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 Technical Associate for the Responsible Sourcing Strategies program in the Food & Agriculture Division works with multiple projects including client-specific responsible and sustainable sourcing programs, as well as other programs under development. The primary responsibilities of the Technical Associate relate to audit planning, report review, and providing guidance and training to auditors and SCS partners. This position collaborates with the Director, Manager, and other program personnel for the development and continued improvement of standards, program materials, and procedures for preexisting programs and programs in development. Further responsibilities may include research and development for new business opportunities and attendance at trade shows, conferences, and trainings. The Technical Associate reports to the Program Manager, works closely with auditors, and supports the Director.

Relevant Standards/Schemes

• Cooxupé
• Driscoll’s
• Fazer
• Ferrero
• Others, as determined

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Auditing

• Plan audits/verifications per internal guidelines and ensure that audits/verifications are planned and conducted as needed by the operations team
• Review audit/verification reports completed by staff auditors and regionally based auditors
• Observe field audits/verifications of agriculture production sites as required
• Conduct desk-based audits as required
• Prepare work orders and invoices for clients as requested

Communications

• Ensure communications between SCS auditors and clients are carried out in a timely fashion
• Lead client-facing communications with support of manager
• Attend trainings, trade shows, conferences, and meetings, as necessary

Technical Support

• Provide guidance and support to auditors and other partners in English, Portuguese, or Spanish via email and telephone with auditors and other third-party organizations
• Prepare written guidance updates and provide technical support to clients on an as needed basis
• Develop, translate, and edit program materials, reports, and report templates
• Develop and deliver training programs and related materials

Program Development

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

Operations

• 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.
• Additional tasks as requested by the Director and manager

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field (e.g., agriculture and/or international development related) and
• 3+ years of professional experience in a relevant profession, ideally involving agricultural or food systems
• Excellent technical writing, observation, and data management skills
• Strong communication abilities and demonstrated abilities in critical analysis
• Ability to complete time-sensitive projects and to provide realistic deadlines; time management skills
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail
• Initiative and ability to work independently; responsive and adaptive to a team environment
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Fluency in Spanish and/or Portuguese

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in a relevant discipline may be considered in lieu of professional experience
• Applied experience in tropical agriculture settings, and/or applied experience working with agriculture or horticulture production systems in the US
• Experience with auditing and audit planning, certification systems, ISO 9001:2008 quality systems, or other applicable industry standards
• Experience in quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis
• Experience in training development and/or delivery

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 Annual Salary
$51,000 - $65,000

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.