The Job
We seek a Standards and Assurance Manager to join our team in Azure, where the primary responsibility will involve overseeing the implementation of various standards and certification programs—including Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade, Cocoa Horizons, and Beyond Beans—throughout our supply chain in Nigeria.
Oversee and execute a diverse range of critical tasks and duties, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and operational standards. Provide leadership in managing key projects, initiatives, and processes while fostering collaboration across teams to drive efficiency and innovation. Responsible for monitoring performance metrics, identifying opportunities for improvement, and implementing strategic solutions to enhance productivity and outcomes. Engage in cross-functional planning, resource allocation, and decision-making to support sustainable growth and meet long-term objectives. Maintain compliance with industry regulations, company policies, and best practices to uphold accountability and operational integrity.
Certified in [relevant certification, e.g., PMP, CISSP, AWS Solutions Architect], with a minimum of [X] years of hands-on experience in [specific field or role]. Possesses strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic planning abilities, enabling effective decision-making in complex scenarios. Demonstrates proficiency in [specific tools, methodologies, or frameworks, e.g., Agile, Six Sigma, SAP]. Exhibits excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to collaborate across teams and stakeholders. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and best practices to ensure continuous professional development.
Ensure the acquisition of all certification documentation mandated by clients from our groups and partners.
Weekly, ensure the Certification Status overview is updated internally and promptly communicate any critical updates to both the Country Representative and the Global Supply Chain Manager.
Ensure you remain current with all certification standards and regulatory requirements to maintain full compliance throughout the supply chain.
Ensure that our supply chain operations fully align with and meet all specified requirements set forth by our clients.
To establish and maintain consistent processes, documentation, and training manuals, collaborate with the Global Supply Chain Manager to ensure full compliance with regulatory standards.
Lead the up-country team in Standard and Assurance to deliver successful and efficient execution of certification processes for RA, FT, and BB certificate holders.
Collaborate with the IMS team to create comprehensive work plans and reports, while also supporting their efforts to establish and implement industry-leading best practices for field staff.
Identify ongoing opportunities for collaboration and enhancement both within the S&A team and across the broader organizational team to drive collective efficiency and performance improvements.
Oversee the ongoing development and completion of all certification procedures within your team, ensuring each phase is executed efficiently and accurately.
Conduct comprehensive risk assessments for various groups, systematically evaluating potential hazards and their impact.
Collaborate with the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) and Information Management team to establish uniform data collection procedures and ensure consistency in processes.
Develop, implement, and expand proven strategies for digitizing standardized data collection processes, including Global Monitoring Reports (GMR) and internal surveys.
Gather all polygons in full to ensure complete coverage without any omissions.
Gather traceability data to ensure comprehensive documentation of product components and their relationships throughout the development lifecycle.
Demonstrate exceptional leadership and management capabilities by guiding teams toward achieving organizational objectives through strategic planning, effective delegation, and fostering a collaborative work environment. Oversee daily operations, mentor team members, and ensure alignment with company policies and performance standards. Develop and implement initiatives to enhance productivity, employee engagement, and professional growth while maintaining clear communication and accountability at all levels.
Developed and formalized all staff roles within the Statistics and Analysis (S&A) division, including IMS Officers, Documentation Officers, Field Officers, and Enumerators.
The S&A teams must be provided with clearly defined objectives, and their performance should be assessed throughout the year in alignment with their respective grade levels.
Ensure adherence to all applicable local laws and regulations, as well as compliance with established company policies.
Deliver strategic leadership and guidance to the S&A team in alignment with the Client and Program Targets and Objectives established by the organization, ensuring they receive the necessary resources and support to accomplish their goals, and facilitating collaboration with the Global Supply Chain Manager and Country Manager as required.
Foster a high-performing, engaged team capable of consistently delivering exceptional results, while providing members with structured training and growth opportunities to elevate their professional competencies and expertise.
Foster effective collaboration across all departments within the cooperative to strengthen teamwork and operational cohesion.
Ensure the ongoing safety of all staff members by supplying the necessary equipment and tools.
Oversee the preparation, monitoring, and reporting of financial budgets and forecasts, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and compliance with regulatory standards. Manage financial resources efficiently, tracking expenditures and identifying variances to implement corrective actions. Collaborate with department heads to develop and approve annual budgets, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial planning. Conduct regular financial reviews and performance analyses to support strategic decision-making and resource allocation. Maintain accurate financial records and ensure adherence to accounting principles and internal controls.
Develop the yearly financial plan for the upcoming agricultural cycle, ensuring alignment with seasonal crop requirements and production goals.
Oversee the Sales & Administrative budget with a keen focus on strategic resource allocation, guaranteeing that funds are deployed optimally to meet key objectives.
Secure the necessary authorization for all operational expenditures, procurement activities, and related processes.
Submit S&A Funds requests by the 15th day of each month at the latest.
Submit the S&A Expense Report within three business days following the close of each calendar month.
Enforce adherence to all applicable laws and organizational protocols, including measures for fraud prevention.
Oversee any supplementary duties as assigned, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and operational efficiency. Handle additional tasks beyond core responsibilities, maintaining attention to detail and adherence to established timelines. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address evolving project needs and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives. Support senior leadership in identifying opportunities for process enhancements and implementing strategic solutions. Perform other related duties as required to foster a productive and high-performing work environment.
A comprehensive investigation will be conducted into pesticide application practices and the handling of pesticide containers within the farmer cohorts participating in our certification programs.
Convene collaborative internal audits focused on UDR compliance and pesticide management in partnership with the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) team.
Conduct mapping initiatives in partnership with conventional UDR suppliers, working alongside the Monitoring & Evaluation team.
Our team is responsible for providing comprehensive training to conventional UDR suppliers on traceability systems and associated compliance measures. This role involves equipping suppliers with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively implement and maintain traceability protocols as required by UDR regulations.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field is required, along with a minimum of five years of professional experience in software development, preferably in a leadership role. Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++ is essential, along with experience with frameworks like Spring, Django, or .NET. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a team are also required. Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and DevOps practices is highly desirable. Excellent communication skills for both technical and non-technical stakeholders are necessary to convey complex ideas clearly.
A master’s degree in Agricultural Development, Environmental Science, or a closely aligned field is required.
With a minimum of five years dedicated to overseeing agricultural standards within the cocoa, coffee, or cashew sectors—ideally with a focus on cocoa—you will bring invaluable expertise to our team. Proficiency in the RA certification program or equivalent standardized frameworks is essential for success in this role.
Demonstrated proficiency in strategic planning and effective organizational management, ensuring efficient task execution and resource allocation.
Proficiency in verbal and written communication, along with strong interpersonal abilities, is essential.
Dedicated to fostering innovation and committed to the ongoing enhancement of our projects and operational procedures.
Ambitious and driven professional seeks a dynamic role to leverage their skills and drive meaningful contributions. Highly motivated candidate brings a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence in every task. Seeking an opportunity to grow alongside a forward-thinking organization while delivering measurable results.
A proactive individual with a versatile mindset, eager to tackle both routine assignments and high-level portfolio management responsibilities.
Proficient ability to communicate clearly and advocate persuasively, coupled with the capacity to represent the organization with professionalism during meetings and events.
A comprehensive grasp of the practical, local conditions prevailing in the Country of Operation or comparable environments is essential.
Proficiency in both English and French is highly advantageous.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 years
