About the Role
The SEZ Operations Associate will provide operational support for immigration, regulatory compliance, client onboarding, and trade facilitation through Tatu City’s One-Stop Shop (OSS). This position is critical to ensuring smooth regulatory processes, timely approvals, positive customer experience, and revenue generation from OSS services.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide support to potential and existing clients on SEZ administration, onboarding, incentives, and investment opportunities.
- Register clients with relevant regulatory agencies and follow up to ensure SEZ Enterprise licenses and other approvals are issued promptly.
- Process work permits, visas, investor passes, and other immigration documents for expatriates, staff, and clients of Tatu City and affiliated companies.
- Provide accurate visa, travel, and SEZ advisory services to clients and stakeholders.
- Offer SEZ operational compliance support and coordinate with government agencies (Immigration, KRA, KEBS, SEZA, etc.) during inspections and audits.
- Support Investment, Tax, and Customs-related processes, including Gazettement, import/export requirements, and related documentation.
- Implement and maintain proper documentation frameworks for goods entering the zone.
- Track and collect all OSS fees and charges in line with the business plan.
- Maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date SEZ client and operations registry.
- Serve as a key liaison between Tatu City, clients, and regulatory bodies within the OSS.
- Provide day-to-day client coordination and relationship management.
- Support the Sales team with SEZ-related advisory for new clients.
- Participate in SEZ stakeholders’ forums and disseminate relevant updates.
- Contribute to policy reviews, research, and development of SEZ guidance materials.
- Prepare and submit timely reports and feedback on all SEZ matters to internal teams and management.
- Undertake any other duties assigned by the Head of SEZ or Tatu City management.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Law, Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, International Relations, or any related field.
- Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in client advisory services, regulatory affairs, government liaison, or investment promotion operations.
- Experience interacting with Kenyan government agencies such as SEZA, Immigration, KRA, KEBS, etc. is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated ability to handle SEZ documentation, licensing, compliance, and client onboarding processes.
Skills and Competencies
- Solid understanding of Kenya’s SEZ, immigration, tax, customs, and regulatory frameworks.
- Strong stakeholder management and coordination skills with clients and government officials.
- Ability to interpret regulations and provide clear, practical guidance to clients.
- Close attention to detail with excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and professional correspondence.
- Strong commercial acumen and business development mindset.
- Proactive, client-focused, and solution-oriented approach.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and record management tools.
- High integrity and ability to handle confidential information.
