The Job
We seek a Standards and Assurance Manager to be based in Azure, responsible for executing and overseeing activities tied to various standards and certification programs—including Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade, Cocoa Horizons, and Beyond Beans—within our Nigerian supply chain.
Overseeing and executing a diverse range of critical functions and duties, this role encompasses comprehensive responsibilities that drive operational success and organizational growth. Key activities involve meticulous planning, strategic implementation, and rigorous performance evaluation to ensure alignment with established objectives. The position demands adherence to industry best practices, regulatory compliance, and the ability to adapt to evolving business landscapes. Additionally, it requires fostering cross-functional collaboration, managing stakeholder relationships, and delivering measurable results through efficient resource utilization and innovative problem-solving.
Certification is required for this position, ensuring that the selected candidate meets industry standards and possesses the necessary qualifications. Applicants must hold a valid certification relevant to the role, demonstrating expertise and adherence to professional benchmarks. This credential validates the individual’s skills and commitment to maintaining high performance in the field.
Ensure the acquisition of all necessary certification documentation from our groups and partners as mandated by our clients.
On a weekly basis, maintain the internal Certification Status overview, ensuring timely distribution of critical updates to the Country Representative and Global Supply Chain Manager.
Maintain current knowledge of all certification standards and regulatory requirements to ensure full compliance throughout the supply chain.
Diligently verify that our supply chain operations strictly adhere to all specified requirements established by our clients.
Develop and standardize all necessary processes and documentation, including training manuals, to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, in collaboration with the Global Supply Chain Manager.
Lead the up-country Standard and Assurance team in delivering successful and efficient execution to achieve certification for RA, FT, and BB certificate holders.
Collaborate with the IMS team to create comprehensive work plans and reports while also contributing to the development of best practices for field staff.
Proactively identify synergies and enhancement opportunities, both within the Sales & Administration team and across the broader organizational team.
Oversee the ongoing status of every stage in the certification workflow for your team to ensure timely completion and adherence to established standards.
Conduct comprehensive risk evaluations for designated groups to identify potential hazards and assess their impact.
Collaborate effectively with the Monitoring & Evaluation and Information Management Team to establish uniform data collection methodologies and protocols.
To establish, test, and implement optimal methodologies for digitizing standardized data collection processes—such as the Global Monitoring Report (GMR) and internal surveys—we will develop scalable best practices tailored to organizational needs.
Gather all polygons comprehensively, ensuring no elements are omitted from the dataset.
Gather traceability information to ensure comprehensive documentation of product components and their relationships throughout the development lifecycle.
Leadership and management responsibilities encompass guiding, motivating, and overseeing teams to achieve organizational goals while fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment. This includes setting clear objectives, delegating tasks efficiently, and ensuring alignment with strategic priorities. Strong decision-making skills are essential to address challenges and drive progress. Additionally, fostering professional development, providing constructive feedback, and cultivating a positive workplace culture are critical for sustaining team engagement and productivity. Managing resources, optimizing workflows, and maintaining accountability at all levels further reinforce the role’s core functions.
Developed and established all roles within the Supply and Administration (S&A) team, including IMS Officers, Documentation Officers, Field Officers, and Enumerators.
The S&A teams must be furnished with clear and relevant objectives, and their performance should be evaluated throughout the year in accordance with their respective grade levels.
Guarantee adherence to all applicable local laws and regulations, in addition to company policy, at all times.
Provide strategic leadership and guidance to the S&A team, aligning their efforts with the established Client and Program Targets and Objectives. Ensure the team is equipped with the necessary resources and assistance to accomplish their goals while obtaining support from the Global Supply Chain Manager and Country Manager as needed.
Foster a cohesive, high-performing team capable of consistently delivering exceptional results while ensuring each member has access to tailored training and professional development initiatives to continuously expand their expertise and competencies.
Foster effective collaboration across all departments within the cooperative to enhance overall productivity and alignment.
To uphold the highest standards of staff safety, consistently provide the necessary equipment and tools.
Overseeing financial planning, budgeting, and fiscal management processes is a key responsibility of this role. This includes developing and monitoring budgets, analyzing financial performance, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements. Proficiency in financial software and strong analytical skills are essential, along with the ability to interpret financial data and provide strategic recommendations. Experience in budget forecasting and variance analysis is highly desirable.
Develop the yearly financial plan tailored to the crop production cycle, ensuring alignment with seasonal agricultural requirements and strategic objectives.
Oversee the S&A budget with meticulous attention, acting as a primary decision-maker to guarantee optimal allocation of resources, thereby driving the achievement of strategic objectives.
Secure the necessary approvals for operational expenditures, procurement activities, and other related tasks.
Submit requests for S&A Funds no later than the 15th calendar day of each month.
Please submit the S&A Expense Report within three business days following the end of each month.
Ensure strict adherence to all applicable laws and internal company policies, including measures to prevent fraud.
Oversee a range of supplementary duties essential to the role’s success, ensuring seamless integration with core functions. Handle ancillary tasks that bolster operational efficiency, including administrative coordination, documentation management, and adherence to established protocols. Collaborate across departments to address intermittent demands, maintaining alignment with organizational objectives and industry standards. Demonstrate adaptability in responding to evolving priorities while upholding accuracy and professionalism in all undertakings.
A comprehensive study will be conducted to assess pesticide usage patterns and the handling of pesticide containers within the certified farmer groups under our operational scope.
Perform internal audits focused on UDR and Pesticides compliance in coordination with the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) team.
Conduct mapping initiatives in partnership with conventional UDR suppliers, working alongside the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) team to ensure comprehensive data collection and compliance.
To enhance traceability and implement relevant controls, provide training to conventional UDR suppliers.
Seeking candidates with relevant qualifications and substantial professional experience to fulfill the position’s demands. Ideal applicants must demonstrate proficiency in key areas through either formal education, hands-on training, or a combination of both. Essential requirements include a minimum of [X] years in a related field, along with specialized skills or certifications pertinent to the role. Additionally, applicants should possess strong analytical abilities, effective communication skills, and a proven track record of achieving measurable outcomes in previous positions.
A master’s degree in fields such as Agricultural Development, Environmental Science, or closely related disciplines is required.
Seeking a minimum of five years of hands-on experience in overseeing agricultural standards within the cocoa, coffee, or cashew sectors, with a preferred focus on cocoa. Proficiency in managing Rainforest Alliance (RA) certification programs or comparable standards is essential.
Demonstrated proficiency in planning and organizational capabilities is essential, with a strong ability to manage tasks efficiently and coordinate resources effectively.
Effective communication and strong interpersonal abilities are essential for this role. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in conveying ideas clearly and collaborating successfully with colleagues and stakeholders across various levels. The ideal applicant will exhibit exceptional listening skills, adaptability in interactions, and the capacity to foster positive relationships in diverse professional settings.
Dedicated to driving innovation and fostering continuous improvement in our projects and processes, ensuring optimal outcomes and operational excellence.
A highly motivated and driven professional seeks to leverage their enthusiasm and dedication in a dynamic work environment.
A proactive individual with a versatile mindset, demonstrating a readiness to handle both routine assignments and large-scale portfolio management.
Demonstrates outstanding communication and advocacy abilities, adeptly representing the organization with professionalism in meetings and events.
Proficiency in comprehending the practical, ground-level conditions within the Country of Operation or comparable settings is essential.
Proficiency in both English and French is considered beneficial.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 years
