The Freight Forwarding Officer will manage end-to-end import/export operations, including customs clearance, shipment tracking, and documentation. The role ensures compliance with local and international trade regulations and seamless coordination with freight forwarders, carriers, and customs brokers.  

Key Responsibilities

Import/Export Documentation   

• The Freight Forwarding Officer is responsible for coordinating and managing the shipment of goods to and from the company’s locations, ensuring compliance with international shipping regulations. 

• Prepare and verify shipping documents (e.g., Commercial invoice, Packing Lists, bills of lading, Tuck waybill, Railway bill, certificates of origin, customs declarations).

• Ensure compliance with INCOTERMS and international trade laws.

• Prepare internal Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Tuck waybill, Railway bill for export shipments

• Initiate Operation files and proper encoding of shipment details in a designated database and record management system.

Customs Coordination    

• Liaise with customs authorities to ensure shipments are cleared in timely manner,

• Track duty/tax payments and maintain records for audits.

Shipment Management  

• Negotiate rates with shipping companies and freight forwarders to secure the best possible shipping costs.

• Monitor and control transportation budget and expenditures

• Book cargo space with carriers (air, sea, and rail) and monitor transit status.

• Monitor the progress of shipments from Origin to Destination, ensuring timely delivery.

• Work Closely with procurement , warehouse, Import/Export teams, to align shipping schedules with business needs,

• Ensure that goods are received or dispatched according to company schedules and customer expectation.

• Proactively address delays (e.g., Customs Clearance and other permit processes, truck & deliveries, port congestion, payments, missing docs).

Payment & File Closure   

• Process payments for freight forwarders, customs duties, and third-party services.

•  Close operational files post-delivery, ensuring all documents are archived.

Process Ownership  

• End-to-End Customs Clearance (Timely submission and compliance).

• Shipment Lifecycle Tracking (Real-time updates to stakeholders).

• Third-Party Service Management (Freight forwarder/carrier performance).  

SOP Design & Compliance
 Design SOPs for:  
I.    Document Preparation (Checklist for import/export docs by country).
II.    Customs Dispute Resolution (Escalation path for delays/penalties).
III.    Shipment Tracking Protocol (Tools, frequency of updates, stakeholder communication).  

Job Requirements

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, International Business, Supply Chain, or related field.

• Experience: 2+ years in Logistics, import/export logistics or freight forwarding.

• Certifications: Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) or similar (preferred). 

Skills: 

• Strong knowledge of freight forwarding procedures and customs regulations

• Excellent negotiation skills for managing freight costs and contracts

• Ability to manage multiple shipments and meet deadlines.

• Effective Communication and coordination skills with both internal and external stakeholders.

• Expertise in Ethiopian Single Window management and Office Window Software (MS Excel, Outlook…)

•  Proficiency in ERP systems and shipment tracking tools 

• Fluency in trade compliance frameworks (e.g., HTS codes, export controls). 

How To Apply

We invite enthusiastic and qualified individuals to apply for our open positions. To be considered, please submit your CV as a single PDF file to hr@ovid-tradinghouse.com. Ensure you mention the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email.

We value every application and appreciate your interest in joining our team. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only candidates who meet our criteria will be contacted for further steps.

We look forward to reviewing your application and thank you for considering a career with OVID Trading House!