Associate

Summary

The position of Associate in the Food and Agriculture division involves working directly on sustainability certification program compliance in the food and agriculture industry. The primary responsibilities of the Associate relate to desk auditing, report review, and providing guidance and training to auditors. The Associate is also responsible for working collaboratively on audit project coordination, development and continued improvement of standards, program materials and procedures for preexisting programs and programs in development.

Additionally, the Associate collaborates with the Program Manager and other program personnel to support development of new certification and/or auditing programs. Further responsibilities may include project management and attendance at trade shows, conferences and trainings.

Relevant Services/Schemes

• Fair Trade USA – Agricultural Production
• Equitable Food Initiative (EFI)
• Ethical Trading Initiative (SMETA/ETI)
• UTZ
• Other programs as needed

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Auditing

• Conduct technical and quality review of audit reports completed by staff auditors and regionally-based auditors
• Conduct post-audit review of corrective action plans
• Provide technical recommendations to Manager on client-related compliance matters
• Conduct field audits of agricultural production and facility sites as required
• Assess and confirm certification scope for SCS clients

Technical Support

• Provide technical guidance and audit support to auditors and other SCS clients and partners in English and Spanish
• Prepare written guidance updates for SCS auditors and assist Manager in auditor performance management
• Develop, translate, and edit program materials for use by clients, internal staff, and auditors
• Develop and deliver sustainability certification training programs and related materials for auditors and staff

Audit Project Coordination

• Manage auditor schedules, workloads and travel budgets
• Plan audits and trip itineraries for Sustainability staff and regional auditors
• Support team to ensure consistent flow of annual audit projects
• Assess and review audit scope and quotes
• Prepare audit plans and related audit documents and forms
• Track and manage audit project milestones and deadlines
• Prepare work orders and invoices for clients
• Carry out travel booking and logistical arrangements, as needed
• Review expense reports for Sustainability staff and regional auditors

• • Ensure communications between SCS auditors, other third-party auditing organizations, and clients are carried out in a timely fashion
  • Drive forth internal team communications related to client and compliance matters
  • Attend trainings, trade shows, conferences, and meetings, as necessary

• Carry out research in support of new program development
• Develop program materials and procedures related to preexisting programs or programs under development

• Assist Director and Manager with managing contract auditors and staff auditors, if applicable
• Ensure program compliance with SCS quality system
• Support and, if needed, represent the program for internal SCS initiatives, such as ISO accreditation, etc.

Qualifications

• Fluency in English; high level proficiency or fluency in Spanish
• Excellent technical writing, observation and data management skills required; strong communication abilities and demonstrated abilities in critical analysis preferred
• Ability to complete time-sensitive projects and to provide realistic deadlines
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail required
• Initiative and ability to work independently; responsive and adaptive personality
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point

Education and Experience

• Bachelors’ Degree in a related field (e.g. agronomy ,crop science, resource management), graduate degree preferred
• 3-5 years’ experience in relevant profession, ideally involving agricultural or food systems; graduate degree in relevant disciplines may be considered in lieu of professional experience
• Proficiency in Vizio, FileMaker Pro, Outlook, and database management systems preferred
• Experience with third party auditing, certification systems, ISO 9001:2008 quality systems, or other applicable industry standards

Physical Requirements

• This is an office based job. Sit 6+ hours per day. Keyboarding 6+ hours per day. Must be able to speak and listen in person and on the phone

Work Environment

• This is an office based job majority of time.
• Agricultural field and food facilities during audits, and auditor assessment activities

EEOC Statement:

SCS Global Services provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. SCS Global Services complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training