Logistics Officer (Port Operation)
JOB PURPOSE
WFP Haiti manages complex port operations as a critical entry point for humanitarian assistance, primarily through the ports of Port‑au‑Prince and Cap‑Haitien and possible overland transportation from Dominica Republic. These ports handle significant volumes of food and non‑food commodities, with hundreds of containers processed annually to sustain nationwide operations. Port activities include cargo reception, discharge, coordination with shipping lines and port authorities, and the organization of inland transport to transshipment hubs. However, port operations are frequently constrained by challenges such as lengthy customs clearance procedures, security risks around port corridors, and congestion, requiring close coordination with customs authorities, logistics partners, and government counterparts to ensure timely and efficient delivery of assistance.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive, within delegated authority):
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.
2. Customs Clearance and Regulatory Compliance
Oversee customs clearance processes and anticipate potential bottlenecks.
Ensure compliance with Haiti customs regulations, including:
Tax exemptions and fiscal facilities for NGOs and humanitarian organizations
1. Import/export procedures
2. Applicable taxes and duties for different commodity categories
3. 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, and shipping documents (B/L, FBL, AWB).
3. Logistics Coordination and Multimodal Transport
Manage the incoming upstream pipeline and provide optimal advises.
Oversee multimodal transport based on operational constraints.
Ensure synchronization between port operations, warehouse storage, and inland and overland transportation.
Negotiate and monitor contracts with transport providers and operators.
Implement tracking tools to enhance cargo visibility and traceability.
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.
5. Demonstrated ability to supervise and coordinate the team of ports and custom operations, ensuring effective task allocation and performance delivery.
6. Perform any other related logistics tasks as required by the service.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Education: University degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Administration, Business Management or related field is required.
Experience: At least 1 year of post graduate professional experience in port operations, shipping, or customs clearance in Haiti. Additional years of relevant experience are highly desirable
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:
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.
Language: Professional proficiency in French, with a very good command of English is required. Fluency in Haitian Creole is essential.