The Job
We seek a Standards and Assurance Manager to be based in Azure, tasked with driving the adoption and execution of key standards and certification initiatives—including Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade, Cocoa Horizons, and Beyond Beans standards—within our Nigerian supply chain.
Oversee and execute a range of critical duties and strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and operational standards. This encompasses leading project teams, coordinating cross-functional efforts, and maintaining high performance through diligent monitoring and evaluation of progress. Responsibilities include developing and implementing policies, managing stakeholder relationships, and fostering a collaborative environment to drive innovation and efficiency. Additionally, the role demands adherence to compliance requirements, timely reporting, and proactive problem-solving to mitigate risks and optimize outcomes.
Certification is a mandatory requirement for this role, necessitating an active and valid credential relevant to the position. Candidates must possess the required certification(s) at the time of application or be able to obtain them within a specified timeframe. Additionally, maintaining compliance with continuing education or renewal standards is essential to uphold certification validity throughout employment.
Ensure the acquisition of all certification documentation mandated by clients from our groups and partners.
Updated the internal Certification Status overview weekly, promptly sharing critical updates with both the Country Representative and the Global Supply Chain Manager.
Remain current with all certification standards and regulatory requirements to ensure full compliance throughout the supply chain.
Guarantee that our supply chain operations adhere strictly to the specifications established by our clients, maintaining full compliance at every stage of the process.
Develop and implement all required processes and documentation, including training manuals, to ensure compliance with regulatory standards in coordination with the Global Supply Chain Manager.
Drive the up-country Standard and Assurance team to deliver successful and efficient execution, ensuring the attainment of RA, FT, and BB certificate holder certifications.
Collaborate with the IMS team to create work plans and reports, while also supporting their efforts to establish optimal practices for field staff.
Proactively identify opportunities for collaboration and efficiency gains both within the Sales & Administration team and across the organization to drive continuous improvement and maximize collective performance.
Oversee the continuous advancement of each phase within your team’s certification procedures.
Perform comprehensive risk evaluations for assigned groups, identifying potential hazards and assessing their impact on operations. Analyze existing safety protocols to determine areas of vulnerability and develop targeted mitigation strategies to reduce exposure to risks. Ensure compliance with regulatory standards while maintaining a proactive approach to identifying emerging threats.
Collaborate closely with the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) and Information Management Team to establish and enforce standardized data collection practices, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and efficiency in the process.
We will design, implement, and expand effective methodologies for digitizing standardized data collection processes, including GMR and internal surveys, ensuring scalable and sustainable adoption across the organization.
Gather all polygons comprehensively to ensure complete data collection.
Gather and document traceability information to establish clear links between requirements, design, and development artifacts throughout the project lifecycle.
Demonstrates strong leadership and management capabilities to guide teams effectively, fostering collaboration, motivation, and professional growth. Responsible for setting clear objectives, delegating tasks, and monitoring progress to ensure alignment with organizational goals. Skilled in conflict resolution, decision-making, and performance evaluation to maintain high standards and drive team success.
Developed and established comprehensive role definitions for all S&A personnel, including IMS Officers, Documentation Officers, Field Officers, and Enumerators.
The S&A teams must be provided with clearly defined objectives and their performance must be assessed throughout the year in accordance with their respective grade levels.
Ensure adherence to all applicable local laws and regulations, as well as company policies, to maintain full compliance across all operations.
Deliver strategic leadership and guidance to the S&A team in alignment with the established Client and Program Targets and Objectives, guaranteeing they have access to essential resources and support to realize their goals, while facilitating necessary assistance from the Global Supply Chain Manager and Country Manager when needed.
Develop and sustain a high-performing, inspired team capable of producing exceptional results, while guaranteeing access to essential training and professional development initiatives to strengthen individual competencies and expertise.
Foster effective collaboration across all departments within the cooperative to strengthen teamwork and alignment.
Consistently maintain a secure working environment by supplying all necessary safety equipment and tools to staff members.
Oversee financial operations and budgetary planning to ensure fiscal responsibility and organizational sustainability. Develop, monitor, and manage budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and regulatory compliance. Analyze financial data to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for cost optimization. Prepare comprehensive financial reports and presentations for stakeholders, including executives and board members. Collaborate with department heads to allocate resources efficiently and support data-driven decision-making. Implement and maintain robust financial controls to mitigate risks and enhance transparency. Ensure adherence to accounting standards, tax regulations, and internal policies while fostering a culture of accountability and efficiency.
Compile the annual budget for the upcoming crop season with precision and thoroughness.
Serve as the steward of the S&A budget, rigorously overseeing resource allocation to guarantee efficient and effective utilization in alignment with strategic objectives.
Secure necessary approvals for operational expenditures, procurement of materials, and other related activities.
Submit S&A Funds requests by the 15th of each month at the latest.
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 established company procedures, including measures for fraud prevention.
Oversee a range of supplementary tasks that support core operations, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and efficiency standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline processes, address operational challenges, and enhance overall productivity. Assist in the development and implementation of strategic initiatives aimed at improving workflows, reducing redundancies, and optimizing resource allocation. Provide data-driven insights to inform decision-making, monitor performance metrics, and report on progress to senior leadership. Maintain compliance with industry regulations and internal policies while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
A comprehensive analysis of pesticide application practices and the handling of pesticide containers will be undertaken with the farmers participating in our certification programs.
Perform internal audits for UDR and Pesticides in coordination with the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) team.
Conduct mapping initiatives alongside conventional UDR suppliers in coordination with the Monitoring & Evaluation team.
Provide training to conventional UDR suppliers on traceability and the associated control measures.
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required; advanced degree preferred. Minimum five years of progressive experience in the specified domain, with at least two years in a leadership role. Demonstrated expertise in project management, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills essential. Proficiency in industry-standard software and tools necessary. Ability to mentor and develop junior team members while driving operational excellence. Familiarity with regulatory compliance and best practices in the industry strongly desired. Exceptional organizational and time-management abilities to meet deadlines in fast-paced environments.
A master’s degree in Agricultural Development, Environmental Science, or a related field is required for this role.
With a minimum of five years of specialized expertise in overseeing agricultural compliance standards within cocoa, coffee, or cashew sectors—ideally with a focus on cocoa—candidates must also possess hands-on experience with RA certification programs or equivalent regulatory frameworks.
Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning and efficient organizational methodologies is essential.
Effective communication and strong interpersonal abilities are essential for fostering collaboration and maintaining productive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
Driven by innovation and a relentless pursuit of improvement, we are committed to enhancing our projects and refining our processes.
A highly motivated and driven professional seeks to leverage their enthusiasm and dedication in a dynamic work environment.
We seek a proactive and versatile professional with a robust, solution-oriented mindset, capable of handling both routine assignments and high-level portfolio management with equal diligence and enthusiasm.
Proven ability to communicate with clarity and conviction, coupled with strong advocacy skills, enables effective representation of the organization at meetings and events.
A comprehensive grasp of the practical, localized conditions in the Country of Operation or an analogous setting is essential.
Proficiency in both English and French is considered advantageous.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 years
