Director, Accreditation Agency

ABOUT SAI:

Social Accountability International (SAI)facilitates the development of Social Accountability (SA) standards and delivers capacity building for organizations working towards implementation of such standards. The first and best known is SA8000, an international workplace standard.Facilities in 50 countries and 57 industrial sectors are certified to SA8000.Our accreditation system for third-party verification of compliance with SA standards must operate in compliance with ISO 17011 and ISEAL guidance for the operation of accreditation agencies. The accreditation system also accredits audit bodies for verification of the Interaction standard for the effectiveness, efficiency and governance of Interaction member development agencies.

SA8000 is based on international labor and human rights conventions and agreements and an ISO style management system. Implementation of the SA8000 standard builds Human Resources capacity through training of managers, workers, and auditors. For international companies, SAI helps convene multi-stakeholder programs under the aegis of governmental development programs in Asia, Europe, and Central America.

SAI is separating out accreditation functions from the organization's other services, which include standard setting, oversight of supply chain management program, and training.We seek an experienced senior manager to participate in the process and manage the Accreditation Agency compliant with ISO 17011 and ISEAL Guidance..

Responsibilitiesinclude:

• Consistently, reliably, compliantly manage the accreditation services of the organization,
• Oversee the current 13 accredited bodies, including surveillance worldwide
• Ascertain whether or not applicants (currently 5 pending) are qualified,
• Complete development and implementation of procedures for separation of Accreditation Agency,
• Attract additional applicants,
• Supervise accreditation auditors and schedule audits,
• Manage the budget and cash flow of the accreditation agency,
• Manage complaint system re accredited certification bodies and the accreditation body itself,
• Report to the public on accreditation activities and outcomes
• Specify training requirements and curricula appropriate for auditor training and continuing education courses.
• Coordinate with SAI to convene calibration meetings and to provide expertise as needed for development and regular updating of Guidance documents and other ongoing training.
• Convene and staff Accreditation Review Panels
• Provide staff assistance to Advisory Board Accreditation Committee

Experience:

• Five or more years success in providing accreditation (&/or certification) services, of which at least three in management & oversight and at least two in quality, social, &/or environmental auditing.
• Strong web and database skills.
• Highly organized work style, with team building approach.
• Proven commitment to improving work conditions and assuring freedom of association through workplace standards/systems.
• International experience, ideally in both industrialized and developing countries.

Education:

BA and ISO 9000 or ISO 14000 auditor training & experience required. SA8000 or other ISEAL member organization training preferred. Relevant graduate degree desired.

Position starts October 1st.

Please email or fax resume and cover letter.No calls, please.