Consultant: Customs Compliance (Rul OriTra) at The South African Revenue Service (SARS)

Job Purpose

• To provide specialized guidance and advice on origin matters on a national basis and to manage activities within the Rules of Origin and Trade Agreements Division within the ambits of relevant legislation, both national and international.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification & Experience Required

• Relevant Bachelor's Degree / Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Finance, Legal or Economics environment AND 5 - 7 years experience in a trade agreements/rules of origin or similar environment, of which 2 - 3 years is at a technically skilled level

OR

• Senior Certificate (NQF 4) AND 10 years experience in a trade agreements / rules of origin or similar environment, of which 2 - 3 years is at a technically skilled leve

Minimum Functional Requirements

Job Outputs:

Process

• Solid experience in interpreting preferential and non-preferential rules of origin and analysing various schedules to the Customs & Excise Act 91 of 1964
• Plan for value-added process improvements, initiatives and services to deliver on operational strategy and objectives. (I)
• Provide specialist input through the investigation of opportunities for operational and process, product and risk optimisation. (I)
• Initiate process and procedural change, implement the change and provide guidelines and support related to new requirements as a result of the change. (I)
• Apply practical and applied knowledge and act authoritatively on methods, systems and procedures to identify trends and potential risks. (I)
• Communication of situational interpretation and judgement of work outputs and queries in area of specialisation. (I)
• Correctly apply policies, practices, standards, procedures and legislation in the delivery of work outputs. (I)
• Draw on own knowledge and experience to diagnose symptoms, causes and possible effects in order to solve emerging problems. (I)
• Accumulate information to review work progress that provides input to reporting, decision making and the identification of improvement opportunities. (I)
• Develop and implement risk management practices to highlight non-compliance and ensure appropriate action is taken.
• Conduct complimentary research and document findings.
• Take responsibility for the effective implementation and monitoring of trade agreements nationally.
• Resolve complex origin queries with a national, regional or international impact.
• Quality ensures consistency and efficiency of origin processes/operations nationally and report monthly.
• Conduct national workshops and training to update stakeholders on rules of origin matters.
• Ensure documented transference of skills / knowledge transfer.
• Establish and maintain national channels of communication with relevant client/stakeholder's groups.
• Plan and manage national improvement initiatives on origin matters to ensure best practices.
• Provide input to the SARS Customs Academy on updating and developing the trade agreements course material content upon request within the agrees time frame.
• Provide submission on the need for enhancement/ update of the national legislation relevant to Origin.
• Provide technical assistance to other SARS divisions nationally e.g. Customs Risks Management.
• Provide technical input on operational policy in specific allocated areas e.g. International Trade Agreements.
• Assist in the review and updating of trade agreement policies including the Guide to rules of origin in the RSA as well as the Standard Operating Policies
• Liaise with various government departments at a national level e.g. DTI and DAFF
• Represent SARS in appeals process in resolving and deciding on Origin disputes between SARS and traders when required.
• Liaise with National policy and Legal service providers and provide technical guidance and advise regarding the alignment of the international agreements and domestic laws.
• Develop and plan training programmes, manuals and compliance guides to meet identified skills needs and shortages.
• Execute specialist input through investigation and opportunities within the product process including risk concern.

Governance

• Implement and provide input into the development of governance, compliance, integrity and ethics processes within area of specialisation. (I)

People

• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with peers and team members to achieve predefined objectives. (I)
• Search for, integrate and share new knowledge attained through formal and informal learning opportunities in the execution of your job. (I)

 Finance

• Adhere to organisational policies and procedures to ensure cost effectiveness and reduction of financial costs. (I)

Client

• Contribute to a culture of service excellence, which builds positive relationships and provides opportunity for feedback and exceptional service. (I)
• Provide authoritative, specialist services, expertise and advice to internal and external stakeholders. (I)
• Provide authoritative, specialist expertise and advice to internal and external customers.

Behavioural competencies

• Fairness and Transparency
• Accountability
• Honesty and Integrity
• Trust
• Respect
• Conceptual Ability
• Analytical Thinking
• Attention to Detail
• Continuous Learning
• Expertise in Context
• Organisational Awareness

Technical competencies

• Business Knowledge
• Data Collection and Analysis
• Decision Making and Problem Solving
• Efficiency Improvement
• Functional Policies and Procedures
• Legal Advisory and Interpretation

Deadline:9th July,2025