DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS23 April 2025-23:59-GMT+01:00 West Africa Standard Time (Douala)

WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.


ABOUT WFP

The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.


At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.

To learn more about WFP, visit our website: https://www.wfp.org and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok.

WHY JOIN WFP?

  • WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.

  • WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.

  • WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.

  • A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.

  • We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).

    Organizational Context and Role:

    WFP ensures the delivery of food and essential supplies to beneficiary countries. The Douala logistics corridor plays a key role in managing maritime freight, customs clearance of shipments, and coordinating land transport to Cameroon, Chad, and the Central African Republic. The operations (Shipping) will be responsible for overseeing port operations, customs clearance processes, and compliance with local and regional regulations, particularly within the CEMAC zone

    MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

    3.1. Port Operations and Shipping Management

    • Supervise the arrival of vessels carrying humanitarian cargo.
    • Plan the offloading, handling, and temporary storage of shipments.
    • Coordinate bagging and repackaging of food commodities, if required.
    • Ensure compliance with port free-time limits to avoid demurrage and storage fees.
    • Monitor vessel allocation and plan dispatches to warehouses and destination countries.

      3.2. Customs Clearance and Regulatory Compliance

      • Oversee customs clearance processes and anticipate potential bottlenecks.
      • Ensure compliance with Cameroon and CEMAC customs regulations, including:
        • CEMAC Customs Code
        • Tax exemptions and fiscal facilities for NGOs and humanitarian organizations
        • Import/export procedures
        • Applicable taxes and duties for different commodity categories
        • Customs transit procedures for shipments to Chad and CAR
        • Manage relationships with freight forwarders and customs authorities to expedite clearance formalities.
        • Identify challenges related to customs restrictions, import licenses, and duty suspension regimes.
        • Ensure proper handling and follow-up of customs documentation, including exemption certificates, customs declarations (DAU), and shipping documents (B/L, FBL, AWB).

          3.3. Logistics Coordination and Multimodal Transport

          • Manage the incoming upstream pipeline and provide optimal advises.
          • Oversee multimodal transport (rail, road, river) based on operational constraints.
          • Ensure synchronization between port operations, warehouse storage, and inland and overland transportation.
          • Negotiate and monitor contracts with transport providers and railway operators.
          • Implement tracking tools to enhance cargo visibility and traceability.

            3.4. Risk Management and Cost Optimization

            • Identify and anticipate customs and logistics risks (administrative delays, port congestion, price fluctuations).
            • Develop strategies to reduce costs related to demurrage, storage, and transit.
            • Work with financial teams to optimize cash flow linked to tax payments, fees, and customs guarantees.
            • Ensure rigorous management of contracts and financial commitments related to shipping and customs clearance.

              Technical Skills

              Excellent knowledge of customs procedures and documentation.

              Proficiency in logistics tracking systems (LESS, SAP, WINGS, or equivalent).

              Strong data analysis skills related to customs and financial transactions.

              Ability to negotiate with port authorities, customs officers, and transport companies

              Behavioral Competencies

              Strong prioritization and decision-making skills under pressure.

              Excellent diplomatic and negotiation abilities with stakeholders.

              Proactive approach in anticipating administrative and customs bottlenecks.

              Leadership and ability to work in a multicultural environment.

              Academic Qualifications

              University degree in Logistics, International Trade, Customs & Freight Forwarding, Maritime Transport, or Supply Chain Management.

              Specialization in CEMAC Customs Regulations or International Trade Law is an asset.

              Professional Experience

              At least 5 years of experience in port operations, shipping, or customs clearance in Central Africa.

              Strong knowledge of Cameroon and CEMAC customs clearance procedures.

              Experience in managing freight forwarders, shipping lines, and road transporters.

              Expertise in INCOTERMS and special customs regimes for humanitarian imports.

              Language: Fluency (level C) in French. Fluency (level C) or intermediate knowledge (level B) of another official language may be required depending on the location of the post or area of responsibility.

              Terms and Conditions

              Job Title: Senior Logistics Associate - Operations (Shipping)

              Type of Contract: Fixed Term (FT)

              Grade : G7

              Duration: 12 months

              Duty Station: Douala / Cameroon

              WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

              WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.

              Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework

              REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

              WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact: global.inclusion@wfp.org

              NO FEE DISCLAIMER

              The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

              REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

              • We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable).

              • Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.

              • Please make sure you upload your professional CV in the English language

              • Kindly note the only documents you will need to submit at this time are your CV and Cover Letter

              • Additional documents such as passport, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc. may potentially be requested at a future time

              • Please contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org in case you face any challenges with submitting your application

              • Only shortlisted candidates will be notified

                All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.


                No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.

Recommended for you