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BE
Customs and Transit Lead
BW Energy · Port-Gentil, Ogooue-Maritime, Gabon
About The Role
- Responsibility and authority
- Key tasks and responsibilities
Customs Compliance and Strategy
- Define and maintain BWE Gabon's customs compliance framework in line with Gabonese customs law, the CEMAC Customs Code, and applicable international standards
- Lead the selection and management of customs regimes (ATS/ATN, temporary admission, definitive importation) for all inbound and outbound flows
- Monitor regulatory developments and proactively adapt BWE's customs processes and documentation standards
Project Customs Planning
- Lead customs planning for capital and drilling projects
- Coordinate pre-importation strategy with Procurement, Logistics, and Finance to optimise duty exposure and avoid delays
- Manage the importation of long-lead items, specialised equipment, and bulk consumables in compliance with applicable regimes
- Develop and present importation plans and regulatory roadmaps to management when required
Authority and Regulatory Relationships
- Manage relationships with Gabonese regulatory bodies, freight forwarders and transit agents, ensuring performance, compliance, and cost efficiency
Documentation and Records Management
- Maintain accurate, updated trackers of all shipments in transit, locally purchased goods, and imported materials
- Oversee the archiving of customs files, declarations, and supporting documents in accordance with regulatory retention requirements
Audit, Legal and Risk Management
- Lead BWE's response to customs audits, including preparation of documentation, coordination with Legal, and representation in proceedings
- Manage customs litigation matters and ensure all required evidence and compliance records are available and properly maintained
- Identify customs compliance risks and escalate to the Deputy Supply Chain Manager with proposed mitigations
Team Supervision and Development
- Provide daily technical supervision and quality assurance over the work of the Transit & Customs Coordinator
- Develop the team's competency in customs regulations, documentation standards, and IFS usage
- Define and monitor team KPIs; report on performance and compliance to the Deputy Supply Chain Manager
Cross-functional Coordination
- Coordinate with Procurement, Logistics, Warehouse, Finance, and Legal on all customs-related matters
- Provide customs input to tender evaluations, contract negotiations, and supplier qualification processes where relevant
- Ensure accurate and timely communication of customs status, delays, and risks to all relevant internal stakeholders
Requirements
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Customs Administration, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Trade, or a related field
Experience
- Minimum 5 years of experience in customs clearance, transit management and import/export operations, with at least 3 years in the Oil & Gas or extractive industry.
- Proven experience managing customs regimes specific to Gabon or the CEMAC zone (ATS/ATN, temporary admission) – Prior experience with a freight forwarder or customs broker is a plus.
- Track record of direct engagement with Gabonese customs authorities and regulatory bodies
- Experience supervising or mentoring junior customs or logistics staff
- Exposure to customs audit management and litigation support is strongly preferred
Interpersonal skills
- Fluent in French; professional working level in English
- Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage confidently at authority level
- High degree of autonomy and sound judgement in complex or time-sensitive situations
- Rigorous attention to detail and strong organizational discipline
- Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced operational environment
- Discretion and a strong sense of professional ethics
Technical Knowledge
- In-depth knowledge of Gabonese customs law, the CEMAC Customs Code, and applicable international trade regulations
- Sound understanding of customs valuation principles and contract registration requirements
- Proficiency in ERP systems, preferably IFS, for shipment tracking, goods receipts, and documentation management
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel (tracking, reporting, and data management)
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