Freight / Corporate Services Officer at British High Commission (BHC) Nigeria

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Freight / Corporate Services Officer

Job ref: 11/20 LOS
Location: Lagos
Grade: A2 (L)
Start Date: 4th May 2020
Type of Position: Full-time, Permanent
Type of Post: British Deputy High Commission
Job Subcategory: Corporate Services Support
Job Category: Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Operations and Corporate Services)

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

The British Deputy High Commission (BDHC), Lagos employs over 170 staff, delivering a number of projects and services across West Africa. The Mission is part of a wider Nigeria Network and operates in partnership with colleagues in the British High Commission, Abuja. Our Corporate Services team is the core of BDHC and responsible for the entire operational platform including Estates, Transport, IT, Finance, HR and Protocol / Freight.
The successful candidate will provide administrative support across the Corporate Services department with a key focus on the core administrative functions within the Protocol / Freight team.

Roles and Responsibilities

Preparation of Import and Export clearance documentation
Establish and maintain useful contacts at the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service and Nigeria Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Follow up of approvals with relevant government ministries, departments and agencies including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Liaising with clearing agents over clearance of general goods including personal effects, motor vehicles, furniture / fittings, medical supplies and perishables and supervising their delivery
Carry out goods inspection at the air and seaports as required
Registration of diplomatic vehicles with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, obtain vehicle travel documents and maintenance of an up to date vehicle list for the Mission.
Processing and obtaining re-entry visas and diplomatic identity cards for members of the UK staff
Line Manage 2 S1 officers
Processing and obtaining container demurrage refunds from shipping lines
Maintain accurate container return record
Any other duties as may be assigned by the Freight and Travel Manager
Provide admin support across the Corporate Services department as required

Resources Managed (Staff and Expenditure):

2 x Junior Officers

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience

At least 2 years relevant experience in Cargo, Logistics or Freight Management
At least 2 years relevant experience in an administrative or customer service role
An excellent command of the English language – oral and written
Excellent communication and collaboration skills including the ability to work with colleagues across departments
Good problem solving skills and ability to think outside the box to deal with complex issues
A self-starter who is able to work with minimal supervision delivering a quality service
Excellent organisational and analytical skills
Proficient use of Microsoft Office tools – Word, Outlook and Excel

Desirable Qualifications, Skills and Experience: