Customs expert - New York - United Nations

Description

Result of Service

The Panel of Experts established pursuant to Security Council resolution "the Panel") consists of up to eight experts with demonstrated substantive knowledge, experience and skills in areas relevant to the implementation of the 1737 sanctions regime. The Panel's mandate is established and can be renewed or terminated by the Security Council. The Panel acts under the direction of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution "1737 Committee"). The Expert will serve with a Panel reporting to the 1737Committee and the Security Council. The Expert comes under the overall guidance and management of the Security Council Affairs Division of the Department of Political Affairs, specifically, of the Secretary of the concerned Security Council Committee, the Chief of the Branch and the Director of the Security Council Affairs Division. The work of the Panel is facilitated by a Coordinator who is also an expert on the Panel. For more information about the Panel, including its reports and other relevant materials, please see:

Work Location

New York

Expected duration

This position is expected to become available in March 2026, with an anticipated period of 7 months.

Duties and Responsibilities

With delegated authority, the customs expert will be responsible for (but not limited to) the following duties: Substantive
• Contribute to the monitoring of sanctions measures and investigation of alleged sanctions violations as mandated by Security Council resolutions related to the Islamic Republic of Iran (hereafter Iran) in his/her area of expertise;
• Participate in investigations of alleged violations of the sanctions regime and contribute to reporting thereon through investigative reports, interim and final reports of the Panel to the Security Council, as well as any periodic briefing/reporting as requested by the Committee;
• Contribute to the preparation of recommendations by the Panel for improved implementation of the Security Council resolutions related to Iran, based on the Panel's investigations, country visits and outreach activities;
• Compile information on individuals and entities that may engage in sanctions violations;
• Prepare and deliver briefings and presentations on the sanctions regime and the Panel's activities;
• Assist in identifying areas where the capacities of States can be strengthened to enhance the implementation of the sanctions regime;
• Contribute to reports that adhere to a high standard of evidence and rigorous methodology;
• Provide due process to Member States, entities and individuals to respond to allegations and findings when conducting investigations; and
• Take on other duties as mandated by the Security Council and/or directed by the Committee. Organizational
• Contribute to the preparation of a programme of work of the Panel of Experts, including a travel schedule, which will be updated regularly;
• Participate in investigative missions and bilateral consultations to gather information from government authorities, private individuals and entities, civil society, regional and sub-regional organizations and United Nations field presences;
• Draft and follow up on correspondence in his/her areas of responsibility;
• Collate and assess the information obtained, including by sharing written notes and briefs with other Panel members;
• Classify, categorize and archive the materials obtained in the course of the Panel of Experts' investigation; and
• Submit to the UN Secretariat an End of Assignment Report at the end of the mandate. Administrative
• Abide by the rules and regulations of the United Nations, as guided by the Secretary of the Committee, the Chief of the Subsidiary Organs Branch and the Director of the Security Council Affairs Division, among others.

Qualifications/special skills

The expert will be responsible for analysing Iran's trade activities as they relate to the sanctions regime, as well as assessing developments in national, regional and global customs regulations and their implications for Iran in this regard. The expert will monitor relevant national customs clearance procedures and identify current vulnerabilities of those procedures based on cases investigated by the Panel. The expert will be responsible for investigating alleged cases of non-compliance and techniques used by Iran to evade customs regulations, among others. To be selected, the expert will have to demonstrate substantive knowledge and experience in the area of national and international customs rules, regulations and practices. First-hand experience in customs and sanctions is highly desirable. First-hand experience in conducting investigations is highly desirable. Experience in working with relevant international organisations or arrangements is desirable. Education
• An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in military/strategic studies, political science, international relations, relevant technical field or other relevant area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Experience
• A minimum of ten years (including a minimum of three years of field experience) of progressively responsible experience in the relevant field is required
• Strong field research or investigative experience in the area of expertise is required
• Experience in writing high-quality reports is required
• Experience working in a complex political environment within a national, regional or international setting is required
• A demonstrated understanding of sanctions regimes in a United Nations, regional organization or Member State setting is desirable
• Experience in working under the rules and regulations of the organization and the working culture and methods of the United Nations Secretariat is desirable

Languages

* Fluency in English is required.
• Working knowledge of other United Nations official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) and knowledge of languages spoken in the Middle East region would be an advantage.

Additional Information

All experts will engage in frequent regional and international travel. All travel will be in Economy Class as per United Nations administrative instruction ST/AI/2013/3/Rev.1. Geographical diversity is a strong consideration. Women are particularly encouraged to apply. Candidates are encouraged to apply to the Security Council Affairs Division Pool of Experts. Candidates registered in the Pool of Experts are available for consideration whenever relevant opportunities arise. They will be contacted directly by the relevant team using the email address provided in the PHP submitted when applying to the Pool. Candidates who have joined the Pool should also actively apply to sanctions expert vacancy announcements posted in Inspira and on this website. Candidates interested in becoming members of the Pool of Experts can apply at the following URL: For more information, please see: Candidates should list all work experience and diplomas in the relevant part of the application. Work experience and diplomas only mentioned in the cover letter will not be considered for screening purposes. Statements must include concrete start and end dates, detailed description of tasks and achievements and whether the experience was obtained in full-time or part-time. Candidates should note that eligibility and fees will be decided based on their submitted application only. There is no option to revise an application after submission. An appointment shall not be granted to a person who is the father, mother, son, daughter, brother, or sister, including step-parents, step-children, and step-siblings of a staff member.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.