Standards Director

FLO International is the worldwide Standard Setting and Certification organization for Fair Trade. It permits nearly 1 million producers, workers and their dependents in 49 developing countries to benefit from labeled Fairtrade.
It is made up of two organizations:

FLO e.v. develops and reviews standards for fair-trade products and assists producers to get and maintain certification and to find buyers for their products.
FLO Certification Ltd. guarantees that products sold anywhere in the world with a Fairtrade-label conform to Fairtrade standards and contribute to the development of disadvantaged producers.

Function:

To bring a professional expertise to the standard setting function of FLO e.v., to ensure the effective and efficient management of the Unit and to contribute to an effective senior management team.

Core Responsibilities:

To ensure the setting of professional and auditable Fairtrade standards that can be readily understood by producers and effectively used by FLO Cert
To manage the Standards Unit
To be a part of the senior management team.
To attend and advise the Board and its' relevant sub-committees on standard setting matters.

Tasks:

Writing and supervising the writing of the Fairtrade standards.
Managing and/or commissioning the research required to write such standards.
Ensure liaison between all relevant actors in order to establish for which products standards should be written.
Ensuring the periodic review of all Fairtrade standards.
Managing the staff of the Unit.
Convening, servicing and advising the relevant groups, committees or sub-committees in FLO's governance and advisory structures.
Maintaining an understanding of what represent efficient and effective standards for all user groups.
Managing policy discussions and contributing to papers on relevant issues.
Attending the FLO Board.
Being a member of the FLO e.v. senior management team.
Undertaking such other tasks as are considered necessary by the General Director and are consistent with the level and responsibilities of this post.

Terms:
The job is full-time and is based in the FLO e.v. office in Bonn, Germany. The working language is English. The ISO 65 standard sets the context for this position.


Additional Qualifications:

Person specification:
Necessary:
A relevant qualification in standards setting
10 years experience in standards setting
10 years management experience
Fluent English

Advantageous:
Experience of work in the application of standards in an international context, preferably in the 'south'
Experience of work in International development, particularly small business development

How to Apply:

Please apply by e-mail only, in English, with motivation letter, salary indication and Curriculum Vitae.

Please note that only those selected for interviews will be contacted. First interviews planned mid November 2004.