EU Customs Competency Framework - Overview · PDF fileEU Customs Competency Framework -...

January 2014

EU Customs Competency Framework - Overview

2

Table of Contents

A. Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 3

Reference Documents .............................................................................................................................................. 3

Acronyms and Abbreviations: ................................................................................................................................. 3

Document Purpose ................................................................................................................................................... 4

Structure .................................................................................................................................................................... 4

B. The EU Customs Competency Framework – Background and Approach .................................................... 5

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................... 5

Vision .......................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Methodology ............................................................................................................................................................. 7

C. The EU Customs Competency Framework - Components ......................................................................... 8

Career model ............................................................................................................................................................. 8

Overall EU Customs Competency Framework ...................................................................................................... 8

a) Core Values .................................................................................................................................................. 9

b) Proficiency levels ....................................................................................................................................... 10

c) Professional Competencies ....................................................................................................................... 12

d) Operational Competencies ....................................................................................................................... 12

e) Management Competencies ..................................................................................................................... 13

Role Mapping – Usage of the EU Customs Competency Framework .............................................................. 13

Hierarchical Levels .................................................................................................................................................. 14

Role Mapping Tool and Role Mapping Matrix ................................................................................................... 16

D. EU Customs Competency – Deliverable Components ...................................................................... 18


3

A. Introduction

Reference Documents

Ref. Title Version Date

R01 The Dublin Strategy TBC TBC

R02 Competency Dictionary V1.0 21/12/2012

R03 UCC: Proposal for the Union Customs Code, v. 20.02.2012

COM(2012) 64 final - Regulation (EC) 515/97 64 final 20/02/2012

R04 Customs Blueprint – Pathways to Modern Customs N/A N/A

R05 WCO Picard Professional Standards N/A N/A

R06 NZ Customs Service Competency Framework N/A N/A

R07 FYI For Your Improvement" 4th edition © Lombardo and Eichinger. 4th Ed. 04/01/2004

R08 Feasibility Study N/A N/A

R09 Report “DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPETENCY FRAMEWORK” N/A N/A

R10 EU Customs Competency Framework Tool N/A N/A

Table 1: Reference Documents

Acronyms and Abbreviations:

Acronyms Description

EC European Commission

EU European Union

HR Human Resources

IP Intellectual property

MS Member State(s) – (“MS Customs Administrations”)

Table 2: Acronyms and Abbreviations


4

Document Purpose

This document describes the approach taken in the development of the EU Customs

Competency Framework. It describes the important definitions the inputs and decisions taken.

An overview of EU Customs Competency Framework is included; however for more in depth

information, it is advised to consult the Competency Dictionary for the individual competency

definitions.

Structure

This document is organised as follows:

The introductory part of the document provides an Introduction, Reference Documents,

Acronyms and Abbreviations and Document Purpose;

The EU Customs Competency Framework – Background and Approach chapter gives an

introduction to the competency framework and the approach used in its development; it

also provides information on its vision and methodology.

The EU Customs Competency Framework - Components chapter- describes the relevant

elements of the framework, explains the decisions made during its development, and

provides a high level overview of how the elements fit together. Detailed information

relating to the competencies can be found in the EU Customs Competency Dictionary and

are not listed here.

The EU Customs Competency Framework - Deliverable Components chapter -presents the

list of documents and supporting tools that form the complete EU Customs Competency

Framework package.


5

B. The EU Customs Competency Framework – Background and Approach

Introduction

The EU Customs Competency Framework is the first step to achieve a common strategic

performance development framework for the Customs Administrations of the European Union.

It has been developed based on input from a number of participants from the Member States

(MS), documentation from the World Customs Organization (WCO) and other international

sources. In addition, an expert project group with representatives from the MS was established

to ensure that national experience in the usage and application of competency frameworks in

the field of Customs was taken into account.

The following definitions are applied in relation to this work:

“A competency is the application of knowledge, skills and behaviours in a professional context”;

“A competency framework is the whole of skills, attitudes, insights and the application of

knowledge that are required to perform successfully in a specific professional context”.

Vision

Following the policy recommendations of the feasibility study led by DG TAXUD in 2011, it was

convened by participants in the study that a "common framework to learning and continuous

development for the Customs profession is a key step to achieve improved customs operations

and better organisational performance throughout Europe". These participants represented

National Customs Administrations of the EU; a number of Trade organisations and other relevant

stakeholders,

The EU Customs Competency Framework is part of this common framework and is the foundation

on which subsequent elements of the common framework are built upon. It will be the building

block to drive improved delivery of Customs service and improved business outcomes by

supporting workforce development.

In essence it will support the achievement of the following key business outcomes (out of many)

that were agreed by the MS Customs Administrations and Trade Organisations as priorities for

the Customs profession:

Harmonisation of delivery and standards – Ensuring that Customs operates in a

uniform and transparent manner across the EU. To define standards relating to required

skills and knowledge and training for a high performing Customs workforce;


6

Better responsiveness to Change and Future Oriented – Participants identified the next

decade as a period of profound change (continuing the deep changes that have already

occurred) as a result of shifting trade patterns, global financial crises and the rapidly

changing nature of business operations and supply chains,

The EU Customs Competency Framework is the mechanism to deliver consistently high standards

of service in all MS Customs Administrations. It will bring a harmonised EU approach and is the

basis to set a common training and education framework to support Member States (MS) in

delivering the skills and knowledge that the Customs profession needs. This will enable MS

Customs Administrations to deliver world-leading Customs services throughout the European

Union (EU).

Additionally, Customs must be able to respond to change, and be future oriented to remain

ahead of shifting trade patterns, global financial crises and the rapidly changing nature of

business operations and supply chains. The EU Customs Competency Framework aligns with the

strategic direction to address these requirements and to develop high performing Customs

workforces. This will be achieved through the definition of a shared view of the competencies

that high performing Customs professionals currently need, and those that they need in the

future - see Figure 1 - European Customs Vision.

Figure 1 - European Customs Vision


7

Methodology

The development of the EU Customs Competency Framework was an iterative process which is

depicted below in Figure 2 - Competency Framework Methodology. Initially, development was

based on a number of inputs from various sources. These included training material and plans

from various National Administrations; existing National competency frameworks, where

available; competency approaches and best practice documents received from MS; and other

international resources.

After the development of an initial framework, an expert project group was established to review

and update the Competency Framework based on their expertise and inputs. A number of project

group workshops were held over a period of time, which resulted in an updated and an improved

framework based on the experts’ feedback.

The final step in the methodology was to incorporate MS comments and points of view. This was

achieved via MS review and feedback implementation, and additionally through a role mapping

exercise. The role mapping exercise consisted of a review of position descriptions and interviews

of employees and their managers. This final step in the methodology aimed to improve the

overall quality, usability and completeness of the framework, as gaps are identified and

competencies are further defined and categorised. The EU Customs Competency Framework is

intended to be a living document, which is future-oriented. MS may adapt the EU Customs

Competency Framework to their own specific use, to include additional competencies or to

request updates to be made by DG TAXUD. The EU Customs Competency Framework aims to set

the optimal standards for European Customs.

Figure 2 - Competency Framework Methodology


8

C. The EU Customs Competency Framework - Components

Career model

The EU Customs Competency Framework career model currently identifies two career paths: a

strategic management and an expert career path. The objective is to provide a framework that is

flexible and generic so that it can be adapted by MS for their specific purpose. For example, MS

may use it to define training measures, in recruitment to identify roles to be fulfilled or in

performance management to validate that employees are performing to the required level. This

career model has been used as a reference point, when developing the individual competencies

of the EU Customs Competency Framework.

Figure 3 - A model with two career paths

Overall EU Customs Competency Framework

This section describes the overall framework, including a high level overview of each element of

the EU Customs Competency Framework. For detailed information relating to the individual

competencies, please see the Competency Dictionary [R02].

The EU Customs Competency Framework is underpinned by a set of core values which should be

demonstrated by any individual who works within the Customs profession in the EU. The

competencies are then divided into different layers of Management, Professional, and

Operational competencies. Each competency can be assigned one of four proficiency levels, from

Awareness (Proficiency Level 1) to Expert (Proficiency Level 4). Details of the proficiency levels are


9

further described in the following sections. There are no separate competencies for the Expert

Career Path; the difference is that the competencies required to be considered an expert must be

demonstrated by an individual with a proficiency level of 4, i.e. at an Expert level.

Figure 4 - High Level Overview EU Customs Competency Framework for Customs

a) Core Values

The Customs Core Values are the values that underpin the goals and beliefs of EU Customs

Administrations. These fundamental values underlie the behaviours of Customs professionals and

match the personal beliefs of the people who work in EU Customs Administrations. The Customs

Core Values are applicable to everyone who works in the EU Customs Administrations. They do

not have an associated proficiency level as each individual should strive to achieve and

demonstrate these values at all times, and are considered fundamental to someone’s approach to

their profession.


10

The core values were chosen and discussed with the Competency Framework project group. They

are aligned with the EU mission statement and the Union Customs Code.

Figure 5 - Customs Core Values

b) Proficiency levels

There are four proficiency levels provided in the framework. When using the framework, a

competency and associated proficiency level for the competency will be chosen. The proficiency

level indicates the level of ability, or experience required from the resource to operate in the role

that requires the competency.

The proficiency levels are defined in Figure 6 - Proficiency Levels.


11

Figure 6 - Proficiency Levels


12

c) Professional Competencies

The Professional Competencies are intended to be used in a more general, broader professional

context and therefore do not necessarily apply to Customs only. However, the competencies that

were chosen for inclusion have been analysed and are deemed relevant in the Customs profession.

The competencies are based on existing national competency models. In addition, they are strongly

aligned with the Lominger’s competency descriptions [R07], and adapted to the EU Customs context.

Figure 7 - Professional Competencies

d) Operational Competencies

The Operational Competencies are intended to be used in roles that are more specific to Customs

Administrations. They are more technical and should be applied in a more job-specific manner.

The Operational Competencies are based on the Union Customs Code [R03] and the EU Customs

Blueprint [R04]. These documents were used as the key input to the discovery and definition of the

operational competencies. Considering that the Competency Framework applies to all operational

roles, including those that are supported only by National legislative provisions, additional

competencies were also added to cover these. For example, Audit and Supply Chain Operations are

areas that are not explicitly mentioned in the Union Customs Code. However, they are included to

reflect comprehensively the ‘on the job’ knowledge and skills that are required for EU Customs

professionals.

As these competencies are specific to Customs, and not generic, the Competency Dictionary

includes a scope description to assist the user in understanding where and when the competency

could be applied for roles in EU Customs operations.


13

Figure 8 - Operational Competencies

e) Management Competencies

The Management Competencies are intended to be used specifically for Customs professionals

with management responsibilities. However, this does not imply that Professional and Operational

Competencies are excluded from roles in management. Depending on the role, a selection of

Operational and Professional Competencies will typically also be necessary. Some of the

Management Competencies are Customs specific, others are generic. Naturally, there are different

levels of management ranging from line management to strategic management. The Management

Competencies in this document may apply to all levels depending on the specific contexts within

Member States.

The competencies are based on existing national competency models. In addition, they are strongly

aligned with the first and second draft of the WCO Picard professional standards competency model

[R05] and have been adapted to the EU Customs context.

Figure 9 - Management Competencies

Role Mapping – Usage of the EU Customs Competency Framework

The next element of the EU Customs Competency Framework is its use for role mapping. In the

context of the project, this exercise was required to test the framework and discover any missing

competencies, but also to demonstrate how the framework can be applied in the different

national contexts of the MS.

For the purpose of demonstrating the use of the EU Customs Competency Framework, a

hierarchical organisational structure and a selection of potential roles were identified in order to:


14

1. Demonstrate how the EU Competency Framework for Customs could be used and

applied in a national context;

2. Test the level of detail in the Competency Framework.

The first step in the Role Mapping was to identify the different roles and provide a description for

those roles, with their associated high level tasks. The high level tasks of each role facilitated the

identification of the competencies required to execute each role, as well as the optimal

proficiency level required to perform the roles effectively.

In the Sample Roles section below, a selection of roles are depicted. They are based on the New

Zealand Customs Service Competency Framework and included here for illustrative purposes

only. Based on the levels from the New Zealand Customs Service, a European Role Mapping

Matrix was developed to depict the customs roles that are common to the European Customs

Administrations.

Hierarchical Levels

The New Zealand Customs Service Competency Framework [R06] defines a leadership career path

for Customs professionals in New Zealand. As no such framework exists for EU Customs, this

framework was adapted for the EU Customs Competency Model, in order to define roles and test

it at various levels. This is chosen for illustrative purposes only.

Six hierarchical levels have been identified to represent the Customs profession. These range from

operational levels up to the higher executive management levels. At each level, a role may be

defined and those roles may follow either of the career paths that have been identified in the

development of the EU Customs Competency Framework – i.e., the Expert Track or the Strategic

Management Track. The New Zealand levels are:

1. Personal and Peer Leadership

only responsible for own action, not working alone on a specific task

2. Lead Customs Tasks

only responsible for own action, but also takes accountability for tasks on which multiple

people have worked, without officially leading a team

3. Lead Customs Teams

Team leader; (Management or Expert Track)

4. Lead Customs Leaders

Leading the team leaders ( Management or Expert Track)

5. Lead Customs Groups

Leading the leaders that lead the team leaders, reporting to the highest level (Strategic

/ Operational)

6. Lead Customs Service

Leading the Customs Administration (Strategic and Operational)


15

The hierarchical levels have also been adapted to include scope for the Expert Career Path.

Someone working at the Expert level is not required to lead a team; however it may be that

someone is working at the Levels 1 -6, as listed above, but can also be considered one of the

expert types below.

These expert levels are:

The diagram below outlines how the two career paths are related in the New Zealand Customs

administration.

Figure 10 - Roles and Levels

1. Junior Expert

Developing deep skills in a particular area and is recognised for their abilities

/ contributions in an area of competence

2. Expert

Expert in a particular area, known by colleagues as the go to person for their

area of competence. Contributes in solving complex problems in that area.

3. Senior Expert

Expert in one or more domains. Is known by colleagues as the go to person

for their expertise. Can contribute to policy development, and any decisions

that are made relating to this area of expertise.


16

During the development of the Role Mapping Matrix and the identification of Common Customs

Role in Europe, the framework from New Zealand was adapted to better reflect the European

context. Figure 11 depicts the career paths envisaged for the European Role Mapping Matrix.

Figure 11 - Roles and Levels in European Role Mapping Matrix

Role Mapping Tool and Role Mapping Matrix

The supporting documents consist of a standalone Excel tool which can be used for the role

mapping. In addition, a European Role Mapping Matrix has been created that includes the Role

Descriptions and Competency Profiles for the identified common Customs roles.

The standalone tool includes all the necessary information, such as the Competency descriptions,

and the Proficiency Level descriptions to enable users to use the Competency Framework fully, to

develop their own role profiles for their Customs Administration. The tool consists of the two

templates for role mapping:

“Create a Role” Template for the definition of a role, mapped with its associated

competencies. The user will then select the associated proficiency levels for the chosen

competencies;

“Roles Overview” The second template is for a high level overview of all roles /

competencies in a matrix. This is useful for HR, for example, to have a high level view of

the roles. This is editable to add more competencies / roles.


17

Figure 12 – Supporting Tools – Create a Role and Figure 13 - Roles Overview below give a

snapshot of what the tool looks like. For details on how to use the tools, please refer to the tool

[R10] itself where there are clear instructions on its usage.

Figure 12 – Supporting Tools – Create a Role

Figure 13 - Roles Overview

When creating roles and role descriptions, it is advised to start from the Role Mapping Matrix that

contains the different European Common Customs Roles. This is because these roles have been

identified during various Role Mapping visits to Customs administrations from MS and represent the

roles required in the most typical Customs Administrations in the EU. It consists of a matrix (in Excel

format) that gives an overview of all the common roles. For each of these identified roles, a role

description, including high level tasks for that role and an optimal competency profile are described.

The role descriptions can be consulted by clicking on the links in the matrix or in separate Word

documents.


18

Figure 14 - Role Mapping Matrix

D. EU Customs Competency – Deliverable Components

The competency framework consists of the following documents and supporting tools:

EU Customs Competency Framework - Overview – This is the Word document

explaining the components of the EU Customs Competency Framework and also outlining

the approach taken in the definition of the competencies. It explains the decisions made

regarding why certain competencies were chosen in each section, with particular emphasis

on explaining how we defined the list of operational competencies (i.e. based on the

Union Customs Code, on-the-job related competencies and future oriented). This

document is useful for anyone who wants to understand the background to the

development of the EU Customs Competency Framework;

EU Customs Competency Dictionary – This is a Word document containing the detailed

information regarding the Core Values, Operational, Professional, and Management

Competencies. Additionally it will provide the descriptions for the Proficiency Levels;

EU Customs Competency Framework 101 – A PowerPoint presentation which provides

a high level overview of the Competency Framework (only available on request);


19

EU Customs Competency Framework Tool - The Excel file is a tool that can be used for

Role mapping within the Competency Framework. Also provided are some worked

examples which demonstrate the possible application of the Competency Framework.

EU Role Mapping Matrix and Role Descriptions – The Excel file containing common

Customs roles in a Customs Administration in the EU, with role descriptions, high level tasks

per role and a competency profile specific for each role. The Role Descriptions are also

available in separate Word documents per Functional Domain.

National Implementation Support Guide – The Word document that provides additional

guidelines when implementing the Competency Framework on a national level.

Date post:	31-Jan-2018
Category:	Documents
Upload:	vananh
View:	227 times
Download:	0 times