Program Coordinator, Responsible Sourcing Strategies

Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), operating since 1984, is a nationally recognized neutral third-party certifier of environmental and food safety claims. SCS program areas include: Sustainable forestry, sustainable fisheries, sustainable flower production, sustainable agriculture, pesticide residue-free and organic food certification, food safety inspection and certification, environmental claims certification, electric power environmental performance certification, and more.  

Position Overview:

The position of Program Coordinator for Responsible Sourcing Strategies involves working directly with company specific responsible sourcing programs.  The Program Coordinator serves as the primary point of contact for all Responsible Sourcing Strategies inquiries.  Incoming communications will be reviewed and responded to by the Program Coordinator and/or forwarded to the Program Associate, Program Manager, and Regional Associate 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, conducting periodic report reviews in support of the Program Associate, Program Manager, and Regional Associate Auditors, and maintaining and updating client information and Responsible Sourcing Strategies' activities in the FileMaker Pro database.   

Responsibilities:

• Manage daily email and telephone communications in English and Spanish with auditing organizations based in Latin America, East Africa, Asia Pacific, clients and SCS program personnel and contractors;
• Plan audits and itineraries for the Program Manager and Regional Associate Auditors;
• Prepare expense reports for the Program Manager and Regional Associate Auditors and prepare invoices for clients;
• File and ensure control over all documents used for various programmatic activities;
• Manage data entry in the SCS FileMaker Pro data management system;
• Assist the Program Associate with writing program guidance updates, audit reports, and letters as needed;
• Assist the Program Associate with development, translation, and editing of program materials, reports, and report templates;
• Assist the Program Associate with development training programs and related materials for third-party auditing organizations;
• Research third-party initiatives and internal purchasing programs and prepare summary reports for the Program Associate and Program Manager;
• Provide ongoing support to Program Associate and Program Manager;
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Program Manager.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 1 year of work experience in relevant applied social and/or environmental fields, or other applicable work experience. Graduate degrees in relevant disciplines will be considered equivalent to applied work experience;
• Minimum undergraduate BA or BS degree in relevant discipline;
• Minimum strong proficiency or fluency in Spanish; working knowledge of French and other relevant languages ideal;
• 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;
• Strong understanding of CSR programs and reporting, third-party certification initiatives;
• Excellent technical writing and/or copy editing experience, detail oriented;
• Adept at handling complex and varied tasks;
• Understand the importance of customer service;
• Proven track record of completing projects in a timely manner.

Compensation: Compensation is based on qualifications and prior experience, with an anticipated starting salary in the range of $40k with opportunities for growth.  SCS offers a competitive benefits package including vacation, health, dental, profit sharing, annual performance bonuses and 401(k). The Program Coordinator is an entry to mid-level position at SCS.

To Apply:

Email as attachments resume plus cover letter explaining your interest in the position, salary expectations, and references to Nathan Smith and Nancy Ottenstein.  Applicants must clearly confirm in their cover letter that they possess required language skills, relevant work experience and education.