Technical Specialist, RSPO

Company OverviewSince 1984, SCS Global Services has been a pioneer and leader in the field of sustainability standards and third-party certification, working across the economy in the natural resources, built environment, food and agriculture, consumer products, and climate sectors. Partnering with companies, government agencies, NGOs, and stakeholders, we are striving to advance sustainable development goals through independent assessment, the application of sound science, and innovative solutions. Through these services, we are enabling decision-makers and purchasers to make informed decisions, giving innovators a competitive edge, and helping to drive the development of leadership standards to create a framework for continuous improvement.Job OverviewThe Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is an international sustainability certification program for the palm oil sector. SCS is proud to be the first US-based certification body accredited to the RSPO Supply Chain Standard. The Technical Specialist, RSPO supports the technical team in conducting audits following RSPO standards, quality management systems, and completing technical reviews. This position is responsible for interpretation and implementation of standards, quality control of audits, prompt and professional customer service, and administrative and technical support to field auditors, clients, international affiliates, and colleagues. This position is travel heavy entailing field auditing for domestic or international RSPO clients.Relevant Standards/SchemesEUDRRSPO Certification Systems (2020)RSPO Supply Chain CertificationRules Market Communication & Claims (2022)Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesTechnical and Auditing ServicesConduct robust and detailed RSPO audits using applicable checklists, forms, and tools; perform witness and training audits, as neededPerform audits in a variety of industrial and office settings, at companies such as chemical manufacturers or distributors, bakeries, food production, personal care, home cleaning, cosmetic production, etc.Generate high-quality audit reports, ensuring accurate, detailed, and consistent descriptions of evidence and findingsIndependently or with teams, assess management practices of organizations related to the applicable RSPO standardsProficient in program and certification requirements, ensuring a pragmatic approach to a wide range of auditing circumstances while maintaining the integrity of the RSPO certification schemeSubmit complete, accurate, and properly formatted audit reports within established timelinesReview audit reports from auditors to provide oversight and quality controlMake decisions to grant, maintain, reduce, expand, suspend, or terminate certification based on evidence of conformance with requirementsMonitor status of client non-conformancesEnsure implementation of program procedures and documents and adhere to all quality and code of conduct standardsAudit Coordination and Client ManagementDevelop audit budgetsCoordinate the audit process including scheduling and confirming audit date with clients and stakeholdersPrepare and send client audit plan according to protocolsComplete pre-audit risk evaluationBook travel, hotel, and transportation according to company policy, and submit expense reportsCoordinate audit sessions with responsible auditorsEnsure that clients provide necessary data and informationProvide high level of customer service throughout the audit process; maintain positive client relationships and respond to all client inquiries and concerns in a timely mannerAccurately and consistently track client files and records in relevant folders and databases and ensure client records are maintained and saved in the appropriate locationCommunicate with clients and auditors on a daily basis (general inquiries, project scoping, audit scheduling, audit planning/preparation, report review, technical review calibration, certification decisions, certification issuance and trademark approvals, etc.)Program Quality and ComplianceAttend trainings to maintain qualification to conduct audits; maintain training recordsMaintain up to date knowledge of applicable RSPO standard requirementsPrepare clients for the audit process by sending required audit paperworkConduct technical review for applicable RSPO audit reportsWork with SCS' affiliates and subsidiaries in adherence with existing procedures and protocolsMinimum QualificationsBachelor's Degree in natural resources, sustainability, environmental studies, or a related field and3+ years of professional experience in the palm oil sector including palm oil mill, refinery, crusher, oleochemical producer, biodiesel, food manufacturing, home and personal care products, animal feed and/or cosmetic sector; this also includes experience in HCV and HCS assessment, social auditing, or involvement in human rights activitiesExperience with the third-party certification processDemonstrable understanding of the latest version of RSPO Certification SystemsRSPO Supply Chain Lead Auditor certification course or willingness to complete courses and training offered by SCSISO 9001 Lead Auditor course training or willingness to complete the ISO course offered by SCSAbility and willingness to travel for audits up to 50-75% of the yearFluency in English with experience that involves professional and technical verbal and written communicationStrong organization and prioritization skills with exceptional attention to detailProficient with business software including MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel) and the ability to learn, adapt, and utilize various internal and external database systemsStrong communication and customer service skillsInitiative, good judgment, and ability to work independently under pressure in a changing environmentPreferred QualificationsMaster's Degree in natural resources, sustainability, environmental studies, or a related fieldProfessional fluency in another language such as French, Spanish, Portuguese, etc.The above description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Additional duties outside of normal responsibilities may be required from time to time as assigned.Working RemotelySCS is recruiting all open roles to be remote; allowing our employees the ability to work flexibly and allowing SCS as a company to diversify the experience and perspectives of our growing workforce. This is a home-office based role and may include travel with local, domestic, and/or international trips. Details will be clarified during the recruitment process.Estimated Annual Salary$50,918.40 - $65,000EEOC Statement