Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Deadline: 28 August 2025
Job Description
WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.
WHY JOIN WFP?
- WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
- WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.
- WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.
- A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.
- We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).
Job title: Logistics Associate (Customs)
Grade: SC 6
Type of Contract: Service Contract
Unit: Supply Chain, Ethiopia Country Office
Duty Station: Addis Ababa
Duration: Twelve (12) Months
ABOUT WFP
The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP’s values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.
To learn more about WFP, visit our website: https://www.wfp.org and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok.
PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
This position is responsible for overseeing the compliant and timely clearance of humanitarian cargo entering and exiting Ethiopia via key corridors, including Djibouti, Berbera, Moyale, and others. The role ensures operational efficiency by preparing and managing all required customs and shipping documentation, coordinating with Clearing and Forwarding (C&F) agents, and liaising with relevant government authorities.
ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Prepare all necessary letters for incoming containerized, bulk, and break-bulk cargo through the Djibouti, Berbera, and Moyale corridors according to the allocations received from the Pipeline team and get endorsement from senior management.
• Draft and address letters to relevant government offices (NDRMC, ARRA, MoE) as per the buying project.
• Review and prepare shipping documents to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with customs requirements.
• Assign Clearing and Forwarding (C&F) agents for import/export operations and monitor documentation and clearance progress.
• Coordinate with C&F agents to ensure timely inspections and dispatch of consignments according to the entry point and packaging details listed on the bill of lading.
• Engage with external stakeholders and regulatory authorities to ensure compliance and improve operational efficiency.
• Provide technical oversight to C&F agents and ensure the submission of regular consolidated clearance reports.
• Monitor shipments in coordination with freight forwarders and shipping lines; update internal tracking systems and prioritize clearance of sensitive items (e.g., short-shelf-life or high-priority commodities).
• Maintain comprehensive, up-to-date records of all import/export shipment statuses to support decision-making processes.
• Submit import/export permit applications via the Electronic Single Window System per health and standards requirements; ensure dispatch upon permit issuance.
• Consolidate and analyse weekly clearance reports submitted by C&F agents; identify and address bottlenecks to improve lead time and process efficiency.
• Resolve outstanding clearance issues through direct communication with relevant government offices and C&F agents.
• Liaise with internal units (Pipeline and Transport) to ensure alignment on clearance progress and minimize operational delays.
• Reconcile received commodity quantities against customs declaration balances.
• Collaborate with WFP regional and sub-office teams, as well as contracted agents, to address customs-related challenges at border points.
• Support the implementation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor and evaluate customs clearance performance
• Ensure the timely conversion and dispatch of GCMF (bonded) stocks to projects and receiving hubs within the designated grace period.
• Prepare purchase orders for customs clearance, transportation, warehousing, and recovery handling charges.
• Compile and submit required reports to respective government authorities in a timely and accurate manner.
• Maintain organized records of final customs declarations and related documentation.
• Perform any other duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Education:
- Completion of secondary school education, a BA degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Management, or a related field is an added advantage.
Experience:
- At least 6 years of professional work experience in a humanitarian organization, dealing with customs-related operations.
Knowledge & Skills:
• Hands-on experience in Ethiopia’s import and customs clearance procedures and Strong technical expertise in corporate systems (e.g., LESS/WINGS).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to present moderately complex information clearly and concisely.
• High ethical standards, attention to detail, and the ability to manage confidential information.
• Ability to handle high-volume workloads under tight deadlines and work independently or within a team.
• Effective planning and organizational skills, particularly in high-pressure environments
Languages:
- Fluency in oral and written communication in English and Amharic.
WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK
WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.
Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact: global.inclusion@wfp.org.
NO FEE DISCLAIMER
The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
- We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable).
- Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.
- Please make sure you upload your professional CV in the English language
- Kindly note the only documents you will need to submit at this time are your CV and Cover Letter
- Additional documents such as passport, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc. may potentially be requested at a future time
- Please contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org in case you face any challenges with submitting your application
Only shortlisted candidates will be notified
All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS
28 August 2025-23:59-GMT+03:00 East Africa Time (Addis Ababa).
