We are seeking applications for two New Client Manager / Evaluators.
The IOAS is a mission driven non-profit organisation incorporated in North Dakota, USA with staff based in the USA, Argentina, Armenia, Brazil, Germany, Spain, Slovenia and the United Kingdom. We work in the field of assessment of bodies engaged in inspection and certification of organic and sustainable agriculture and related fields. Our work in oversight of conformity assessment assists in the development of various private and regulatory schemes by enhancing fairness for producers and building trust in ‘eco-labels’ by consumers.
We work with an increasing number of scheme owners (COSMOS, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, European Commission, Global GAP, GOTS, IFOAM, NATRUE, Textile Exchange) and the accreditation and assessment services we provide cover organic agriculture, sustainable agriculture, organic textiles, organic and natural cosmetics, recycled products, animal welfare claims, fair trade, social compliance and food safety.
The day-to-day work of the IOAS (including assessment visits) is performed by 13 staff with support from a number of contracted assessors and technical experts. For more information about our work, please visit www.ioas.org.
As a result of expanding workloads in 2018 the IOAS is appointing two additional full-time Client Managers to join the current team to assist in implementing conformity assessment activities in organic agriculture and related areas. For information on other IOAS vacancies please visit our Jobs page.
THE POSITION
The Client manager (CM) is appointed by the Executive Director and reports to the Programme Manager. The CM assists the Programme Manager in all aspects of the processing of applications for accreditation/assessment and is responsible for the administration of selected clients which may be active in a number of schemes.
Duties: The Client manager (CM) will have day to day responsibility for processing of applications for accreditation, including:
the conducting of document screening reports;
identification of non-compliances;
organisation of evaluation visits;
conducting on-site visits;
the assessment of the visit report;
monitoring of corrective actions taken by the certification bodies and the processing of the accreditation decision to the point of contract signing.
Additional duties in assisting in the functions of ongoing monitoring of compliance of accredited programmes will include:
the assessment of annual returns,
conducting annual surveillance visits,
the organising of re-evaluation visits.
The CM will be required to conduct some evaluation visits. Other travel obligations include periodic training sessions and occasional participation in trade shows. Travel commitment is estimated at around 70 days per year and any one period of travel is likely to be no more than 1-2 weeks.
The CM may also have the opportunity to assist in procedural and policy development or to undertake general developmental tasks.
REQUIREMENTS
The successful applicant is likely to have a degree level qualification in agriculture or food related topics or have experience in such industries in quality related roles. Specific experience in the organic and sustainability sector and in some aspect of conformity assessment (inspection, certification, accreditation) is necessary. Also desirable would be qualifications and/or experience in food safety, social compliance, aquaculture, textiles, cosmetics, good agricultural practice or ethical trade. IOAS is especially interested in candidates with qualification and/or experience in food safety and social compliance. A track record of working internationally in different cultural environments would be an asset. Due to its increased activity in North America, IOAS would especially welcome applicants from North America.
Applicants must be able to work on their own as well as part of a team and show good attention to detail. Fluency in English is essential and at least one other language highly desirable as is a willingness to travel extensively, sometimes off the beaten track. Unless the successful applicant wishes to work in our North Dakota office, they will be expected to work from their own office which will require good communication links and good internet speeds.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Successful applicants based in the USA will be hired as full employees with benefits. Persons from outside the USA will be self-employed under long term contract. Self-employed persons will be expected to provide their own office equipment although all consumables will be covered by expenses. The salary will be fixed in the home currency in line with experience taking into account the local salary rates and comparative cost of living with a figure equivalent to US$40,000 plus benefits (US based) or US$45,000 (non-US based) being used as a guide.
Anticipated starting date: September 2018.
If interested please submit a letter of application with a curriculum vitae to Susan Hepper at hepper@ioas.org at the latest by 20 July, 2018. If you want more information or wish to discuss the position in more detail you may send an email to the IOAS Assistant Executive Director Iris Rendon at Rendon@ioas.org.
