Shipping Assistant – UNECA (Addis Ababa, 2026)

Organization: United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)
Location: ECA, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Employment Type: Individual Contractor
Contract Duration: 9 months
Department: Logistics / Supply Chain Management

About UNECA

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) supports economic and social development across Africa. This Shipping Assistant position is part of the Logistics Unit within the Supply Chain Management Section and focuses on managing inbound and outbound shipments, customs clearance, duty-free privileges, and coordination with government and logistics service providers.

About the Role

The Shipping Assistant will support UNECA's Shipping Unit in processing official cargo and shipments belonging to international staff, UN agencies, and other authorized parties. The role requires strong knowledge of customs clearance procedures, excellent documentation skills, and the ability to coordinate effectively with government regulatory bodies and freight forwarders.

Key Responsibilities

• Process inbound and outbound shipments of official goods, personal effects, household goods, and vehicles.
• Process shipments for UN agencies and secretariats covered by UNECA agreements.
• Maintain duty-free privileges in accordance with applicable United Nations rules and host-country agreements.
• Coordinate customs clearance and delivery of conference and press equipment.
• Assist international staff with duty-free procedures for household goods and vehicle imports.
• Prepare notes verbales, official letters, and other correspondence required by regulatory authorities.
• Maintain organized records and files for inbound and outbound shipments.
• Resolve shipment discrepancies involving purchase orders, quantities, damaged goods, or unacceptable deliveries.
• Prepare Return to Vendor documentation when required.
• Submit pre-import permits and import-release documentation to relevant government authorities.
• Follow up with regulatory bodies regarding regulated cargo.
• Review freight forwarder invoices against RFQs and shipment timelines.
• Review storage and demurrage charges and follow up on credit notes when necessary.
• Participate in meetings with customs and other regulatory authorities concerning import and export issues.
• Perform other logistics and shipping duties assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in customs clearance processes.
• Practical knowledge of import and export procedures.
• Strong documentation and record-management skills.
• Ability to coordinate with customs authorities, government offices, freight forwarders, and other stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.

Language Requirements

• Fluent written and spoken English is required.
• Excellent English writing skills are essential.
• Knowledge of French or another official UN language is an advantage.

Key Skills

• Customs clearance
• Import and export procedures
• Shipping and logistics
• Documentation and record management
• Government regulatory coordination
• Freight forwarding
• Supply chain operations
• Communication and problem-solving
• Microsoft Office and administrative skills

Salary & Benefits

Salary: Not specified in the provided vacancy information.
Contract: 9 months.

Candidates should refer to the official vacancy information for the applicable contractor compensation and conditions.

Why Work at UNECA?

This position offers an opportunity to work within a United Nations supply chain and logistics environment, gaining experience in international shipping, customs procedures, regulatory coordination, and UN operational processes.

It may be particularly valuable for professionals seeking experience in international logistics, customs clearance, freight forwarding, and humanitarian or development-sector supply chains.

How to Apply

Apply Here

Important: The United Nations does not charge applicants fees for applications, interviews, processing, or training.

Application Tips

Before applying, make sure your CV clearly demonstrates:

• 5+ years of customs clearance experience, if applicable.
• Experience handling import/export documentation.
• Experience working with customs or government regulatory bodies.
• Experience coordinating with freight forwarders and shipping agents.
• Strong English communication and report-writing abilities.
• Examples of handling shipment discrepancies, customs issues, or delayed cargo.

Use specific achievements rather than simply listing responsibilities — for example, describe the types or volume of shipments you handled and the regulatory agencies you coordinated with.

Frequently Asked Questions

What education is required?

A high school diploma or equivalent is required.

How much experience is required?

At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in customs clearance is required.

Is English required?

Yes. Fluency in written and spoken English is required, with excellent English writing ability.

Is French required?

No. French or another official UN language is an advantage.

How long is the contract?

The expected duration is 9 months.

Does the UN charge an application fee?

No. The United Nations does not charge applicants fees at any stage of recruitment.

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