The Intergovernmental Standing Committee on Shipping (ISCOS) was established in 1967 by the Governments of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia to take care of their maritime interests in the region. A permanent Secretariat was established in 1974 and has since been headquartered in Mombasa, Kenya. Since its inception, ISCOS has contributed immensely to the development of & Maritime Economy and the Harmonization of Maritime policies of Member Governments. In particular ISCOS has been at the fore front of representing the interests of Governments and Shippers in the region, especially in the fields of ocean freight rates, port performance, research, and the provision of timely advice to Member states on maritime matters affecting the region.

In 2006, Member Governments through a’ protocol amending the 1987 Agreement transformed the organisation into a one stop centre of excellence for regional maritime matters and total transport logistics. The organisations’ mandate was reviewed to allow private sector participation in ISCOS affairs. In addition, its mandate was extended to covet the role of inland water-ways and ports. ISCOS possible membership was also opened to the States of East and Central Africa. The Organisation is the main point of reference for maritime and sea transportation matters affecting the region and continues to be the main interface between the region’s cargo owners and the greater shipping world. Currently, the organisation has embarked on an ambitious campaign to mobilise shippers into formidable shipper’s councils and sensitising them on international trading practices. The Organisation is mainly Government funded, and employs its staff from all ISCOS member states.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified Kenyan, Tanzanian, Ugandan and Zambian nationals to fill the following positions at the Secretariat:

The particulars of the positions are as follows:

TITLE: DIRECTOR OF TRADE FACILITATION AND POLICY HARMONISATION

Appointed by: THE COORDINATION COMMITTEE

Reporting to: The Secretary General

Job Group: R5

Terms of appointment: A 3-year contract renewable twice.

Duties:

• Ascertaining and recommending favourable trading practices that would facilitate and promote regional seaborne trade;
• Analysing the impact of transport policies and regulations on seaborne trade;
• Monitoring route costs of inland transport;
• Assisting in the implementation of solutions to the transport problems of land locked countries that relate to their seaborne trade;
• Reviewing and monitoring the modalities for cooperation with other regional organisations on matters pertaining to harmonisation and implementation of commercial maritime conventions, policies and practices;
• Promoting the establishment of national Maritime Administrations, where they don’t exist, and encouraging cooperation among in accordance with staff regulations;
• Assisting national bodies in setting out mechanisms aimed at improving the flow of goods in the transport corridors as it affects their seaborne trade;
• Advising Member States on ways and means of combating HIV-AIDS pandemic on human resource development in the shipping industry;
• Assisting the Member States in formulating policies and regulations that promote the participation of women in the Maritime Industry;
• Providing technical services to Technical Committees;
• Supervising staff under the Directorate in accordance with staff regulations;
• Performing any other functions that may be assigned to him/her by the Secretary General;

Qualifications:

i)      He/she should be a holder of a University degree in Law, Economics, Statistics, Maritime Transport Studies or any other related fields with post graduate qualification    in either Port administration, shipping management or international trade law

ii)     Extensive knowledge.of ‘Operations¹ Research and Trade policies or customs polices or shipping/port procedures;

iii)    Knowledge of ICT is essential

iv)    Being a member of an international body or contributing to an international journal will be an added advantage.

Experience:

i)    Applicants should possess at least 5 years practical experience at a senior level in a reputable transport related organisation,

ii)   Experience in port operations or shipping management will be an added advantage.

Salary and Benefits

• Basic salary of US$ 2700 pm
• Housing allowance of US$ 1,000 pm
• Spouse allowance of US$ 135 pm
• Air time allowance of US$ 100 pm

Other benefits include a Medical Insurance cover for self and family, gratuity on separation equivalent to 25% of salary earned per month, limited education allowance, 36 working days of leave per year, and paid home leave. Application procedures: i)       Interested qualified Ugandans should send their applications by Wednesday 22nd February 2012 to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Transport, P.O. Box 10 ENTEBBE, UGANDA. ii)  The applications should include:

• A detailed CV including telephone contact (Office and mobile), e-mail address
• Copies of certificates and testimonials
• Two recent colored passport size photographs.

No applications shall be directly accepted by the ISC0S Secretariat in Mombasa.