Program Associate, 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 Program Associate for Food and Agriculture Sustainability Services works directly with client-specific responsible sourcing programs, Fair Labor certification, and other programs under development.  The Program Associate manages the on-line reporting system and is responsible for supporting the Program Director in developing guidance documents/updates and program materials, including updates to relevant standards. 

The Program Associate will also help administer the approval and review procedure for third-party organizations wishing to conduct audits against criteria for responsible sourcing programs.     

Additionally, the Program Associate collaborates with the Program Director and other program personnel to develop new or review preexisting responsible sourcing programs for new and current clients.  This work includes ongoing improvement of the Fair Labor Practices certification program and review of similar certification programs.  Further responsibilities may include research and development for new business opportunities and attendance at trade shows, conferences, and other meetings. 

Responsibilities:

• Provide support and manage client-specific web-based reporting system and SCS's proprietary web-based reporting system for third-party reporting.
• Provide guidance and support in English, Spanish and French email and telephone conversations with other third-party auditing organizations and SCS auditors.
• Conduct review and oversight of audit reports completed by Program Director and regional Lead Auditors.
• Prepare written guidance updates, letters, and audit reports for distribution to third-party auditing organizations and clients.
• Develop, translate, and edit program materials, reports, and report templates.
• Develop and deliver training programs and related materials for third-party auditing organizations.
• Conduct desk audits of submitted applications and follow-up interviews for third-party organizations seeking approved status for conducting audits against responsible sourcing criteria.
• Ensure communications between SCS, third-party auditing organizations, and other clients are carried out in a timely fashion.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to develop responsible sourcing programs and CSR strategies for new and prospective clients.
• Carry out outreach and marketing to recruit new clients and for development of new business areas.

Qualifications:

• Minimum undergraduate BA or BS degree in relevant discipline; graduate degrees in relevant disciplines preferred for this position.
• Minimum 2 years professional experience in relevant applied social and/or environmental fields; graduate degrees in relevant disciplines may be considered equivalent to applied work experience.
• Minimum strong proficiency or fluency in French and/or Spanish; working knowledge of other languages as applicable.
• Overseas work or study experience, applied experience in the coffee and cocoa industry, and/or applied experience working with agricultural or manufacturing production systems ideal.
• Exceptional organizational, writing, presentation and verbal communication skills are required.
• Initiative and ability to work independently; responsive and adaptive personality.
• Excellent computer skills are essential: 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 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.

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.