Shipping Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) is a regional arm of the United Nations established in 195

• Its mission is to promote the economic and social development of its member states, foster regional integration, and enhance the international competitiveness of African countries. UNECA operates in multiple countries across the African continent, with a focus on providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration among member states. The organization employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by African nations and supporting sustainable development initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Shipping Assistant position is crucial for the effective management of shipping services within the UNECA. The role involves ensuring the accuracy and quality of shipping operations, which directly impacts the overall efficiency of the UNECA shipping unit. The Shipping Assistant will be responsible for processing inbound and outbound shipments of official goods, personal effects, household goods (PE/HHG), and vehicles for international staff members. This position requires a client-oriented approach to provide high-quality shipping services while maintaining compliance with the duty-free privileges established between Ethiopia and the United Nations. The Shipping Assistant will work under the supervision of the Shipping Unit Supervisor and will contribute to the overall mission of UNECA by ensuring timely and accurate shipping operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Shipping Assistant will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: processing all inbound and outbound shipments of official goods and personal effects for staff members; managing shipments for UN agencies and secretariats with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UNECA; ensuring compliance with duty-free privileges; clearing and delivering conference and press equipment for meetings; advising international staff on duty-free importation privileges; assisting staff with their personal effects at government offices; organizing and filing all shipment documentation; drafting correspondence; resolving discrepancies related to delivered goods; submitting pre-import permits and following up with regulatory bodies; reviewing forwarder invoices and engaging with forwarders for credit notes; attending meetings with regulatory representatives regarding cargo import/export issues; and performing other duties as assigned by the Supervisor and Chief of the Section.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in customs clearing processes is required. The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment. Proficiency in managing shipping documentation and understanding customs regulations is essential for this role.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum educational requirement for this position. Candidates with further education in logistics, supply chain management, or related fields may be preferred, although not explicitly required.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of progressively responsible experience in customs clearing processes. This experience should include familiarity with shipping regulations, customs documentation, and the ability to handle logistics for international shipments. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing shipping operations efficiently and effectively, demonstrating their capability to meet deadlines and resolve issues as they arise.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Excellent writing skills in English are essential. Knowledge of French or another official United Nations language is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication with a broader range of stakeholders within the organization.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of 9 months. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization is committed to maintaining the confidentiality and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security of applicants' personal information, and it does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.