Position Title: Logistics Officer
Employer: Lata Agro Export
Employment: Full-Time | Permanent
Place of Work: Addis Ababa - Ethiopia
Posted date: 2 months ago
Deadline: Submission date is over
Job Summary
The Logistics Officer will be responsible for managing the seamless and efficient flow of coffee from the warehouse or processing unit to the final customer destination across international markets. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of export procedures, international shipping, and documentation.
Key Responsibilities
1. Shipping and Export Operations
- Coordinate and manage all aspects of coffee export logistics, including booking freight (container shipping, air cargo) and selecting optimal shipping lines/carriers based on cost and service.
- Monitor and track shipments from origin to destination, proactively communicating any delays or issues to relevant internal and external stakeholders.
- Ensure all coffee handling, storage, and transportation comply with international food safety standards and specific customer requirements.
2. Documentation and Compliance
- Prepare, review, and process all necessary export documentation, including Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Certificates of Origin (COO), Phytosanitary Certificates, Bills of Lading (B/L), and other customs/regulatory forms.
- Ensure full compliance with destination country import regulations, customs procedures, and international trade laws (e.g., Incoterms, HS Codes).
- Maintain an organized filing system for all shipping documents and records for auditing purposes.
3. Stakeholder Management
- Act as the primary point of contact for freight forwarders, customs brokers, shipping lines, warehouse/port authorities, and inspection agents.
- Coordinate with the Sales/Trading team to align shipping schedules with sales contracts and customer delivery deadlines.
- Liaise with the Warehouse/Quality Control team to ensure the timely readiness and accurate loading of coffee containers.
4. Cost Management and Reporting
- Assist in negotiating freight rates and logistics service contracts to optimize shipping costs.
- Verify and process logistics-related invoices (freight, inspection, documentation, handling) to ensure accuracy and timely payment.
- Prepare and maintain detailed reports on logistics activities, shipping status, costs, and performance metrics.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 1 (one) year of professional experience in logistics, supply chain management, shipping, or an export/import coordination role. Experience in the coffee, commodity, or food export sector is a significant advantage.
- Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, International Trade, or a related field.
Skills:
- Proficiency in preparing and handling international shipping documents (B/L, Commercial Invoice, COO, etc.).
- Solid understanding of Incoterms (e.g., FOB, CIF, CFR, FCA) and international customs procedures.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong computer skills, especially in MS Excel and logistics/ERP software.
Competencies
- Detail-Oriented: Exceptional attention to accuracy, particularly in documentation.
- Problem-Solver: Ability to anticipate and quickly resolve logistics issues (e.g., port delays, documentation errors).
- Organizational Skills: Proven ability to manage multiple shipments and deadlines simultaneously.
- Negotiation: Basic negotiation skills for dealing with vendors and service providers
