Vessel / Yard Claims Officer at Lekki Freeport Terminal

Summary

• The successful candidate will be part of a diverse, learning, competitive, and professional organization, which offers real opportunities for personal development and in-depth insights into the operation of a brand-new container terminal, which is now in use.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct vessel survey (pre-discharge and cargo survey) with vessel crew members to ascertain if there is any damage to the vessel before sailing.
• Conduct routine full container checks in the yard with a view to ascertaining any possible damage to the boxes in the event of claims by the consignees/agents.
• Work closely with the operations and yard managers to proactively attend to any issues of damaged containers brought to the claims unit notice.
• Take inventory of any damage to export/empty boxes by making necessary remarks on the EIR (equipment interchange report) form.
• Work closely with planning/berthing personnel with a view to ascertaining any damage to cargoes during vessel discharge.
• Conduct immediate cargo damage examination at the examination bay with the consignee representative and insurance loss adjusters if the consignee so desires.
• Attend joint inspection/examination of damaged cargoes in conjunction with the insurance loss adjusters and consignee's accredited representative.
• Take inventory of damaged assets within the container terminal area and LFT administrative building and prepare the necessary report.
• Prepare refund payment on container excess storage refund to consignees.
• Formally prepare a comprehensive report on any damaged container (laden/export/empty) and damaged to vessel to the legal manager for onward transmission to the master concessionaire (Lekki Port/underwriters for insurance compensation purposes.

Critical Success Factors:

• Proficient in MS Word
• Familiar with the legal framework in the maritime sector
• Result Oriented, team player & strong follow-up.
• Zero discrepancies between planning and executing.
• No delay in mail and correspondent handling.
• High IQ in reporting and management.

The Candidate
The ideal candidate will require:

• Requires minimum qualification -B.Sc / HND.
• Highly experienced candidates with OND shall be considered.
• Requires a minimum of 5 to 6 years of experience in a related role.
• Requires a proven record of claims-related experience from port operations and or the maritime industry in general.
• Effective negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Effective interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Knowledgeable and experienced in filing and maintenance of claims documents.
• Must have extensive knowledge of vessel/yard claims advisory.

Skills and Abilities Required in Position:

• Must be organized and punctual as well as work ethics professional.
• Requires the ability to follow instructions, assess daily priorities, and plan the workday.
• Requires an ability to keep the work area organized, neat, and efficiently planned.
• Requires good time management, due to a fast-moving, demanding work environment.
• Requires supervisory skills, including planning and organizing.
• Takes ownership of work. Meet daily challenges with a positive and open mind.
• Strong reasoning abilities and sound judgment. Good reporting and registration capability.
• Must have a working knowledge of supervisory, with the ability to influence other team members in a positive way.
• Requires intermediate to advanced verbal and written communication skills in English, in addition to effective interpersonal skills.