SVP Digital Customs

Introduction:

• Pakistan Customs, in collaboration with Pakistan Single Window (PSW), is undergoing a major transformation of its Customs Clearance System, migrating to a modern technology stack to enhance efficiency, compliance, and scalability. This role will lead the digital transformation of customs processes, ensuring seamless integration with legacy and operational systems while spearheading future innovations.
• The position involves complex business process re-engineering, technology adoption and upgradation, and large-scale data migration. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in enterprise architecture, IT governance, system modernization, and digital transformation to successfully deliver this mission-critical project while ensuring continuous improvements and future enhancements.

Key Responsibilities:

Technology Strategy & System Development:

• Define and lead the next-generation technology stack for the upgraded Customs Management System, ensuring robust data management and governance.
• Lead the design, development, and implementation of technology-based solutions for Customs/trade facilitation, ensuring alignment with PSW and Pakistan Customs' expectations.
• Support the Digital Transformation Office in creating structured project plans with clearly defined timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
• Recommend technology transformations, including the introduction of new solutions and retirement of obsolete technologies, to enhance operational efficiency and trade facilitation.
• Explore and implement new technologies that yield competitive advantages for trade and industry in terms of reduced time and cost.

Enterprise Architecture & IT Governance:

• Establish and manage the enterprise architecture framework, covering business, data, application, technology, infrastructure, and security domains.
• Create and enforce technology standards, best practices, and quality assurance mechanisms to ensure system reliability and compliance.
• Lead the implementation of architectural solutions from project inception to "go-live," ensuring alignment with organizational goals and stakeholder expectations.

Team Leadership & Capacity Building:

• Identify, hire, and manage a team of technologists for software development and system enhancement.
• Develop architectural competencies by mentoring and coaching IT personnel to align with internal and external stakeholder expectations.
• Monitor team performance, identify skill gaps, and implement training, learning, and development programs.

Project & Change Management:

• Assess the current and expected workload for WeBOC and develop an operational plan with milestones, deliverables, and timelines.
• Manage new demands, change requests, and system enhancements, ensuring risk documentation and communication to relevant stakeholders before sign-off.
• Ensure that proper testing and quality assurance processes are in place before deployment to production.
• Develop a detailed transformation work plan, ensuring smooth execution of system changes and upgrades.
• Present system change and project status reports to senior management, the Board, and other stakeholders.

Integration & Stakeholder Coordination:

• Ensure seamless integration between WeBOC and PSW applications, resolving issues on priority.
• Coordinate closely with the Directorate of Reforms & Automation (DRA), Digital Transformation Office, and other service providers for data centre management, application hosting, security, and system infrastructure.
• Facilitate Pakistan Customs in transitioning from the One Customs system to PSW/WeBOC.
• Develop coordination mechanisms with domain officers to understand business needs and translate them into effective technical solutions.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting:

• Track WeBOC's performance indicators, team KPIs, and IT budgets to assess technological impact.
• Conduct technological/development impact assessments with respect to PSW, One Customs, and other applications to optimize system efficiency.
• Use stakeholder feedback to inform necessary improvements and adjustments to technology and system design.

Resource Planning & Budgeting:

• Identify resource requirements, estimate budgets, and plan resource allocation to support system design, development, and implementation.
• Participate in researching, evaluating, and contributing to RFI/RFP/RFQ content and technical requirements.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of existing teams, suggesting measures for capacity building, training, learning, and development.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or Software Development.
• At least 15 years of progressively responsible experience in technology leadership roles, including 5 years at an executive level in a similar organization.
• Prior experience as a Senior Technologist in a multinational company or large-scale public/private sector enterprise preferred.
• Proven experience in leading major ICT transformation programs.
• Strong ability to interact with internal and external stakeholders to build long-lasting relationships.
• Expertise in solution architecture, including Kubernetes, JSON, APIs, Microservices Architecture, Blockchain, and Artificial Intelligence.
• Deep understanding of technology capability models and enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman) with relevant certifications preferred.
• Professional IT certifications such as COBIT, ITIL, or equivalent are a plus.
• Industry visionary with a passion for technology and innovation.
• In-depth knowledge of web system architecture, design, and development.
• Hands-on experience with complex project management.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.