New projects in Africa open up export jobs market

Projects in Africa are thriving, creating many job opportunities for staff skilled in exports, with attractive salaries being offered. That’s according to Terri Smith, managing director of Tiger Recruitment, who says the company is currently receiving a number of job orders from the freight and trading industry, across all levels of experience – from juniors to executives. She cautions, however, that there is still a lot of uncertainty regarding job security due to current instability in the market. “There is also a lot of movement at executive level, resulting in a lack of confidence amongst employees. That, in turn, has a ripple effect on the service levels within a company and ultimately on the industry,” says Smith. The highest demand in the industry is currently for skilled sales executives as there are “very few” with a proven sales record and stable work history. “The perception out there is that they are jobhoppers and unsuccessful but really there is a lack of understanding in the tasks they have to perform on a day-to-day basis. They’re given high targets, but without the proper support, as companies are economising,” says Smith. Another issue is that salaries tend to be reviewed when employees receive other job offers within the same field, and resign, she told FTW. Their company, in turn, will counter with a more desirable salary offer. Smith says this is occurring more frequently. CAPTION Terri Smith … lots of movement at executive level.