Freelance Assessor – Textiles
IOAS are seeking an Assessor with particular expertise in organic and sustainable textile schemes and related industries. The Assessor is responsible to ensure the delivery of all Accreditation Schemes with high integrity thorough and objective assessments, appropriateness of corrective actions, timeliness of work, and efficiency of the process.
Terms
1. This is a freelance contract opportunity, compensation is based on a daily rate and is commensurate with experience and relevant expertise.
2. Work is assigned based on qualification and competence of the individual to conduct document review, assessments, and/or serve as Technical Expert.
3. Assignments will be offered by IOAS on an as-needed basis. The consultant may reject assignments based on availability and/or ability to complete the work.
Assessor’s Obligations
1.Prepare thoroughly for the assessment work including the review of any documentation indicated by IOAS.
2.Collaborate with IOAS in making all arrangements for any on-site visits and being responsible for booking their own travel where applicable, including completing any country entry requirements.
3.Where travel, meetings or inspections for any assessment are combined with any other activities, this should be done in agreement with IOAS. Where such activities are agreed to, the travel costs will be apportioned accordingly.
4. Familiarise themselves with the report format prepared by the Client Manager and ensure that they have available all relevant and up to date normative documents and relevant documents of the CB and any relevant history of IOAS assessment.
5. At an initial meeting with CB staff explain the purpose and scope of the assessment including proposed timing and resources required.
6. Using the visit report format, either alone or with another assessor or technical expert, conduct an assessment of the CB according to the relevant norms and requirements maintaining an impartial perspective at all times.
7. Provide information and explanations to the CB but avoid the provision of solutions to noncompliances.
8. Collect and record objective evidence of compliance and noncompliance of the CB with the relevant norms.
9. Manage time carefully to ensure the visit schedule is implemented fully and all required questions are covered.
10. In an exit meeting present to the CB staff the findings from the assessment making clear that these findings are subject to review by IOAS office and ultimately the Accreditation Committee.
11. Observe the assessment procedures, rules and guidelines of IOAS as set down in the relevant policies and procedures.
12. Follow any specific instructions of IOAS with respect to the visit, including any direction on the number or nature of files to be reviewed and the number and type of operators to be visited.
13. Complete the appropriate IOAS visit questionnaire with respect to the compliance of the certification body with the relevant Norms and to document all circumstances that appear exceptional, unclear or that remain unsettled, in additional and detailed remarks.
14. Upon return from the assessment visit, provide the report to IOAS in English in the appropriate format within two weeks.
15. Make themselves available to respond to any questions arising from the review of the report by IOAS.
16. Commit not to undertake employment or contracted work for any subject organisation for at least 12 months after the visit is performed.
Requirements
Successful applicants will have at least 4 of the following:
– minimum 5 years’ experience in roles in the textiles and/or recycling industry;
– good technical knowledge of textile manufacturing processes such as ginning, spinning, wet and dry processing, dyeing and finishing;
– knowledge and experience with environmental and social aspects of the textile industry;
– experience with inspection, certification and audit technique. Lead Assessor Qualification is preferred;
– experience with implementing and/or maintaining and/or auditing a Quality Management System in a textiles manufacturing setting;
– familiarity with GOTS and Textile Exchange Certification Standards and requirements.
– specialist knowledge of assessment of chemical inputs for GOTS organic textiles.
Applicants must be able to work on their own as well as part of a team, show good attention to detail and maintain the highest level of integrity. Fluency in spoken English is essential with an ability to write clear, well-structured reports. Computer literacy is essential. At least one other language is highly desirable.
Application
Please visit our website to download the application form (FR0403), and submit the completed form, along with Curriculum Vitae, References, and copies of applicable certifications/qualifications to info@ioas.org with subject line ‘Assessor Recruitment’, Attn: Iris Rendon
Closing date
Open
