Technical Specialist I, SPO

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Conduct both onsite and remote certification audits in compliance with RSPO standards, certification requirements, and relevant ISO auditing guidelines.

• Complete assigned audits within set timelines, verification requirements, and program procedures.

• Execute technical assessments, data validation, document reviews, and risk evaluations.

• Assist in the development of audit plans, risk assessments, and verification strategies.

• Prepare precise audit reports that include technical findings and supporting evidence.

• Document, communicate, and resolve audit findings, which encompass corrective action requests and follow-up activities.

• Engage in witness audits and calibration activities.

• Conduct technical research and interpret relevant standards.

• Deliver certification services that adhere to quality, accreditation, and certification scheme requirements.

• Participate in both internal and external accreditation audits and assist with corrective actions.

• Maintain records of competency, training logs, calibration activities, and technical qualifications.

• Stay updated on RSPO standards, EUDR requirements, certification updates, and industry best practices.

• Support the SCS Quality Management System and documentation standards.

• Assist in technical reviews of audit reports and certification documentation.

• Aid in the development and improvement of program templates, guidance documents, and quality management tools.

• Take part in technical training, calibration exercises, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Communicate effectively with clients, auditors, international affiliates, and internal stakeholders.

• Offer clients guidance regarding certification requirements, audit expectations, and documentation.

• Assist in audit planning, client preparation, and project coordination.

• Respond to routine technical and certification inquiries and escalate complex issues as necessary.

• Foster collaborative relationships to enhance service delivery and ensure timely project completion.

• Maintain professionalism and provide excellent customer service throughout certification processes.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in natural resources, sustainability, environmental studies, or a related field.

• Over 3 years of experience in professional auditing or quality assurance within a manufacturing environment.

• Familiarity with the third-party certification process.

• Professional experience in the palm oil sector, including palm oil mills, refineries, crushers, oleochemical production, biodiesel, food manufacturing, home and personal care products, animal feed, and/or cosmetics.

• Experience in HCV and HCS assessment, social auditing, or participation in human rights initiatives.

• Proven understanding of the latest version of RSPO Certification Systems.

• RSPO Supply Chain Lead Auditor certification course or willingness to undertake courses and training provided by SCS.

• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor course training or readiness to complete the ISO course offered by SCS.

• Willingness and ability to travel for audits up to 50-75% of the year.

• Proficient in English with professional and technical verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong organizational and prioritization abilities with exceptional attention to detail.

• Competent in using MS Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.

• Capability to learn, adapt, and utilize various internal and external database systems.

• Strong communication and customer service skills.

• Initiative, sound judgment, and ability to work independently under pressure in a dynamic environment.

• Preferred: Master's Degree in natural resources, sustainability, environmental studies, or a related field.

• Preferred: Professional fluency in an additional language such as French, Spanish, or Portuguese.

🏝️ Benefits

• Remote, home-office based position.

• Flexible work arrangements available.

• Opportunities for travel, including local, domestic, and international trips.

• Professional training and development, including RSPO Supply Chain Lead Auditor and ISO 9001 Lead Auditor courses provided by SCS.

• Equal employment opportunities offered.