Ministry for Finance
Post of Customs Assistant in the Ministry for Finance
Nomenclatures denoting the male gender include also the female gender.
1. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Finance invites applications for the post of Customs Assistant in the Malta Tax and Customs Administration within the Ministry for Finance.
Terms and Conditions
2.1 This appointment is subject to a probationary period of six (6) months.
2.2 The salary for the post of Customs Assistant is Salary Scale 16, which in the year 2024 is €16,130 per annum, rising by annual increments of €263 up to a maximum of €17,708.
2.3 Appointees shall be obliged to attend training programmes as determined by the Malta and Customs Administration from time to time. Following the successful completion of such training and on completion of four (4) years satisfactory service, the Customs Assistant (Salary Scale 16) shall progress to Customs Assistant in Salary Scale 15 (€17,265 x €298 - €19,053).
2.4 A Customs Assistant will progress to the grade of Senior Customs Assistant in Salary Scale 14 (€18,538.02 x €316.83 - €20,439) on completion of four (4) years satisfactory service as Customs Assistant in Salary Scale 15.
2.5 Selected candidates will also be entitled to such other benefits and such other conditions as stipulated in the Customs Class Sectoral Agreement.
2.6 Selected candidates must be of conduct which is appropriate to the post applied for. Prior to appointment, selected candidates from outside the Public Service must produce a Certificate of Conduct issued by the Criminal Records Office or other competent authority not earlier than six (6) months from the closing date of this call for applications, which should be submitted by the selected candidate within one (1) week from the date of the notification of appointment.
2.7 In terms of the requirements emanating from Directive 16, regarding the “Governing Framework for Preventing and Managing Conflicts of Interest in the Public Administration”, issued by the Principal Permanent Secretary on 27th November 2023 and which came into force on 1st February 2024, the Selection Board will assess candidates’ previous employments to assess potential conflicts of interest. In this respect, candidates are to provide a completely updated CV, including qualifications and employment history with their application. Any potential conflict of interest matters noted will be reported to the respective Permanent Secretary, to ensure that should the candidate be recruited, such conflicts of interest would be appropriately managed.
The selected candidate/s will be required to fill in the Declaration available at Appendix 1 to Directive 16
(available here), since this post is is considered to be a high risk post as listed in the Sixth Schedule to the
Public Administration Act
Duties
3. The job duties for the post of Customs Assistant may be viewed in Annex A attached to this Circular.
Eligibility Requirements
4.1 By the closing time and date of this call for applications, applicants must be: i. citizens of Malta; ii. able to communicate in the Maltese and English Language; iii. in possession of;
- a pass (at least at Grade 1-5, Grade C or a comparable level) in five (5) different subjects at MQF Level 3 whichmust include Maltese, English and Mathematics;
OR
- a pass in level 3 VET qualification;
OR
(c) a Secondary School Certificate and Profiling qualification at MQF Level 3 in five (5) subjects which must include Maltese, English and Mathematics.
Public Officers applying for this post must be confirmed in their current appointment, unless the current appointment is in a different class/career stream or in a definite position, but may apply for a lower grade/position even if not confirmed and whether in the same stream or not. Reversion to previous unconfirmed appointment is not possible.
4.2 (i) Candidates who have not yet formally obtained or are not yet approved for the qualification specified in paragraph
4.1 iii (a) or (b) or (c) or else as indicated in paragraph 3.1 of the general provisions https://publicservices.gov.mt/en/people/Documents/Recruitment_GenProvs/General%20Provisions_ENG.pdf will still be considered provided that they submit evidence that they are in the final phase of their course leading to such qualification. Appointees must obtain, or be approved, for the award of such qualification within one year of their appointment date. If this stipulated deadline for the attainment of such qualification is not met, the appointment will be, for this reason, automatically terminated.
(ii) Furthermore, candidates who are currently following a recognised programme of study at a higher MQF level than that requested above will also be considered. Such candidates are to submit evidence that they have successfully completed the necessary ECTS/ECVETS credits, or equivalent, and attained the required MQF level, by the closing time and date o the call for applications. Prospective applicants should note the requirement to produce MQRIC recognition statements in respect of their qualifications from MQRIC, or other designated authorities, as applicable, as per provisions applicable to this call for applications (see link below).
4.3 Public Officers holding a grade in a particular stream, and who were granted Officer in Scale status by virtue of a Grievances Unit decision in the same scale as that of a higher grade in that stream, are eligible to apply for grades open to officers holding such higher grade within the stream that carries the same scale as that of the Officer in Scale status.
The years of service since the effective date of appointment as Officer in Scale are reckonable for the purpose of satisfying any requisite years of service stipulated in calls for applications.
Any other eligibility requisites for the post must be met in terms of this call for applications.
4.4 Public officers who currently hold an appointment as Officer in Grade are considered on a personal basis to pertain to the Class/Stream of their immediately previous substantive grade, and may apply on the basis of their current scale as Officer in Grade, which must be equivalent to, or higher than, what is required by this call for applications.
The years of service since the effective date of appointment as Officer in Grade are reckonable for the purpose of satisfying any requisite years of “service in the grade” as stipulated in calls for applications.
Any other eligibility requisites for the post must be met in terms of this call for applications.
Submission of Supporting Documents
5.1 Qualifications and experience claimed must be supported by certificates/transcripts and/or testimonials, copies of which are to be scanned and sent through the Recruitment Portal on https://recruitment.gov.mt.
5.2 Original certificates and/or testimonials are to be invariably produced for verification at the interview.
Selection Procedure
6.1 The selection of candidates will be in two stages:
Part 1: A general ability test, which will consist of a fully automated computer-based test, whereby applicants will be tested in verbal, numerical and abstract ability on the basis of their response to an established set of questions. Candidates must obtain a 40% rating to pass the test. The general ability test will be conducted by the Director of Examinations and the Board of Local Examinations.
It is to be noted that applicants who have a valid result from a previously held computer-based general ability test may opt:
(a) Not to sit for the said test and therefore to retain the mark obtained at the time, subject to the minimum pass mark as mentioned above;
OR
(b) Sit for the test again, in which case the best mark out of the two should be taken into consideration.
Part 2: An interview (maximum 100 marks, pass mark 50), for which only candidates who obtain a pass mark in the general ability test will be allowed to proceed to the structured interview. The interview will be conducted by a Selection Board established by the Ministry for Finance.
The overall pass mark is 60% of the maximum marks alloted, that is 60% of 200 marks, comprising the marks given in the general ability test and interview.
6.2 Due consideration will be given to applicants who, besides the requisites indicated in paragraphs 4.1 to 4.4, have proven relevant work experience .
6.3 The final order of merit of successful candidates will be determined by the total marks gained in the general ability test and in the interview. In the case of candidates who obtain the same number of marks, precedence will be determined in accordance with the established procedures.
6.4 The result of the general ability test will remain valid for three (3) years. The final result will remain valid for two (2) years from the date of publication.
6.5 The Board of Local Public Examinations will have the power to deal summarily with any candidate who, while the general ability test is in progress, is found guilty of misconduct or any breach of the instructions issued for the guidance of candidates.
6.6 The Board of Local Public Examinations reserves the right to annul the general ability test if any irregularity is detected in connection therewith. Such annulment may be in respect of the whole test even if the detected irregularity is in respect of a particular stage of the test. Action in respect of irregularity/misconduct during the interview will be taken by the Public Service Commission, upon a recommendation by the Selection Board carrying out the interviews.
6.7 The Director (Examinations) will publish the result of the general ability test which will be exhibited on the notice-board of the Edu Servizz.gov (One Stop Shop), Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Floriana, and the Examinations Centre, Victoria, Gozo.
6.8 Notification of the issue of the result of the general ability test will be issued: (i) on the website of the Department of Examinations, which may be accessed on (https://myexams.gov.mt); and (ii) via SMS alert to candidates who submit a valid mobile phone number with their application.
6.9 The Director (Examinations) will also send by email the individual result and ranking order of the general ability test to each candidate sitting for the test.
6.10 The final result of the selection process will be published by the Ministry for Finance and exhibited on the notice boards of the Ministry for Finance and the Malta Tax and Customs Administration.
6.11 Notification of the issue of the final result will be issued on the website of the Ministry for Finance and via email and SMS alert.
6.12 Since the general ability test is fully automated, petitions to the Public Service Commission may be made only with regard to the interview. The Public Service Commission will not enter into the merits of the marks achieved in the general ability test. Petitions have to reach the Commission within ten (10) working days from the date on which a notification of the publication of the result appears on the website of the Ministry for Finance.
Submission of Applications
7.1 Applications are to be submitted, for the attention of the Corporate Services Directorate, Ministry for Finance, through the Online Government Recruitment Portal o n l y at the following address:
Finance, through the Online Government Recruitment Portal o n l y at the following address: https://recruitment.gov.mt. Applications are to include a Curriculum Vitae, completely up-to-date (which should include a list of qualifications held by applicant and the employment history) and an examination fee of €9.30 (non-refundable). The closing date of the receipt of applications is 5.15 pm (Central European Time) of Friday, 15th November, 2024. A computer-generated email will be sent as an acknowledgement of the application. Further details concerning the submission of applications are contained in the general provisions referred to below.
Applicants are to ensure that after the submission of their application, a copy of the receipt of payment received through an email, is to be kept for future reference. Applicants are deemed to have applied by the closing date and time, only if they are in possession of this receipt.
7.2 Applicants who need assistance in submitting an online application, are to seek such assistance from the HR Unit of their current Department, or the HR Unit of the Ministry where they are applying. Such applicants are to ensure that the person applying on their behalf is, in fact, applying for the vacancy required and attaching the correct documentation.
7.3 It is the responsibility of the applicants not to leave until the last moment for submission of their application.
7.4 Applications which are received after closing date and time (i.e. late applications) are not allowed.
7.5 Applicants are granted up to two (2) working days after closing date and time of this call for applications, to submit any incorrect or incomplete or missing documents.
Other General Provisions
8. Other general provisions concerning this call for applications, with particular reference to:
applicable benefits, conditions and rules/regulations; lateral applications; reasonable accommodation for registered persons with disability; submission of recognition statements in respect of qualifications; qualifications at a higher level; comparative level of public sector employees; renouncement of pending applications;
publication of the result; medical examination;
the process for the submission of petitions concerning the result; access to application forms and related details; retention of documents;
may be viewed by accessing the
address https://publicservices.gov.mt/en/people/Documents/Recruitment_GenProvs/General%20Provisions_ENG.pdf or may be obtained from [email protected]. These general provisions are to be regarded as an integral part of this call for applications.
The website address and e-mail address of the Directorate where the vacancy/ies are https://finance.gov.mt and [email protected].
Ministry for Finance
Post of Customs Officer in the Ministry for Finance
Nomenclatures denoting the male gender include also the female gender.
1. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Finance invites applications for the post of Customs Officer in the Malta Tax and Customs Administration within the Ministry for Finance.
Terms and Conditions
2.1 This appointment is subject to a probationary period of six (6) months.
2.2 The salary for the post of Customs Officer is Salary Scale 13, which in the year 2024, €19,867 per annum, rising by annual increments of €335.50 up to a maximum of €21,880.
2.3 A Customs Officer will progress to Salary Scale 12 (€21,236 x €354 - €23,360) after the attainment of an MQF Level 5 qualification (subject to a minimum of 60 ECTS/ECVETS credits, or equivalent*) in related areas as determined by Management from time to time and at least one (1) year satisfactory as Customs Officer in Salary Scale 13. However, a Customs Officer who is not in possession of an MQF Level 5 qualification (subject to a minimum of 60 ECTS/ECVETS credits, or equivalent*) in related areas as determined by Management from time to time, shall remain in Salary Scale 13.
* A recognised qualification comparable to 60 ECTS/ECVETS credits, as applicable, is only accepted subject to an MQRIC formal recognition statement being submitted with the application.
2.4 A Customs Officer in Salary Scale 12 will progress to Salary Scale 10 (€24,085.98 x €407.67 - €26,532) after five (5) years satisfactory service in the grade of Customs Officer in Salary Scale 12.
2.5 Selected candidates will also be entitled to other benefits and conditions as stipulated in the Customs Class Sectoral Agreement.
2.6 Selected candidates must be of conduct which is appropriate to the post applied for. Prior to appointment, selected candidates from outside the Public Service must produce a Certificate of Conduct issued by the Criminal Records Office or other competent authority not earlier than six (6) months from the closing date of this call for applications, which should be submitted by the selected candidate within one (1) week from the date of the notification of appointment.
2.7 This post has been designated as a “post so designated” for the purposes of sub-article 5 of Article 4 of the Public Administration Act (Cap. 595 of the Laws of Malta) and in terms of Directive 14.1 issued by the Principal Permanent Secretary on 3rd August 2023, since it involves inspectorate functions. The relevant conditions laid out in the Public Administration Act and Directive 14.1 apply.
2.8 In terms of the requirements emanating from Directive 16, regarding the “Governing Framework for Preventing and Managing Conflicts of Interest in the Public Administration”, issued by the Principal Permanent Secretary on 27th November 2023 and which came into force on 1st February 2024, the Selection Board will assess candidates’ previous employments to assess potential conflicts of interest. In this respect, candidates are to provide a completely updated CV, including qualifications and employment history with their application. Any potential conflict of interest matters noted will be reported to the respective Permanent Secretary, to ensure that should the candidate be recruited, such conflicts of interest would be appropriately managed.
The selected candidate/s will be required to fill in the Declaration available at Appendix 1 to Directive 16 (available here), since this post is considered to be a high risk post as listed in the Sixth Schedule to the Public Administration Act and involves inspectorate functions as listed in the Annex to Directive 14.1.
Duties
3. The job duties for the post of Customs Officer may be viewed in Annex A attached to this Circular.
Eligibility Requirements
4.1 By the closing time and date of this call for applications, applicants must be: i. citizens of Malta; ii. able to communicate in the Maltese and English languages;
iii. (a) in possession of an MQF Level 4 qualification at Advanced Level or Diploma (subject to a minimum of 120 ECTS/ECVETS credits or equivalent*) in related areas as stipulated in Annex B;
*A recognised qualification comparable to 120 ECTS/ECVETS credits, as applicable, is only accepted subject to an MQRIC formal recognition statement being submitted with the application.
OR
(b) Senior Customs Assistant who have at least five (5) years satisfactory service in the grade;
OR
(c) Serving Senior Customs Assistants as on the date of the signing of the Customs Class Sectoral
Agreement (7th October 2020) who have been confirmed as Senior Customs Assistants;
OR
(d) Serving Customs Assistants as on the date of the signing of the Customs Class Sectoral Agreement (7th October 2020) who have four (4) years satisfactory service within the Customs Class.
Public Officers applying for this post must be confirmed in their current appointment, unless the current appointment is in a different class/career stream or in a definite position, but may apply for a lower grade/position even if not confirmed and whether in the same stream or not. Reversion to previous unconfirmed appointment is not possible.
4.2 (i) Candidates who have not yet formally obtained or are not yet approved for the qualification specified in paragraph 4.1 iii (a) or else as indicated in paragraph 3.1 of the general provisions https://publicservices.gov.mt/en/people/Documents/Recruitment_GenProvs/General%20Provisions_ENG.pdfwill still be considered provided that they submit evidence that they are in the final phase of their course leading to such qualification. Appointees must obtain, or be approved, for the award of such qualification within one year of their appointment date. If this stipulated deadline for the attainment of such qualification is not met, the appointment will be, for this reason, automatically terminated.
(ii) Furthermore, candidates who are currently following a recognised programme of study at a higher MQF level than that requested above will also be considered. Such candidates are to submit evidence that they have successfully completed the necessary ECTS/ECVETS credits, or equivalent, and attained the required MQF level, by the closing time and date of the call for applications. Prospective applicants should note the requirement to produce MQRIC recognition statements in respect of their qualifications from MQRIC, or other designated authorities, as applicable, as per provisions applicable to this call for applications (see link below).
4.3 Public Officers holding a grade in a particular stream, and who were granted Officer in Scale status by virtue of a Grievances Unit decision in the same scale as that of a higher grade in that stream, are eligible to apply for grades open to officers holding such higher grade within the stream that carries the same scale as that of the Officer in Scale status.
The years of service since the effective date of appointment as Officer in Scale are reckonable for the purpose of satisfying any requisite years of service stipulated in calls for applications.
Any other eligibility requisites for the post must be met in terms of this call for applications.
4.4 Public officers who currently hold an appointment as Officer in Grade are considered on a personal basis to pertain to the Class/Stream of their immediately previous substantive grade, and may apply on the basis of their current scale as Officer in Grade, which must be equivalent to, or higher than, what is required by this call for applications.
The years of service since the effective date of appointment as Officer in Grade are reckonable for the purpose of satisfying any requisite years of “service in the grade” as stipulated in calls for applications.
Any other eligibility requisites for the post/position must be met in terms of this call for applications.
Submission of Supporting Documents
5.1 Qualifications and experience claimed must be supported by certificates/transcripts and/or testimonials, copies of which are to be scanned and sent through the Recruitment Portal on https://recruitment.gov.mt.
5.2 Original certificates and/or testimonials are to be invariably produced for verification at the interview.
Selection Procedure
6.1 The selection of candidates will be in two stages:
Part 1: A general ability test, which will consist of a fully automated computer-based test, whereby applicants will be tested in verbal, numerical and abstract ability on the basis of their response to an established set of questions. Candidates must obtain a 50% rating to pass the test. The general ability test will be conducted by the Director of Examinations and the Board of Local Examinations.
It is to be noted that applicants who have a valid result from a previously held computer-based general ability test may opt:
(a) Not to sit for the said test and therefore to retain the mark obtained at the time, subject to the minimum pass mark as mentioned above;
OR
(b) Sit for the test again, in which case the best mark out of the two should be taken into consideration.
Part 2: An interview (maximum 100 marks, pass mark 50), for which only candidates who obtain a pass mark in the general ability test will be allowed to proceed to the structured interview. The interview will be conducted by a Selection Board established by the Ministry for Finance.
The overall pass mark is 60% of the maximum marks alloted, that is 60% of 200 marks, comprising the marks given in the general ability test and interview.
6.2 Due consideration will be given to applicants who, besides the requisites indicated in paragraphs 4.1 to 4.4, have proven relevant work experience.
6.3 The final order of merit of successful candidates will be determined by the total marks gained in the general ability test and in the interview. In the case of candidates who obtain the same number of marks, precedence will be determined in accordance with the established procedures.
6.4 The result of the general ability test will remain valid for three (3) years, while the final result of this selection process will remain valid for two (2) years from the date of publication.
6.5 The Board of Local Public Examinations will have the power to deal summarily with any candidate who, while the general ability test is in progress, is found guilty of misconduct or any breach of the instructions issued for the guidance of candidates.
6.6 The Board of Local Public Examinations reserves the right to annul the general ability test if any irregularity is detected in connection therewith. Such annulment may be in respect of the whole test even if the detected irregularity is in respect of a particular stage of the test. Action in respect of irregularity/misconduct during the interview will be taken by the Public Service Commission, upon a recommendation by the Selection Board carrying out the interviews.
6.7 The Director (Examinations) will publish the result of the general ability test which will be exhibited on the notice-board of the Edu Servizz.gov (One Stop Shop), Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Floriana, and the Examinations Centre, Victoria, Gozo.
6.8 Notification of the issue of the result of the general ability test will be issued: (i) on the website of the Department of Examinations, which may be accessed on (https://myexams.gov.mt); and (ii) via SMS alert to candidates who submit a valid mobile phone number with their application.
6.9 The Director (Examinations) will also send by email the individual result and ranking order of the general ability test to each candidate sitting for the test.
6.10 The final result of the selection process will be published by the Ministry for Finance and exhibited on the notice boards of the Ministry for Finance and the Malta Tax and Customs Administration.
6.11 Notification of the issue of the final result will be issued on the website of the Ministry for Finance and via email and SMS alert.
6.12 Since the general ability test is fully automated, petitions to the Public Service Commission may be made only with regard to the interview. The Public Service Commission will not enter into the merits of the marks achieved in the general ability test. Petitions have to reach the Commission within ten (10) working days from the date on which a notification of the publication of the result appears on the website of the Ministry for Finance.
Submission of Applications
7.1 Applications are to be submitted, for the attention of the Corporate Services Directorate, Ministry for Finance, through the Online Government Recruitment Portal o n l y at the following address: https://recruitment.gov.mt. Applications are to include a Curriculum Vitae, completely up-to-date (which should include a list of qualifications held by applicant and the employment history) and an examination fee of €9.30 (non-refundable). The closing date of the receipt of applications is 5.15 pm (Central European Time) of Friday, 15th November, 2024. A computer-generated email will be sent as an acknowledgement of the application. Further details concerning the submission of applications are contained in the general provisions referred to below.
Applicants are to ensure that after the submission of their application, a copy of the receipt of payment received through an email, is to be kept for future reference. Applicants are deemed to have applied by the closing date and time, only if they are in possession of this receipt.
7.2 Applicants who need assistance in submitting an online application, are to seek such assistance from the HR Unit of their current Department, or the HR Unit of the Ministry where they are applying. Such applicants are to ensure that the person applying on their behalf is, in fact, applying for the vacancy required and attaching the correct documentation.
7.3 Prospective applicants are strongly advised not to wait until the last day to submit their application since heavy internet traffic or a fault with the internet connection could lead to difficulties in submission. It is the responsibility of the applicants not to leave until the last thirty (30) minutes for submission of their application.
7.4 Applications which are received after closing date and time (i.e. late applications) are not allowed.
7.5 Applicants are granted up to two (2) working days after closing date and time of this call for applications, to submit any incorrect or incomplete or missing documents.
Other General Provisions
8. Other general provisions concerning this call for applications, with particular reference to:
applicable benefits, conditions and rules/regulations; lateral applications;
reasonable accommodation for registered persons with disability; submission of recognition statements in respect of qualifications; qualifications at a higher level; comparative level of public sector employees; renouncement of pending applications;
publication of the result; medical examination;
the process for the submission of petitions concerning the result; access to application forms and related details;
retention of documents;
may be viewed by accessing the address https://publicservices.gov.mt/en/people/Documents/Recruitment_GenProvs/General%20Provisions_ENG.pdf or may be obtained from [email protected]. These general provisions are to be regarded as an integral part of this call for applications.
The website address and e-mail address of the Directorate where the vacancy/ies are https://finance.gov.mt and [email protected].