Here is the converted article in Markdown format:

Customs Officers’ Competency Gap Widens Performance Gaps

A recent survey conducted by the Capacity Enhancement Department (CED) has revealed significant gaps in the performance of Customs officers across various proficiency levels.

Findings

According to the findings, only 14% of P1 level officers possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitude (KSA) to perform their job effectively. The percentage decreases as the proficiency level drops, with a mere 16% of P5 level officers possessing adequate KSA.

The survey also identified lack of training and lack of KSA as major reasons for the performance gap among Customs officers. Furthermore, it was found that majority of the officers prefer classroom training followed by on-the-job training to address their knowledge gaps.

Recommendations

To bridge this competency gap, the CED has recommended the implementation of a Competency-Based Framework (CBF) for Customs officers. The framework aims to enhance the capacity of Customs officers and improve their performance.

• Implement a Competency-Based Framework (CBF) for Customs officers to enhance their capacity.
• Ensure that the international affairs and capacity building section under the CED carries out the implementation process smoothly.
• Periodically report on the progress of the CBF implementation to the DRC management.

Limitations

The survey had some limitations, including: + Non-response bias + Self-reported data + Limited sample size (100 respondents) that may not be representative of the entire Customs officer population

Conclusion

The competency gap among Customs officers is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. The implementation of the CBF is expected to address this gap and improve the overall performance of Customs officers.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you need any further assistance.