Export Operations Assistant

Job Title: Export Operations Assistant

Department: Operations

Supervisor: India Operations Director

Date Written/Revised:  17 April 2025

Diaspora Spice Co. was founded to radically reimagine the spice trade. We invest money, equity, and power into the best regenerative spices farms across South Asia. What we get are wildly delicious, hella potent flavors to bring your home cooking to the next level. 

The big, audacious dream has always been to grow a radically new, decidedly delicious, and truly equitable spice trade, to push a broken system into an equal exchange, and to have a lot of fun doing it. Just as we are building a market for regenerative farmers, we are also building a community for ourselves. Being in this community is about connecting deeply with the culture and heritage of the regions that we source from, and about learning as we go. Complicating and deepening what "Made in South Asia" means, and how we tell our own stories of freedom, struggle, and diaspora through food.

Diaspora Co.’s Mission and Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility  

It is important that all applicants are keenly aware of our company values and our firm commitment to creating space for all identities to feel comfortable engaging with our brand and within the company culture itself. We are happy to say that one half of this company was founded to empower South Asian farmers, and the other half to build something beautiful with the BIPOC community who want to build a better industry. 

We are committed to using our privilege and power to not only educate our community but to hold ourselves accountable and learn from each other. We strive to create a company culture where every person feels comfortable showing up as their full selves. As we continue our anti-racist work, the focus on intentionality, knowledge and community-centric support becomes increasingly important. Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is an ongoing one and the entire Diaspora Co. community is expected to contribute and show up in this work.

Position Summary:

Diaspora Spice Co.  is looking for a dynamic Mumbai-based Export Operations Assistant to join us full-time. The Export Operations Assistant will work with our India Director of Operations to ensure a smooth export  supply chain. You will be essential to our success as a growing company by keeping perfect track of all our spices that are the core of our business and ensuring their quality as they head from the farm to their destination in the US. 

This position is based in Mumbai, India at our Bandra office. This position will involve frequent trips to customs and spice board locations. 

Essential Responsibilities include: 

1. Preparing export documents for the timely dispatch of our goods:

• Create commercial invoices, packing lists, proforma invoices and purchase orders, including product classification using HS Codes 
• Prepare pre-shipment inspection certificates, quality certifications, and country-specific export documents 
• Coordinate with freight forwarders, CHA, and inspection agencies 

2. Documenting for compliance post-export: 

• Prepare and submit documents in a timely manner, including shipping bills, bills of lading, certificates of origin, and DGFT Filings (MEIS/SEIS/RODTEP), among others
• Fulfill all other necessary paperwork to ensure compliance with FEMA guidelines

3. Handle the importation of goods into India:

• Ensure a smooth importation process with preparation of proper customs clearance documents (Bill of Entry, Invoice, Packing list, etc) 
• Coordinate clearly with suppliers, freight forwarders, and the CHA 
• Maintain an understanding of import licensing, duties structure, and classification

4. Effectively Communicate with regulatory bodies, vendors, and customs agents 

•  Act as the coordinator for all the parties we work with in our import export supply chain. Ensure smooth cargo movement with clear communication. 

5. Maintain organized records in preparation for audits

• Assist in internal/external audits by providing accurate documentation and reports.

Qualifications/Experience: 

• Based in Mumbai, this job will at our office in Bandra and will include trips to the spice board and warehouses. 
• Experience in import and export processes and paperwork, with a background in agricultural goods preferred. 
• Comfortable making and updating google spreadsheets
• Impeccable organizational skills and a strong attention to detail 
• Intrinsic motivation and an eagerness to learn and solve problems that may arise suddenly 
• Excellent communication skills 

Compensation and Benefits:  

• Compensation: Rs. 30,000 - 35,000 INR DOE
• Health Care: Rs. 30,000 stipend per year for a health care insurance plan
• Paid time off: 18 days of flexible paid time off, 10 paid holidays, and a company-wide winter break of 10 days at the end of each year.
• Wellness Benefit: Rs. 2000 monthly stipend for physical and mental health expenses.
• Phone & Internet Stipend: Rs. 1000 per month