related bonus
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Private healthcare including Optician/Dental costs
• Life Assurance (Salary x4)
• Personalised training
• A range of discounts for shopping, holidays and cinema attendance 
• Free breakfast in Peterborough
• 2 days volunteering a year

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: 

Life would be boring if we were all the same! The Chartered Institute is a company with a charitable status that believes in diversity and inclusion, as shown in the hiring and progression of our team members. The workforce is truly diverse – in age, nationality, gender and location. 

With a passion for nurturing, supporting and including all team members – no matter who you are – we celebrate identity. We are proud of who we are and where we come from.  

As an Investors in People accredited organisation, we care about and prioritise all of our team members daily. We ensure to engage with and listen to everyone.

Our Disability Confident and Mindful Employer accreditations express our commitment to the specialist needs and mental health of our team members.  

Having family-friendly policies allows our employees to partake in a flexible work environment so they can take care of children and loved ones.