Shipping Assistant at Embassy of The United States

Duties

Incumbent is responsible for a broad range of customs & shipping functions, to a very large Mission, that include managing official and personal effects shipments; diplomatic customs clearances; registration and licensing of personal and official vehicles; Posts’ $27M Tender of Services agreement; and advises post management and other USG agencies concerning diplomatic import-export regulations. Performs assignments for ICASS subscribers, and other U.S. federal agencies. He/she is directly supervised by Customs & Shipping Supervisor.

Requirements:

EXPERIENCE:  

• At least 5 years of progressive experience in the Customs & Shipping, Expediting, Sea and/or Air Freight or Logistics is required.

JOB KNOWLEDGE:  

• A detailed knowledge of the host government requirements pertaining to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, customs and Kenya Revenue Authority requirements and procedures dealing with the shipment of household effects, POVs and U.S. Government equipment. Extensive knowledge in tax matters, logistics, and import/export procedures. Knowledge of capability and reliability of local transfer and packing companies.
• Knowledge of Transportation of Materials including export, import or customs regulations, and the transportation of materials across borders to move material efficiently and legally.  Knowledge of U.S. customs law.

Education Requirements:

• Mandatory: Bachelor’s Degree in business administration, supply chain management, organizational development, commerce, or logistics management is required.

Evaluations:

• LANGUAGE: English Level IV (Fluency, reading/writing/speaking) is required (This may be tested). Level III (Good working knowledge, reading/writing/speaking) of Kiswahili is required.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Must possess management skills with ability to organize, manage and track the numerous actions pending with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Customs, Kenya Revenue Authority and Contractors.  Must have interpersonal skills which allow the fostering of a good business relationship with all outside contacts associated with the program and ICASS members. Highly developed Customer Service skills are essential for dealing with Mission clients.
• Skill in Analyzing Complex, Abstract Written Information including written material such as Kenyan laws/regulations, and other legal documents so as to understand host government requirements, to perform successfully the registration, licensing, importation, exportations, etc., and, if needed, to advise clients.
• Skill in Time and Project Management including identifying resources, anticipating challenges, establishing milestones, defining beginning and end dates, so as to efficiently and knowledgeably accomplish projects.
• Skill with Computers using computer software programs including word processing, managing files/records/databases, and office computer programs such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and SharePoint.
• Requires highly developed customer service skills. Must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills and strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to apply good judgment; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.
• Skill in solving practical problems relating to customs & shipping operations. Ability to work calmly, tactfully, and effectively under pressure is essential, as well as the ability to maintain strict confidentiality, and meet all standards of conduct/ethics standards in accordance with US and host nation law.
• Ability to collaborate or coordinate with team members to achieve a common goal or to complete a task in the most effective and efficient way.

Qualifications:

• All applicants under consideration will be required to pass medical and security certifications.