Senior import officer 3 views

Job Title: Senior Import Officer
Department: Supply Chain
Reports To: Import S/Manager
Location: Bole, Addis Ababa
Job Purpose

The Senior Import Officer is responsible for leading and overseeing the organization’s end-to-end import operations, ensuring the timely, cost-effective, and compliant procurement and delivery of imported goods and materials. The role plays a critical part in managing international logistics, customs compliance, foreign currency processes, supplier coordination, and risk mitigation. The Senior Import Officer works closely with suppliers, banks, regulatory authorities, customs agencies, and internal stakeholders to optimize import processes, control costs, and support business continuity while ensuring full compliance with national and international trade regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end import operations, including shipment planning, tracking, and delivery.
• Coordinate with international suppliers to ensure timely shipment of goods.
• Prepare, review, and process import documentation, including:
  • Commercial Invoices
  • Packing Lists
  • Bills of Lading/Airway Bills
  • Certificates of Origin
  • Insurance Documents
  • Import Permits and Licenses
• Liaise with customs authorities, freight forwarders, shipping lines, and clearing agents to facilitate smooth customs clearance.
• Ensure compliance with import regulations, customs laws, and company policies.
• Monitor shipment schedules and proactively resolve delays or clearance issues.
• Calculate and verify import costs, duties, taxes, and related expenses.
• Maintain accurate import records and documentation for audit and reporting purposes.
• Coordinate with finance, procurement, and warehouse teams regarding imported goods.
• Prepare import status reports and provide updates to management.
• Identify opportunities to optimize import processes and reduce logistics costs.
• Manage and evaluate the performance of clearing agents and logistics service providers.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

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

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in import operations, logistics, or customs clearance, with at least 1 year at a senior level.

• Strong understanding of Ethiopian customs and import procedures, including NBE and ERCA requirements.

• Familiarity with Incoterms, international trade documentation, and banking procedures related to foreign trade.