Applications are invited from suitably qualified Kenyan Citizens to fill the position of Director, Trade Facilitation and Policy Harmonisation at the Secretariat of the Maritime Organisation for Eastern, Southern and Northern Africa (MOESNA) headquartered in Mombasa. The Director Trade Facilitation and Policy Harmonisation heads one of the core departments of the Organisation’s Secretariat.

A) THE ORGANISATION

The Maritime Organisation for Eastern, Southern and Northern Africa is a regional inter-governmental body mandated with the promotion, protection and coordination of the shipping and maritime interests of the region. Founded in 1967 as the Intergovernmental Standing Committee on Shipping (ISCOS), the organisation was in 2024 rebranded into the Maritime Organisation for Eastern, Southern and Northern Africa (MOESNA) to align the name with its geographical mandate.

MOESNA represents a unified commitment by States in Eastern, Southern, and Northern Africa, largely connected through the West Indian Ocean, the South Atlantic, and the Red Sea, to collaborate in addressing the multifaceted shipping and maritime challenges facing the sector, building synergies, riding on each other’s strengths, and setting the strategic path for the transformation of Africa’s shipping and maritime sector.

B) PARTICULARS OF THE APPOINTMENT

Job Title: Director, Trade Facilitation and Policy Harmonisation
Appointed By: The Coordination Committee
Reporting To: The Secretary General
Grade: P5

C) JOB PURPOSE

Facilitation of maritime trade and the harmonisation of maritime transport policies within and across the MOESNA Member States. The job holder is expected to advise Member States in formulating appropriate laws, regulations and programs to promote effective and efficient regional seaborne trade.

D) DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assist the organisation in the enactment of instruments and protocols relating to shipping, maritime trade/maritime cabotage, maritime safety and security, and marine environment protection.

2. Ascertain and recommend favourable trading practices to facilitate and promote effective and efficient regional seaborne trade.

3. Analyse the impact of transport policies and regulations on seaborne trade and advise Member States on the implementation of intermodal transport solutions.

4. Monitor and report on route costs of inland transport and cooperate with relevant government agencies, private sector, and stakeholders at ports, transit routes, and border points to mitigate tariff and non-tariff barriers.

5. Monitor and advise on the implementation status of international trade agreements by Member States, including memberships to international bodies.

6. Develop, review, and monitor cooperation modalities with other regional organisations on trade facilitation, policy harmonisation, and implementation of commercial maritime conventions, policies, and practices.

7. Monitor potential conflicts arising from trade restrictions between countries that may affect regional and international trade.

8. Promote capacity building for shippers/shippers’ councils and other industry players in freight consultations/negotiations, and lobby for favourable policies and regulations on shipping services.

9. Promote the establishment of national maritime administrations in Member States and encourage cooperation among them.

10. Assist national bodies in setting mechanisms to improve goods flow in transport corridors and monitor inland transport costs to enhance efficiency in seaborne trade.

11. Advise Member States on policies and regulations promoting the participation of women and youth in the maritime industry and creating employment opportunities.

12. Provide technical services to MOESNA organs.

13. Formulate and oversee the implementation of the Directorate’s annual plans and budgets.

14. Supervise staff under the Directorate in accordance with Human Resource Regulations.

15. Perform any other duties assigned by the Secretary General, subject to the Human Resource Regulations.

E) QUALIFICATIONS AND WORK EXPERIENCE

1. A Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Law from a recognised university.

2. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Transport Studies, Maritime Engineering, Ship Management/Master Mariner or equivalent, with qualifications in Maritime Law, are eligible to apply.

3. A Master’s degree in the above-mentioned fields will be an added advantage.

4. Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in a reputable institution.

5. Knowledge of the institution.

F) COMPETENCIES

• Ability to lead a professional team and promote team spirit towards achieving MOESNA objectives.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong relationship-building skills through negotiation and networking.

• Extensive knowledge of operations management, trade policies or customs policies, statistics, or shipping/port procedures.

• Competence in the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

• Fluency in English.

G) MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must satisfy Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya and submit clearances from:

1. Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)

2. Credit Reference Bureau (CRB)

3. Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)

4. Ethics & Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)

5. Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)

6. Former employer (where applicable)

H) SALARY AND BENEFITS

In addition to a competitive salary, the successful candidate will enjoy benefits such as:

• Housing allowance

• Airtime allowance

• Gratuity on separation equivalent to 25% of basic salary earned during the period of service

• Medical insurance for self, spouse, and up to four children under 23 years

• Limited education allowance for up to four children under 23 years

• 36 working days of leave annually

• Paid home leave

I) CONTRACT PERIOD

Four-year renewable contract (up to twice), subject to satisfactory performance.

J) MODE OF APPLICATION

Submit applications with CVs, certified copies of certificates and testimonials, and names and contacts of three referees. Include a daytime telephone contact and address to:

The Principal Secretary
State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs
P.O. Box 30799 – 00100
Nairobi, Kenya

OR
Hand-deliver to: NSSF Annex Building, 8th Floor, Human Resource Management Registry, Room No. 23.

Deadline: 29th August 2025, by 5:00 PM.

Note:

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

• Shortlisted candidates must produce original academic and professional certificates at the interview.

• Canvassing in any form will lead to disqualification.

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