The Job
We seek a Standards and Assurance Manager to be based in Azure, responsible for executing and overseeing initiatives tied to key standards and certification programs—including Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade, Cocoa Horizons, and Beyond Beans—within our Nigerian supply chain.
Oversee and execute a range of critical tasks and duties, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and operational standards. Develop and implement strategic initiatives to enhance productivity, efficiency, and overall performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to coordinate efforts, share insights, and drive project milestones forward. Monitor progress through regular assessments, providing data-driven recommendations to optimize workflows and resource allocation. Maintain compliance with industry regulations, company policies, and quality benchmarks while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Serve as a key liaison between departments, stakeholders, and leadership to facilitate seamless communication and decision-making.
Must possess a valid certification in the relevant field, such as PMP, CAP, ITIL, or CSM, demonstrating proven expertise and adherence to industry standards.
Verify that all necessary certification documents requested by clients are secured from our teams and associated partners.
Each week, refresh the internal Certification Status overview, and promptly communicate significant updates to the Country Representative and the Global Supply Chain Manager.
Maintain current knowledge of all certification standards and regulatory requirements to ensure full compliance throughout the supply chain.
Guarantee that our supply chain operations fully adhere to the specifications mandated by our clients.
Develop and standardize all necessary processes, documentation, and training manuals to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, in collaboration with the Global Supply Chain Manager.
Under your leadership, the Standard and Assurance up-country team will be driven to achieve successful and efficient execution in obtaining RA, FT, and BB certificate holder certifications.
Collaborate with your IMS team to design comprehensive work plans and reports, while also contributing to the establishment of industry-leading best practices for field staff.
Proactively identify and pursue synergies and enhancement opportunities both within the Sales & Administration team and across the broader organizational network.
Oversee the entire certification process workflow for your team, ensuring each step is completed efficiently and accurately.
Conduct comprehensive risk evaluations for each designated group, analyzing potential hazards and evaluating the likelihood and impact of identified risks to ensure proactive mitigation strategies are implemented.
Collaborate effectively with the M&E and Information Management Team to establish consistent data collection methodologies, ensuring alignment with organizational standards and best practices.
Develop, implement, and expand innovative strategies for digitizing standardized data collection processes, including Global Management Reports and internal surveys, to enhance efficiency and accuracy across the organization.
Gather every polygon in its entirety, ensuring complete coverage without omission.
Gather traceability data to ensure comprehensive documentation of product and process relationships throughout the development lifecycle. This role involves systematically capturing and maintaining accurate information to support compliance, auditing, and quality assurance initiatives. You will be responsible for documenting connections between requirements, design specifications, and test cases while verifying that all elements align with established standards and regulatory requirements. Strong attention to detail and proficiency in data management tools are essential to fulfill this function effectively.
Demonstrates strong leadership and management capabilities to guide teams effectively, fostering collaboration and driving organizational success through strategic decision-making and resource allocation. Responsible for setting clear goals, monitoring performance, and ensuring alignment with company objectives while mentoring and developing team members to enhance productivity and professional growth. Requires prior experience in supervisory roles, exceptional interpersonal skills, and the ability to inspire and motivate others toward achieving collective goals.
The S&A team structure was established and clearly delineated, encompassing roles such as IMS Officers, Documentation Officers, Field Officers, and Enumerators.
The S&A teams should be assigned suitable objectives, and their performance should be assessed throughout the year in alignment with their respective grades.
Ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations locally as well as with company policy
Offer strategic leadership and guidance to the S&A team, aligning their efforts with the client and program targets and objectives established by the organization. Ensure they have access to the necessary resources and assistance to meet their goals, and secure support from the Global Supply Chain Manager and Country Manager whenever needed.
Construct a cohesive, driven team capable of producing superior outputs while providing members with essential training and development to expand their competencies and expertise.
Foster effective collaboration across all departments within the cooperative to enhance synergy and alignment.
Regularly equip staff with the necessary safety gear and tools to maintain a secure work environment.
Finance and Budget Management: Oversight of financial planning, allocation of resources, and adherence to budgetary constraints to ensure fiscal responsibility and alignment with organizational objectives.
Develop the yearly financial plan for the upcoming agricultural cycle, ensuring all fiscal allocations align with operational goals and resource availability.
Oversee the S&A budget with diligence, meticulously allocating resources to maximize efficiency and drive desired outcomes.
Obtain necessary authorization for operational expenditures, acquisition of materials, and related tasks.
Submit your request for S&A Funds no later than the 15th day of each month.
Please submit the S&A Expense Report no later than three business days following the close of each month.
Ensure strict adherence to all applicable laws and company policies, including measures for fraud prevention.
Conducts supplementary duties as assigned, which may include supporting cross-functional initiatives, assisting with special projects, or undertaking additional tasks to enhance operational efficiency. These responsibilities are subject to change based on evolving business needs and may require collaboration with other departments to ensure seamless execution. Proficiency in managing multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail is expected, and adaptability to shifting demands is crucial for success in this role.
A comprehensive study will be conducted on pesticide application practices and the handling of pesticide packaging within the farming communities where our certification initiatives are implemented.
Perform internal audits for UDR and Pesticides compliance in coordination with the Monitoring & Evaluation team.
Conduct mapping initiatives alongside conventional UDR suppliers in coordination with the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) team.
Facilitate training sessions for conventional UDR suppliers to enhance their understanding of traceability principles and associated controls.
Seeking a candidate with a minimum of three years of relevant experience, preferably in a similar role. Proficiency in industry-specific software and tools is required, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication and teamwork abilities are essential for collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams. A bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred, though equivalent experience may be considered. The ideal applicant will demonstrate adaptability, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to meeting deadlines.
Holders of a master’s degree in Agricultural Development, Environmental Science, or closely aligned fields are invited to apply.
Seeking candidates with a minimum of five years of expertise in overseeing agricultural standards, particularly within cocoa, coffee, or cashew production, with a preferred focus on cocoa. Proficiency in RA certification programs or equivalent standards is essential.
Demonstrated proficiency in planning and organization is essential for this role.
Skilled in fostering clear and effective communication, along with the ability to collaborate seamlessly with diverse teams and stakeholders. Demonstrated proficiency in building strong interpersonal relationships and navigating professional interactions with confidence and diplomacy.
Driven by innovation, we seek to continually enhance our projects and procedures with relentless dedication.
We are seeking a highly motivated and driven professional to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will possess a strong dedication to their work and a clear ambition to achieve both personal and organizational growth.
A proactive individual with a versatile mindset, eager to handle both routine responsibilities and oversee substantial portfolios.
Proficient in communication and advocacy, with a strong aptitude for representing the organization confidently and compellingly in meetings and events.
Demonstrates a comprehensive grasp of the practical, on-the-ground conditions prevalent in the Country of Operation or comparable environments.
Proficiency in both English and French is highly desirable.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 years
