Export Manager

Job Description

Job Summary

On behalf of our client, we are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Export Documentation Officer to manage and coordinate export documentation processes, particularly for coffee and sesame exports. The successful candidate will ensure that all export documents are accurately prepared, processed, and submitted in compliance with Ethiopian export regulations, customs requirements, international trade standards, and destination-country requirements. The role requires strong knowledge of export procedures, banking documentation, logistics coordination, and experience working with coffee and sesame export operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, and process export documentation for coffee and sesame shipments.
• Coordinate the preparation of commercial invoices, packing lists, sales contracts, certificates of origin, bills of lading, and other required export documents.
• Ensure compliance with Ethiopian customs regulations, export procedures, and international trade requirements.
• Coordinate with the Ethiopian Customs Commission, banks, shipping lines, freight forwarders, inspection bodies, and other relevant authorities.
• Manage export documentation related to permits, quality and inspection certificates, phytosanitary certificates, and other commodity-specific requirements.
• Follow up on export declarations, customs clearance, shipment approvals, and dispatch processes to ensure timely export operations.
• Coordinate with warehouse, logistics, procurement, and sales teams to ensure that export documentation matches the actual shipment details.
• Handle banking and foreign trade documentation, including Letters of Credit (LC), Cash Against Documents (CAD), and other applicable export payment arrangements.
• Monitor shipment schedules and ensure all required documents are submitted within the prescribed deadlines.
• Maintain accurate records of export transactions, shipment documents, and correspondence.
• Identify and resolve documentation discrepancies, delays, and compliance-related issues.
• Prepare regular export documentation reports and provide updates to management on shipment progress.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, International Trade, Business Management, Accounting, Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience in export documentation and operations.
• Proven experience in coffee and sesame export documentation and procedures is mandatory.
• Strong understanding of Ethiopian export regulations, customs procedures, and international trade documentation.
• Practical experience coordinating with banks, customs authorities, shipping lines, freight forwarders, and inspection agencies.
• Good knowledge of international payment terms and foreign trade processes, including LC and CAD.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly MS Excel, and relevant customs or export documentation systems.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication, coordination, and negotiation skills.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure and meet shipment deadlines.

Required Competencies

• In-depth knowledge of coffee and sesame export operations.
• Strong documentation management and regulatory compliance skills.
• Ability to coordinate multiple shipments and meet strict deadlines.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.
• High integrity, accountability, and professional work ethic.