Freight Officer

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and, at the same time, promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Purpose

The Freight Officer purchases and manages international cargo by air, sea, road, railway, and inland waterway for ICRC operations.

Relationships

• Maintains a professional and constructive dialogue with external interlocutors such as, freight forwarders, shipping lines, air lines
• Maintains a professional and constructive dialogue with internal interlocutors such as Warehouse, Clearance, Domestic Transport, Supply Chain, Purchase teams and provides technical support to Field.
• Adapts his behaviour to various interlocutors.

General Duties

• Understands and adheres to the seven Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement;
• Understands and adheres to the ICRC Code of Conduct;
• Understands the roles of the components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement;
• Respects and observes staff regulations and security rules at all times;
• Represents the ICRC in a professional manner at all times;
• Develops and maintains a pleasant and conducive working environment with colleagues and line managers;
• Performs all duties with the highest level of confidentiality in the interest of the employees and the ICRC;
• May be asked to perform tasks not covered in this job description and to provide support to other departments when necessary.

Accountabilities & Functional responsibilities

• Manages cargo shipments by air, sea, and road in line with ICRC and international regulations;
• Respond to requests for advice and assistance on transport matters from within the ICRC Logistics Unit;
• To deal with emergency situations;
• Requests freight quotations for international air, sea & road freight consignments;
• Selects cost efficient and reliable mode of transportation, including the choice of forwarder, carrier that guarantees a safe and quick transportation;
• Negotiates with shipping companies on rates and special privileges such as extended “free time” on container demurrage at destination;
• Responds efficiently to all shipping requests from headquarters and the field;
• Organizes tenders with selected and approved transporters, analyses them and establishes a selection table based on the criteria of cost efficiency, reliability, and shortest delivery time;
• Close internal contact with WH/Procurement/Supply chain. Participates to weekly meeting;
• Close contact with the manufacturer/supplier and the transporter to enable smooth coordination and cargo pick-up;
• Tracks shipments to ensure on time delivery;
• Ensures that delivery processes adhere to any regulations;
• Ensures that the required documentation is correctly established. Coordinates with the receiving and the shipping parties documentation and timely release of the cargo;
• Follows up the invoicing, irregularities, delays, and eventual claims;
• Establishes proper shipping files allowing to track back freight and customs issues;
• Monitors pre-shipment Green Light requests with the ICRC delegations to ensure a smooth importation of goods at destination;
• Ability to review alternative options and select most effective and cost-efficient mode of transport in various contexts and circumstances;
• Maintains high energy level and multi-tasking skills.

People management responsibilities

No

Scope & Impact

Geographical remit: local.

Certifications / Education required

• University degree in logistics, freight forwarding or equivalent field;
• Excellent command (spoken and written) of English and French;
• Proficiency in additional ICRC language (Spanish, Russian, Arabic) considered an asset;
• Computer skills;
• Valid IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations certification considered a strong asset.

Professional Experience required

• Minimum 5 years’ professional experience in a similar field.
• International experience in the field considered a strong asset.

What we offer

• Rewarding work in a rich, multicultural and expansive operational humanitarian organisation;
• Attractive employment package and social benefits: a salary paid on a basis of thirteen months, an open-ended contract with a minimum assignment of two years; a competitive pension plan; medical and accident coverage etc.;
• Annual paid leave: 20–27.5 days (depending on age).

Additional information

• Type of role: Open-Ended Contract
• Working rate: 100%
• Starting date: ASAP
• Location: Geneva (Satigny)
• Job level: B3 (B3)
• Type of position: Headquarters
• Application deadline: 31/12/2023

Our Values

At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviours based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this page.