Shipping Officer (Port Captain) at World Food Programme (WFP)

• Gather as much information on potential transport delays/port congestion to ensure WFP interests are fully covered and share this information with the necessary/concerned offices.
• Gather market intelligence through research and networking , conduct trend analysis to contribute to operational efficiency.
• Coordinate with WFP Vessel Agents for prompt berthing and smooth load/discharge operations. Oversee that propel- documents are received and submitted to local Authorities to ensure no delays in cargo clearance and vessel loading/discharging arrangements.
• Coordinate with WFP's cargo superintendent company and/or Vessel's port representatives prior to vessel arrivals to protect WFP interests during vessel operations and to ensure full cargo quantity in good condition is always loaded/ discharged.
• Ensure contracted Stevedoring companies are fully prepared to handle the load/discharge operations by introducing himself/herself to them prior to vessel's arrival into port. Review and be aware of WFP Superintendence arrangements to ensure adequate measures are in place for commodity quality control and any immediate actions can be taken to safeguard the commodities and WFP interest at all times.
• Ascertain logistics reporting and monitoring of dispatches and deliveries and quality control, if required.
• Monitor the performance of WFP contractors and report on their performances.
• Supervise and monitor vessel load/discharge at berths and, if required, take any necessary corrective actions to obtain the most cost efficient and timely operations in order to avoid or minimise demurrage charges;
• Report on a daily basis to the Head of WFP Mombasa Sub Office and OMLS/OMLT at Headquarters on vessel load/discharge and all relevant related information;
• Report immediately about lost and damages. Documentary support of such damages to be sent to the Legal Department in the Headquarters. Intervene in cases of damaged cargo and arrange for adequate inspections, sampling, testing and final settlement of disputed cargoes;
• Full control for the liner shipments, including the overland arrivals if need;
• Participate in the development of further improvements in procedures, documentation and reporting of the WFP Operation;
• Carry out Logistics Capacity Assessment of Ports if requested by WFP; 
• Provide experience/expertise on Shipping related matters to WFP staff in country during the course of his/her assignment. Ensure the staff is properly briefed on the Standard Port Operation procedures and responsibilities of WFP Vessels/Stevedores/Superintendents and Forwarding Agents with clear understanding on the points where risk is transferred;

Education:   Advanced University degree in Transport Economics, Supply chain, Logistics, Engineering, Business management or other related field or First University degree with additional years of related work experience.

Experience:  A minimum of 5 years’ professional experience in a complex port environment working with large commodity volumes.

Knowledge:  In depth knowledge of commodity management, local customs procedures and the local freight forwarding market.  Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with logistics counterparts and staff within the Regional/Country Office.  Ability to provide technical advice to managers.  Strong writing and reporting skills.  Organisation and co-ordination skills.  Ability to analyse data, draw conclusions and recommend course of action.  Solution and action-oriented, able to work in a very dynamic and sometimes demanding environment.  Computer literate and proficient in Windows (MS Word and Excel).

Critical Success Factors:  Demonstrated ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan and those under supervision. Be resourceful with good initiative skills. Have mature judgement and be able to supervise and motivate staff.  Good negotiating skills with ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with WFP Agents and Partners.  Good interpersonal skills and be a team player. Able to work effectively in a multicultural team environment and to deal patiently and tactfully with staff members and others.   High degree of accuracy and competency required together with the ability to work systematically and to communicate complex matters both orally and in writing.  Able to independently make critical and accurate judgments of situations and be flexible.  Able to work beyond normal working hours.

Expected results: With a high degree of independence, the incumbent is expected to professionally manage WFP Mombasa logistics operations.

Languages:  Proficiency in written and oral English and good spoken Kiswahili.