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)