Customs Clearing Officer (AfCDC)

Organization Information

Position:  Customs Clearing Officer
Reports to: Lead – Warehouse and Distribution
Directorate/Department/Organ: Africa CDC
Division: Supply Chain Division
Number of Direct Reports: 1
Number of Indirect Reports: 0
Job Grade: P2
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Type: Fixed Term

Purpose of Job

Africa CDC plays a lead role in developing and supporting regional and local manufacturing across the continent as part of its mandate and function. Its mandate on local manufacturing includes, among others, technology transfer, access to raw materials, regulatory strengthening, financing, market shaping and pool procurement. The Africa CDC’s Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM) Framework for Action sets an ambitious target of producing 60% of vaccines used on the continent. In May 2023, the WHA side-event recommended the expansion of the PAVM scope to include therapeutics and diagnostics.

Against this background, Africa CDC is seeking the service of a Customs Clearing Officer who will Manage and oversee all customs clearance activities for Africa CDC shipments.

Main Functions

The customs clearing officer will Manage and oversee all customs clearance activities for Africa CDC  shipments, ensuring compliance with international trade regulations.

Specific Responsibilities

• Prepare and process import/export documentation according to customs regulations and requirements.
• Coordinate with customs authorities, brokers, and other relevant parties to facilitate the timely clearance of goods
• Ensure all shipments comply with local and international customs laws, regulations, and procedures.
• Stay updated on changes in customs regulations and implement necessary adjustments in clearance procedures.
• Liaise with government agencies to obtain necessary permits and licenses for special cargo.
• Work closely with suppliers, freight forwarders, and logistics officers to ensure accurate and complete documentation for customs clearance.
• Provide guidance and support to field offices regarding customs procedures and regulations.
• Act as the point of contact for all customs-related inquiries and issues
• Maintain accurate records of all customs transactions and documentation.
• Ensure that all documents are filed and archived according to Africa CDC’s policies and procedures.
• Prepare regular reports on customs clearance activities and performance.
• Identify and resolve issues related to customs clearance, including delays and discrepancies in documentation.
• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to address and rectify any compliance issues.
• Develop and implement strategies to mitigate risks associated with customs clearance.
• Provide training and support to Africa CDC staff and partners on customs procedures and best practices.
• Develop training materials and conduct workshops to enhance the understanding of customs processes within the organization.
• Share knowledge and expertise to build the capacity of field offices in managing customs clearance.
• Any other related assignments as may be assigned by supervisors.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

University degree (bachelor’s degree) in shipping, maritime, logistics, supply chain  International Trade, Business Administration or other relevant fields from a recognized academic institution with 5 years of working experience progressively responsible experience in customs clearance, international trade, logistics, or a related field, preferably within an international organization

OR

 Master’s degree in shipping, maritime, logistics, supply chain  International Trade, Business Administration with 2 years of working experience, progressively responsible experience in customs clearance, international trade, logistics, or a related field, preferably within an international organization.

Required Skills

• In-depth knowledge of customs regulations and procedures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in any of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili) and working knowledge in another AU Languages will be an added advantage.
• Ability to initiate and identify key strategic opportunities and risks.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills
• Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Capacity to work under pressure and multi-tasking within tight time constraints.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and relate well with a broad array of individuals both within and outside of the AU.
• Creative and Strategic thinking structured towards an efficient approach to project implementation with a proven track record of leading cross-functional projects teams as well as the ability to guide the team on journey for continual improvement of performance and knowledge and rational decision-making capabilities.
• Problem solving aptitudes with an excellent analytical, solution orientation and risk management with ability to draw on experiences for providing evidence-based decision making.
• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to build good working relationships and to work flexibly and collaboratively with colleagues from different divisions, departments and institutions to achieve organizational goals.
• Excellent drafting, reporting and presentation skills
• Competence in the use of standard software such as Microsoft Office Application, ArchiFM, and others.

Leadership Competencies

• Building relationships:
• Flexibility
• Risk Awareness and Compliance
• Strategic Perspective
• Driving Change

Core Competencies

• Teamwork and Collaboration L1
• Accountability awareness and Compliance
• Learning Orientation
• Communicating with impact

Functional Competencies

• Trouble shooting
• Job Knowledge Sharing
• Task Focused
• Continuous Improvement Awareness

 

TENURE OF APPOINTMENT:

The Appointment will be made on a fixed term contract for a period of one (1) year, of which the first three (3) months will be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract may be renewed for a similar period subject to funding availability, satisfactory performance and agreed deliverables.

GENDER MAINSTREAMING:

Africa CDC is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

LANGUAGES:

• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese, and Spanish) is mandatory and fluency in another AU language is an added advantage

REMUNERATION:

The salary attached to the position is an annual lump-sum of US$ 85,212.07 (P2 Step 5) inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff, and US$  66,751.81  inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff of the African Union Commission.

 

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Applications must be submitted no later than 27 April 2025 11h59 p.m. EAT.

-Only candidates who meet all job requirements and are selected for interviews will be contacted.

-Consideration will be given only to those candidates who have submitted a fully completed online application with a curriculum vitae (CV), an African passport, and the required academic qualifications, such as Diplomas, Bachelor’s degrees, Master’s degrees and any relevant certificate in line with the area of expertise.

-The African Union is an equal opportunity employer, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

-Candidates from less represented countries within the African Union are strongly encouraged to apply for positions that fit their profiles.

These countries include: Algeria, Angola, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Comoros, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Namibia, Niger, Sahrawi D.R., Sao Tome and Principe., Seychelles, Somalia and Tunisia.