Sahara Group Graduate recruitment, March 2015

Sahara Group is a leading privately owned Power, Energy, Gas and Infrastructure Conglomerate established in 1996 with operating companies active in the downstream, midstream, upstream, infrastructure and power sectors. Sahara has presence in different locations including Africa, The Caribbean, Asia and Europe.


The Group's strategy is to replicate its successes in Oil and Gas sector in the Energy & Infrastructure sector. To achieve this, Sahara has set out a roadmap for investing in people, processes, strategic acquisitions, principal investments and continuous expansion within, initially, the West African energy & infrastructure space, and then globally globally.

Job Title:  Operations Officer

• To develop an in-depth understanding of vessel operations and oil transportation
• To ensure processes on the operational check list is followed and ticked (Pre-loading, loading, voyage, pre-discharge, discharge, post-discharge, and closure)
• To ensure efficiency in vessel operation putting into consideration the effective management of cargo loading and discharging with minimal cargo loss and demurrage
• Building and maintaining relationships with regulatory authorities and government parastatals (PPPRA, PPMC, DPR, NPA, NIMASA, Navy), clients and third parties
• Proper  filing and archiving of all operational documents per operation for easy access and referencing
• Processing, negotiating and settlement of invoices as at when due
• To follow up closely with nominated/appointed inspectors and supercargo and port agents during operations
• Ensure all clearances required for a smooth operation are obtained in due time
• Timely submission of relevant documents to regulatory agencies and parastatals
• Creating budget, inputting cost and managing the transaction portal together with Sales team
• Put together a comprehensive operational report to be filled not later than 72 hours after completion of discharge.
• Ensure the entire operational cycle should be completed as per approved standards

• Analytical skills
• Good Oral and written communication skills
• Good research skills
• Ability to adhere strictly to instructions
• Ability to establish priorities and manage work load
• Good use Microsoft office suit
• Attention to details
• Ability to relate with staff and third parties across different levels

• Basic Microsoft office skill is a must.
• A first degree in Sciences or any related course
• Minimum of 1 year Post-NYSC experience

• Integrity
• Ability to “think outside the box”
• Effective communicator.
• Interpersonal skills
• Energy and attention to details.
• Can do attitude
• Smart and neat at all times

• All Staff 
• Government Agencies and third Party Service Providers

• Achievement of agreed sales volumes targets (Based on the budget)
• Provide daily market intelligence on competitors and other suppliers concerning products pricing at various supply points/depots
• Identify & develop a list of potential Businesses/Customers/Clients with a timeline of conversion to actual customers.
• Constantly update past & new customer details and contact list as and when applicable
• Maintain present customers, with periodic communications to keep them updated with product availability and pricing
• Design & maintain a customer database with approved credit limits & also ensure all customers are covered with proper contracts/ offer letters before embarking on sales
• Liaise constantly both with the Operations/Trade/Finance department during product sales to ensure proper processing of required documents: Offers, Invoices, receipts for accurate reconciliations, letter of affirmation & distribution manifest.
• Maintaining proper & orderly documentation/filing for all customers.
• Provide daily market intelligence on competitors and other supplies concerning product pricing (particularly Open Market Price) and volumes at various points/depots and monitor competitor brand and sale initiatives.

• Commercially & contractually astute
• Conscientious in approach to work
• Good interpersonal and people skill
• Good communication skills (oral and written)
• Good use of Microsoft Office
• Good numeracy skills
• Good reporting skills

• A proven degree in any relevant institution and a drive to succeed.
• At least 1 year post NYSC work experience in a similar role.

• Good attitude and  approach to work
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• A team player with an international outlook and an ability to communicate effectively across boundaries.

• Unit Heads
• External customers/Competitors
• Risk unit
• Operation department
• Trade  department
• All staff

• Offer letters/ contract preparation are done timely and all paper work required (invoicing) as at when due
• Provide market intelligence report to supervisor/manager regularly
• Liaise with finance and ensure all receivables have been captured and payments are received promptly.
• Accurate monitoring of stock - Posting of all waybills within 24hrs after loading.
• Ensure credit policy is adhered to for all credit customers.
• Ensure maximum customer satisfaction.

• Receive and verify invoices and requisitions for goods and services
• Verify that transactions comply with financial policies and procedures
• Book approved invoices in the financial system
• Prepare Bank transfer instructions and ensure prompt dispatch to bank
• Follow up with banker to ensure instructions are promptly processed.
• Monthly remittances of all statutory deductions: PAYE, Pension, WHT, VAT etc.
• Disburse petty cash Naira and reconcile daily
• Post all payments to the Financial system
• Send remittance advice to Vendors.
• Ensure filing of all Account payable documents

• Must possess very sound knowledge of basic accounting
• Basic knowledge of taxes and statutory deductions  in Nigeria
• Must be able to do simple analysis and interpretation of financial transactions.

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Economics or relevant field
• Must have commenced ICAN examination with Intermediate level passed at a minimum
• At least 1 year post NYSC work experience in a similar role.

• Must be thorough
• Must be a good team player
• Must have good listening skills
• Must be a self-motivating individual

• Internal: Candidate is expected to liaise with the rest of the finance team in a manner that will strengthen the Company’s finance
• Internal: Candidate is expected to liaise with other departments (Operations, Trading and Business Development) of SERL to properly harmonize information required for quality reporting.

• Timely and accurate posting of transactions
• Timely implementation of policies and procedures
• Monitor daily transactions to budget and ensure costs incurred are within budget
• Timely and accurate preparation of bank reconciliations
• Timely reconciliation and accuracy of Petty cash
• Timely remittance of all statutory deductions
• Accurate reporting on account payables and profile due dates
• Must be dedicated to ensuring work is done within agreed timelines.
• To ensure accurate reporting on accrual to improve quality of monthly financial statements
• Proper documentation and filing of all relevant documents.

• Take action to reduce costs that are focused on creating greater efficiencies, economies of scale or better quality resources for a project team, department, or business unit.
• Manage all logistics operation including all logistics assets in order to ensure timely, cost-effective delivery.
• Work with freighters and clearing agents, cost and price analysis for services, etc. 
• Coordinate work efforts of others to ensure integration and completion of work against expectations

• Evaluate and ensure that vendor performance meets or exceeds defined performance standards and adheres to overall company policies and procedures.
• Bin card management, arrangement of items in store, secure store, carry out periodic counts, update records of issuance and receipt, etc.

• Customer Relationship: Ability to facilitate and accelerate the business relationship based upon an understanding of the customer.
• Legal Limitations: Knowledge of local legal limitations and Nigerian shipping laws.
• Basic knowledge of Project Management to ensure successful delivery (on time, within budget, meeting agreed upon success criteria) to establish clear goals and accountabilities.
• Good Microsoft Excel skills.
• Good reporting skills.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of related experience.
• Certification in supply chain management would be an added advantage.

• Good interpersonal skill
• Resourceful
• Hardworking
• Organized
• Creative and highly analytic.

• Centrum and CVL staff
• Service providers
• Other stake holders