Open to opportunities

Kefelegn Tesema

@kefelegntesema

Customs and trade facilitation professional at Ethiopia Customs Commission, strengthening risk-based post-clearance audits and staff training.

Ethiopia

Message

At Ethiopia Customs Commission, I’ve worked across customs operations, tariff and valuation, post-clearance audit, and appeals review. In my current role as Process Coordinator, Post Clearance Audit, I develop risk-based audit plans, review findings, and prepare recommendations for management.

I’ve also worked on customs compliance reviews and trained new customs declarants through Addis Ababa University. My work and studies focus on trade facilitation, customs law and policy, risk management, and digital trade.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Process Coordinator, Post Clearance Audit

Current

Ethiopia Customs Commission

Oct 2023 - Present (3 years)

Oversees development and implementation of strategies to optimize audit functions, identifies potential audit targets, prepares annual PCA plans, and provides guidance for audits. Ensures audits are conducted within legal frameworks and coordinates with other customs units.

Post Clearance Audit Risk Management Trade Facilitation Customs Operations Data Analysis Policy Development Training and Development Stakeholder Management

Office Head, Customs Compliant Review

Ethiopia Customs Commission

Jun 2016 - Sep 2023 (7 years 3 months)

Provided expeditious resolution of disputes and protests against rule of origin, customs valuation, harmonized goods classification, and post-clearance audit. Ensured appeals are justified under relevant customs legislation and policy, and communicated final orders to appellants and relevant officials.

Dispute Resolution Customs Law Appeals Management Trade Policy Communication Skills Decision making

Trainer, International Trade and Banking

Addis Ababa University

Mar 2022 - Sep 2022 (6 months)

Collaborated with the university to identify training needs, oversaw and directed training sessions, and prepared hard-copy training materials. Provided clear instructions and advice, and evaluated the impact of training to ensure continuous improvement.

Training and Development Curriculum Design Presentation Skills Communication Skills Subject Matter Expertise

Post Clearance Audit Team Leader

Ethiopia Customs Commission

Dec 2011 - May 2016 (4 years 5 months)

Developed and implemented annual audit plans based on a risk-based compliance strategy, ensured audits are conducted according to established procedures, and supervised and mentored junior auditors. Collaborated with other units and stakeholders to address audit findings.

Post Clearance Audit Risk Management Team Leadership Audit Planning Compliance Training Data Analysis

Senior Officer, Document Securitizing and Verification

Ethiopia Customs Commission

Jul 2008 - Nov 2011 (3 years 4 months)

Determined correct Harmonized System (HS) codes for imported goods, ensured accurate valuation of imported goods, and conducted audits of customs declarations. Provided expert guidance and support to other customs officers on complex classification and valuation matters.

Classification Valuation Audit Risk Assessment Compliance Training

Officer, Tariff and Valuation Officer

Ethiopia Customs Commission

Mar 2005 - Jun 2008 (3 years 3 months)

Classified imported goods using Harmonized System (HS) codes, determined applicable tariff rates, and verified declared values. Calculated correct amounts of customs duties and taxes, and investigated discrepancies related to HS codes and valuation.

Classification Valuation Tariff Determination Compliance Investigation Communication Skills