Senior Technical Specialist, Ivory Coast

Company Overview

SCS Global Services is 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 for over 40 years. As a Benefit Corporation, we are committed to socially and environmentally responsible business practices, and through the application of sound science, we are driving positive change.

Job Overview

The Senior Technical Specialist will work with multiple projects, including client-specific responsible and sustainable sourcing programs, as well as other programs under development covered under the SCS office in Ivory Coast. The position entails interpretation and implementation of standards, quality control of audits, prompt and professional customer service, and technical support to domestic and international field auditors, clients, and colleagues. The Senior Technical Specialist reports to the Technical Manager.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Communications

Manage daily email and telephone/Zoom/Microsoft Teams communications in English and French with auditors, clients and SCS staff
Communicate requirements clearly, effectively, and concisely
Support the development and distribution of the auditor training materials

Auditing and Technical Expertise

Conduct and perform robust and detailed audits for the applicable certification standards and others, as needed
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 applicable certification standards and others, as needed
Be proficient in program and certification requirements, ensuring a pragmatic approach to a wide range of auditing circumstances while maintaining the integrity of the applicable certification schemes and others, as needed
Review audit reports to provide oversight and quality control
Make decisions to grant, maintain, reduce, expand, suspend, or terminate certification based on evidence of conformance with requirements
Support ongoing training and evaluation of performance for auditors
Consider and implement changes affecting certification (either client or scheme initiated)
Monitor status of clients’ non-conformances
Ensure implementation of program procedures and documents
Perform witness and internal audits where necessary

Client Management

Coordinate the audit process with clients and stakeholders
Ensure that clients provide necessary data and information
Provide high level of customer service throughout the audit process
Work with clients throughout the year on certification related questions and concerns
Accurately and consistently track client files and records in relevant folders and databases
Additional tasks as requested by the Country / Program / Technical Manager and Program Director

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in a related field (Environmental Science, Sustainability, Agricultural or Food Systems, etc.) and
5+ years of professional experience in the sustainability, environmental, auditing, or certification sector and
ISO 9001, ISO 19011 training certificate, or ISO training equivalent certificate
Excellent technical writing, observation, and data management skills
Ability to complete time-sensitive projects and to provide realistic deadlines
Excellent organizational and time management skills with strong attention to detail
Strong communication abilities and emotional intelligence
Professional working experience with verbal and written fluency in French and English
Experience with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
Initiative and ability to work independently and use professional judgement; responsive and adaptive

Preferred Qualifications

Master's Degree in Agronomy, Natural Resources, Sustainability, Environmental Studies, or a related field and
3+ years of professional experience with third-party auditing, certification systems, agricultural operations, ISO 9001:2015 quality systems, or other applicable industry standards and/or knowledge
Demonstrated abilities in critical analysis

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.

Work Environment

Primarily in office work 5 days per week with trips to client sites to conduct audits and meetings as needed

Estimated Annual Net Salary

8,100,000 to 8,750,000 XOF

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.