Technical Specialist, RSPO

SCS Global Services; United States; Remote; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Technical Specialist for RSPO certification audits. This role involves conducting thorough audits, ensuring compliance with sustainability standards, and providing exceptional client service. With a focus on the palm oil sector, the position requires travel and offers the opportunity to make a significant impact in sustainability efforts. Join a dynamic team dedicated to advancing sustainable practices and enjoy the flexibility of remote work while contributing to meaningful change in the industry.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in the palm oil sector with auditing experience.
• Understanding of RSPO Certification Systems and ISO standards.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed RSPO audits and generate high-quality reports.
• Coordinate audit processes and maintain positive client relationships.

Skills

RSPO Certification Systems

Auditing

Customer Service

Fluency in English

Fluency in Spanish

ISO 9001 Lead Auditor

Organization Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resources

Master's Degree in Sustainability

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Career Opportunities with SCS Global Services

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Company Overview
Since 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 Overview
The 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.

• EUDR
• RSPO Certification Systems (2020)
• RSPO Supply Chain Certification
• Rules Market Communication & Claims (2022)
• RSPO Principles and Criteria v 2018 and v 2024
• Independent Smallholder Standard and RSPO Supply Chain Certification

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Technical and Auditing Services

• Conduct robust and detailed RSPO audits using applicable checklists, forms, and tools; perform witness and training audits, as needed
• Perform 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 findings
• Independently or with teams, assess management practices of organizations related to the applicable RSPO standards
• Proficient in program and certification requirements, ensuring a pragmatic approach to a wide range of auditing circumstances while maintaining the integrity of the RSPO certification scheme
• Submit complete, accurate, and properly formatted audit reports within established timelines
• Review audit reports from auditors to provide oversight and quality control
• Make decisions to grant, maintain, reduce, expand, suspend, or terminate certification based on evidence of conformance with requirements
• Monitor status of client non-conformances
• Ensure implementation of program procedures and documents and adhere to all quality and code of conduct standards

Audit Coordination and Client Management

• Develop audit budgets
• Coordinate the audit process including scheduling and confirming audit date with clients and stakeholders
• Prepare and send client audit plan according to protocols
• Book travel, hotel, and transportation according to company policy, and submit expense reports
• Coordinate audit sessions with responsible auditors
• Ensure that clients provide necessary data and information
• Provide high level of customer service throughout the audit process; maintain positive client relationships and respond to all client inquiries and concerns in a timely manner
• Accurately and consistently track client files and records in relevant folders and databases and ensure client records are maintained and saved in the appropriate location
• Communicate 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 Compliance

• Attend trainings to maintain qualification to conduct audits; maintain training records
• Maintain up to date knowledge of applicable RSPO standard requirements
• Prepare clients for the audit process by sending required audit paperwork
• Conduct technical review for applicable RSPO audit reports
• Work with SCS’ affiliates and subsidiaries in adherence with existing procedures and protocols

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in natural resources, sustainability, environmental studies, or a related field and
• 3+ 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 activities
• Experience with the third-party certification process
• Demonstrable understanding of the latest version of RSPO Certification Systems
• RSPO Supply Chain Lead Auditor certification course or willingness to complete courses and training offered by SCS
• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor course training or willingness to complete the ISO course offered by SCS
• Ability and willingness to travel for audits up to 50-75% of the year
• Fluency in English and Spanish with experience that involves professional and technical verbal and written communication
• Strong organization and prioritization skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Proficient with business software including MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel) and the ability to learn, adapt, and utilize various internal and external database systems
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Initiative, good judgment, and ability to work independently under pressure in a changing environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in natural resources, sustainability, environmental studies, or a related field
• Professional fluency in another language such as French, 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 Remotely
SCS 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 Gross Monthly Salary
$2,000 - $2,200 USD

EEOC Statement
SCS 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 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.