Customs Clearing Assistant (AfCDC) at the African Union (AU)

The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent. It was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organization of African Unity (OAU, 1963-1999). We are an Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Customs Clearing Assistant (AfCDC)

Req Id: 2696
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Reports to: Warehouse and Distribution Team Lead
Directorate/Department/Organ: Africa CDC
Division: Supply Chain Division
Job Grade: GSA5
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Type: Fixed Term

Purpose of Job

• The customs clearing assistant will assist in the preparation and processing of import/export documentation as per customs regulations. 
• The incumbent will contribute to the smooth running of customs clearance operations for Africa CDC.

Main Functions

• Support the Customs Clearing Officer in coordinating with customs authorities, brokers, and other relevant parties for the timely clearance of goods.

Specific Responsibilities

• Support the Customs Clearing Officer in coordinating with customs authorities, brokers, and other relevant parties for the timely clearance of goods.
• Ensure that all necessary documentation is accurate and complete.
• Maintain accurate records of all customs transactions and ensure that all documents are filed and archived according to Africa CDC’s policies.
• Enter data related to customs clearance into relevant systems and databases.
• Prepare and submit regular reports on customs clearance activities.
• Communicate with suppliers, freight forwarders, and logistics officers to obtain required documentation and information for customs clearance.
• Respond to inquiries from internal and external stakeholders regarding customs procedures and the status of shipments.
• Provide support to field offices by sharing information and updates on customs regulations and processes.
• Assist in ensuring that all shipments comply with local and international customs laws, regulations, and procedures.
• Support the identification and resolution of issues related to customs clearance, including delays and documentation discrepancies.
• Help mitigate risks associated with customs clearance by following established procedures and guidelines.
• Provide general administrative support to the Customs Clearing Officer, including scheduling meetings, preparing correspondence, and maintaining files.
• Assist in the coordination of logistics activities to ensure smooth operations.
• Perform other related duties as required to support the customs clearance process.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Diploma in Supply Chain Management, fleet management, Business Administration, Logistics or related fields from a recognized academic institution with a minimum of 3 years of work experience in customs clearance, logistics, international trade in an organization setting.   
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, fleet management, Business Administration, Logistics or related fields from a recognized academic institution with a minimum of 2 years of work experience in customs clearance, logistics, international trade in an organization setting. 

Required Skills:

• 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.
• Basic knowledge of customs regulations and procedures.
• 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:
• Strategic Perspective:
• Flexibility L1.

Core Competencies:

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

Functional Competencies:

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

Tenure of Appointment

• The appointment will be made on a regular term contract for a period of three (3) years, of which the first twelve months shall be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract will be for a period of two years renewable, subject to satisfactory performance and 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 $ 55,174.63 (GSA5 Step 5) inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff, and US$  22,656.97  inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff of the African Union .

Application Closing Date
21st May, 2025, 11h59 p.m. EAT.