Prepare, review, verify, and maintain import and export documentation, including Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Bills of Lading, Certificates of Origin, permits, insurance documents, and other required trade documents.
Coordinate import and export transactions with banks, customs authorities, shipping lines, freight forwarders, clearing agents, suppliers, buyers, and government institutions.
Prepare and follow up Letter of Credit (L/C), CAD, advance payment, and other trade-finance documentation where applicable.
Follow up import permits, export permits, customs declarations, duty and tax documentation, and other regulatory requirements.
Monitor shipments from the supplier/warehouse through port, transit, customs clearance, and final delivery.
Ensure that all documentation complies with applicable Ethiopian customs requirements and international trade procedures.
Check HS Codes, product descriptions, quantities, values, country of origin, Incoterms, and other shipment information for accuracy.
Coordinate with the Finance Division regarding bank documents, payment requirements, customs payments, and shipment-related financial documentation.
Follow up export documentation for commodities such as coffee, sesame, soybean, and other agricultural products, as applicable.
Handle import documentation for goods such as machinery, vehicles, steel products, sugar, wheat, edible oil, tires, and other imported goods, as applicable.
Identify and resolve documentation discrepancies, shipment delays, customs issues, and missing documents.
Maintain complete and well-organized physical and electronic import/export files.
Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly shipment and documentation status reports.
Monitor document submission to banks and ensure timely completion of export document negotiations/processing.
Supervise and provide guidance to junior documentation staff.
Develop and improve documentation procedures, checklists, and internal controls.
Perform other related duties assigned by the Import & Export Manager / Division Head.
Bachelor’s Degree and above in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, International Business, Business Administration, Management, Economics, Marketing, or a related field.
Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in import/export documentation, logistics, international trade, or a related position.
Previous experience in a senior documentation role is an advantage.
Strong knowledge of Ethiopian customs, import/export procedures, banking processes, shipping documentation, and international trade practices.
Practical experience with L/C, customs clearance, freight forwarding, shipping lines, and clearing agents is highly desirable.
Experience with agricultural commodity exports such as coffee, sesame, and soybean is an advantage.
Strong computer skills, particularly MS Word and Excel.
Knowledge of electronic customs and trade-related systems is an advantage.
Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
Ability to work under pressure, meet shipment deadlines, and manage multiple transactions simultaneously.
High level of integrity, confidentiality, accuracy, and attention to detail.
