Technical Specialist, Rspo

**Company Overview**

**Job Overview**
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is an international sustainability certification program for the palm oil sector. SCS is proud to be the first US-based certification body accredited to the RSPO Supply Chain Standard. The Technical Specialist, RSPO supports the technical team in conducting audits following RSPO standards, quality management systems, and completing technical reviews. This position is responsible for interpretation and implementation of standards, quality control of audits, prompt and professional customer service, and administrative and technical support to field auditors, clients, international affiliates, and colleagues. This position is travel heavy entailing field auditing for domestic or international RSPO clients.

**Relevant Standards/Schemes**
- EUDR
- RSPO Certification Systems (2020)
- RSPO Supply Chain Certification
- Rules Market Communication & Claims (2022)
- RSPO Principles and Criteria v 2018 and v 2024
- Independent Smallholder Standard and RSPO Supply Chain Certification

**Essential Duties and Responsibilities**

Technical and Auditing Services
- Conduct robust and detailed RSPO audits using applicable checklists, forms, and tools; perform witness and training audits, as needed
- Perform audits in a variety of industrial and office settings, at companies such as chemical manufacturers or distributors, bakeries, food production, personal care, home cleaning, cosmetic production, etc.
- Generate high-quality audit reports, ensuring accurate, detailed, and consistent descriptions of evidence and findings
- Independently or with teams, assess management practices of organizations related to the applicable RSPO standards
- Proficient in program and certification requirements, ensuring a pragmatic approach to a wide range of auditing circumstances while maintaining the integrity of the RSPO certification scheme
- Submit complete, accurate, and properly formatted audit reports within established timelines
- Review audit reports from auditors to provide oversight and quality control
- Make decisions to grant, maintain, reduce, expand, suspend, or terminate certification based on evidence of conformance with requirements
- Monitor status of client non-conformances
- Ensure implementation of program procedures and documents and adhere to all quality and code of conduct standards

Audit Coordination and Client Management
- Develop audit budgets
- Coordinate the audit process including scheduling and confirming audit date with clients and stakeholders
- Prepare and send client audit plan according to protocols
- Complete pre-audit risk evaluation
- Book travel, hotel, and transportation according to company policy, and submit expense reports
- Coordinate audit sessions with responsible auditors
- Ensure that clients provide necessary data and information
- Provide high level of customer service throughout the audit process; maintain positive client relationships and respond to all client inquiries and concerns in a timely manner
- Accurately and consistently track client files and records in relevant folders and databases and ensure client records are maintained and saved in the appropriate location
- Communicate with clients and auditors on a daily basis (general inquiries, project scoping, audit scheduling, audit planning/preparation, report review, technical review calibration, certification decisions, certification issuance and trademark approvals, etc.)

Program Quality and Compliance
- Attend trainings to maintain qualification to conduct audits; maintain training records
- Maintain up to date knowledge of applicable RSPO standard requirements
- Prepare clients for the audit process by sending required audit paperwork
- Conduct technical review for applicable RSPO audit reports
- Work with SCS’ affiliates and subsidiaries in adherence with existing procedures and protocols

**Minimum Qualifications**
- Bachelor's Degree in natural resources, sustainability, environmental studies, or a related field **and**:

- 3+ years of professional experience in the palm oil sector including palm oil mill, refinery, crusher, oleochemical producer, biodiesel, food manufacturing, home and personal care products, animal feed and/or cosmetic sector; this also includes experience in HCV and HCS assessment, social auditing, or involvement in human rights activities
- Experience with the third-party certification process
- Demonstrable understanding of the latest version of RSPO Certification Systems
- RSPO Supply Chain Lead Auditor certification course or willingness to complete courses and training offered by SCS
- ISO 9001 Lead Auditor course training or willingness to complete the ISO course offered by SCS
- Ability and willingness to travel for audits up to 50-75% of the year
- Fluency in English and Spanish with experience that involves professional and technical verbal and written communication
- Strong organization and prioritization skills