DP WORLD DAKAR ACCELERATING GROWTH AND EXPERIENCE OF YOUNG LOCAL TALENT
Date: 24/04/2021
DAKAR (SENEGAL) APRIL 24th, 2021 - DP World Dakar, which is a business unit of Dubai-based DP World, a leading global provider of smart logistics solutions, launched its first Grow Program last year with young high-potential graduates.
In 2020, DP World Dakar, which has the concession to develop the new multi-user Port of Dakar, recruited nine young Senegalese university graduates to be trained and mentored by the company as part of its Grow Program.
The Grow Program is part of DP World’s commitment to contribute to the development of nationals in the communities where it operates. The initiative targets skilled youth from technical fields such as Operations, QHSSE, Finance, Commercial and IT. The program seeks to accelerate the growth of young local graduates by providing them with advanced training, and on the job experience, to increase their future employment prospects, and to enable DP World Dakar to build a talent-pool of future leaders across the business.
Following a rigorous selection process of interviews and tests, nine graduates, three females and six males, were selected to participate in the 18-month training and development program.
One year later, the interns, referred to internally as Grow Officers, have been rotated to spend time in various departments at DP World Dakar, including Commercial, Engineering, Operations, and IT, among others. Besides developing functional and broader business skills, they have also gained experience according to the highest international standards in the key trade and logistics sector — an industry vital to economic growth and development. DP World Dakar is proud that seven Grow Officers have since been appointed to permanent positions within the business while the program continues for the remaining two Grow Officers.
Clarence Rodrigues, CEO of DP World Dakar, said: “I am proud that we are able to give young Senegalese graduates such a great opportunity. Especially, considering the difficult economic circumstances and uncertainty around the COVID 19 pandemic. It shows that we truly believe in the resilience of the local economy, and in Dakar’s role as a major logistics hub. We hope that we will not only be able to guide and grow these bright young people during this journey but also learn from each of them, by gaining a fresh and new perspective in all our work areas, especially within innovation and digitalization.”
“We hope that through our Dakar Grow Program, we will also encourage and motivate other young, talented Senegalese to pursue career opportunities with DP World,” he added.
Amadou Seyni Amadou, Junior Accountant at DP World Dakar, said: “After a year of training and integration, the word I would use to describe the last 12 months is: amazing.”
Fatou Seck, Data Scientist at DP World Dakar, said: “Joining DP World, a global trade-enabling company, was a great opportunity for me as an IT Engineer. It helped me learn a lot, acquire a lot of experience, and most importantly, I have grown immensely. Through Grow Program, I am now working in the IT Department as a Data Scientist.”
Ahmadou BA, Grow Technical Engineer at DP World Dakar, said: “Coming from an Engineering background, I am proud to grow as a Technical Engineer at the Port of Dakar. I love this job, and I am excited to participate in the future challenges and opportunities for DP World.”
Papa A. Toumané Sarr, HSSE Officer at DP World Dakar, said: “I have been at DP World since January of 2020, where I started as a Grow Officer. The Grow Program helped me go beyond my comfort zone and push the boundaries while being supported consistently by management. Since then, I have been appointed as a HSSE Officer. Thank you to DP World for this opportunity!”
Pauline Coumba Sarr, Commercial Officer at DP World Dakar, said: “Now that I have fully integrated into my position in the commercial team after participating in the Grow Program, I am looking forward to being part of helping DP World expand and evolve.”
Mor Sarr, HSSE Officer at DP World Dakar, said: “As a Grow Officer, I was hired as a permanent HSSE Officer, and I am so grateful. It was an opportunity to discover a company that I did not know a lot about. Since then, I have learnt so much. Thank you, DP World, for the opportunity you gave to me, and thank you for the support to help me succeed.”
In addition to DP World Dakar, the company’s Middle East and Africa Region People Department also has a strong focus on developing young talent across the region and has implemented Grow Programs with its local business units in other markets where it operates, such as Mozambique, Somaliland, Angola, and Egypt amongst others.
The program is a unique opportunity for fresh graduates, men, and women, who possess the passion for development and the potential to grow in fascinating and diverse different roles in DP World MEA Region. Applications are open to graduates up until the age of 25, who have studied in selected fields, such as Logistics, Port Management, Engineering, Finance, IT, Health, Safety and Environment, Business Management, Law and Human Resources and have a master’s degree. As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we also strongly encourage female applicants.
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DP World
Tel:+971 50 6287856
Hakam Kherallah,Int’l Media Relations Manager
DP World
Tel:+971 50 5522610
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About DP World
We are the leading provider of worldwide smart end-to-end supply chain logistics, enabling the flow of trade across the globe. Our comprehensive range of products and services covers every link of the integrated supply chain – from maritime and inland terminals to marine services and industrial parks as well as technology-driven customer solutions. We deliver these services through an interconnected global network of 128 business units in 60 countries across six continents, with a significant presence both in high-growth and mature markets. Wherever we operate, we integrate sustainability and responsible corporate citizenship into our activities, striving for a positive contribution to the economies and communities where we live and work. Our dedicated, diverse and professional team of more than 53,000 employees from 131 nationalities are committed to delivering unrivalled value to our customers and partners. We do this by focusing on mutually beneficial relationships – with governments, shippers, traders, and other stakeholders along the global supply chain – relationships built on a foundation of mutual trust and enduring partnership. We think ahead, anticipate change and deploy industry-leading digital technology to further broaden our vision to disrupt world trade and create the smartest, most efficient and innovative solutions, while ensuring a positive and sustainable impact on economies, societies and our planet.