Program Coordinator, Food and Agriculture Sustainability Services

Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) is a reputable third-party certification and assessment body headquartered in Emeryville, California, USA. SCS is committed to providing third-party environmental, sustainability and food quality certification, auditing, testing and standards development.

SCS' programs and services recognize the outstanding achievements of companies, institutions and organizations which are meeting the highest levels of performance in environmental protection, social responsibility, product safety and quality and stimulate continuous improvement on the path toward sustainability. In this undertaking, we employ a life-cycle framework, state-of-the-art science, proven analytical methods and performance metrics and professional expertise. To find out more about SCS, please visit us.

Position Overview: 

The position of Program Coordinator for Sustainability Services involves working directly with client-specific responsible sourcing programs, the Fair Labor Practices certification program, and other programs under development.  

The primary responsibility of the Program Coordinator is managing incoming and outgoing communications for Sustainability Services.  The Program Coordinator is responsible for ensuring appropriate filing and archiving of incoming email attachments and communications according to internal protocol.  Incoming communications will be reviewed and responded to by the Program Coordinator and/or forwarded to the Program Associate(s), Director, and Regional Auditors for follow-up depending on the nature of the inquiry. 

In addition to responsibilities associated with communications, the Program Coordinator is responsible for preparing expense reports and invoices, audit scheduling, trip planning, conducting periodic report reviews and document updates, and the administration of the application process for certification programs.  Documentation of all the aforementioned activities occurs on an ongoing basis in SCS's database which tracks programmatic activities.  

Responsibilities:

• Manage daily email and telephone communications in English and Spanish with: third-party auditing organizations based in Latin America, East Africa, Asia Pacific; Clients in the United States and elsewhere; SCS program personnel and contractors.
• Plan audits and trip itineraries for Sustainability Services staff and Regional Auditors.
• Review all expense reports for Sustainability Services staff and Regional Auditors.
• Review all expense reports for Sustainability Services staff and Regional Auditors.
• Ongoing maintenance of all new, existing and archived program files in accordance with SCS's internal system.
• Assist Sustainability Services staff with writing program guidance updates, audit reports, and letters as needed.
• Assist Sustainability Services staff with development, translation, and editing of program materials, reports, and report templates.
• Assist Sustainability Services staff with development of training programs and related materials for third-party auditing organizations.
• Research third-party initiatives and internal purchasing programs and prepare summary reports in support of Sustainability Services staff.

Qualifications:

• Minimum undergraduate BA or BS degree in relevant discipline.
• Minimum of 1 year of professional experience in relevant applied social and/or environmental fields, or other applicable work experience.  Graduate degrees in relevant disciplines may be considered equivalent to applied work experience.
• Minimum strong proficiency or fluency in Spanish and/or French.
• Overseas work or study experience, applied experience in the cocoa and coffee industry, and/or applied experience working with agricultural or manufacturing production systems ideal.
• Strong organizational, writing, presentation and verbal communication skills are required.
• Initiative and ability to work independently; responsive and adaptive personality.
• Excellent computer skills:  fluency in Word, Excel, Visio, Outlook, FileMaker Pro required, with proficiency in other programs and database management systems preferred.
• Basic understanding of CSR programs and third-party certification initiatives.
• Excellent technical writing and/or copy editing skills; detail oriented personality.
• Ability to handle complex and varied tasks, while working independently.
• Ability to complete time-sensitive projects and to provide realistic deadlines.

Compensation: Compensation  DOE. SCS offers a competitive benefits package including vacation, health, dental, profit sharing, performance bonuses, and 401(k).

To Apply: 

Please submit a resume and cover letter, including salary requirements, a description of how your skills and experience fit the needs and mission of our company on our on-line form.

SCS is an equal opportunity employer and as such, considers individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. We value diversity and are a company that values employees of many backgrounds. Accordingly, SCS does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions) national origin, ancestry, age, medical condition, physical disability, mental disability, family care status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by law. Further, SCS prohibits the harassment of any individual on any of the bases listed above.  This policy applies to all areas of employment, including recruitment, hiring, job assignment, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.