Day two of EU4PFM study visit: participants explored the Competency Framework in the Lithuanian Customs Service

The Vilnius office of the Central Project Management Agency (CPMA) again brought together the Ukrainian delegation from the Ministry of Finance, the State Customs Service and the State Tax Service to exchange experience on competency-based HR management.

Representatives of the Customs Department under the Ministry of Finance of Lithuania introduced participants to the competency framework used within their customs administration, shared success stories in recruitment and presented their approach to implementing competency assessment methodologies and digital HR management tools (HRMIS).

In the second half of the day, participants visited the Customs Training Centre and the Customs Museum, where they were introduced to virtual reality-based training modules for customs control, electronic customs declaration tools, as well as the training infrastructure and methodological materials used to support staff development.

Key highlights:

• The competency framework in customs administration is not merely an HR management tool, but also a mechanism for strengthening institutional capacity. It establishes a unified professional standard, supports targeted learning and enhances performance management.
• In the Lithuanian Customs Service, the competency model is fully integrated into the learning management cycle: training needs are identified based on strategic priorities and the results of competency assessments.
• Job descriptions alone are not sufficient. Institutions need to clearly define which competencies employees should possess, at what proficiency level and how these competencies should be developed.
• Effective implementation of a competency model requires a clear methodology, strong managerial engagement, well-developed training infrastructure and digital solutions.
• Training and competency development in the Lithuanian Customs Service are organised in line with the EU Customs Competency Framework – CustCompEU.

Lithuania’s experience clearly demonstrates that competency-based management helps build a more resilient, professional and change-ready organisation.