The Job
We seek a Standards and Assurance Manager based in Azure to oversee the implementation of key certification programs—including Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade, Cocoa Horizons, and Beyond Beans standards—within our Nigerian supply chain. The role will center on ensuring compliance, maintaining quality assurance, and driving continuous improvement across these critical standards.
Key Functions and Duties
Oversee and execute a range of essential tasks and obligations, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Perform responsibilities with precision and efficiency, maintaining high standards of quality and productivity. Address daily operational requirements while contributing to long-term strategic initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project milestones and meet deadlines. Monitor progress, identify areas for improvement, and implement solutions to enhance workflow and outcomes. Uphold compliance with policies, procedures, and industry regulations to mitigate risks and ensure accountability.
Certified in [relevant field/area of expertise], with a proven track record of [specific skills or achievements]. Possesses [number] years of hands-on experience in [industry/sector], demonstrating expertise in [key competencies]. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of [industry trends, regulations, or technologies], ensuring compliance and best practices. Required to adhere to [specific standards, protocols, or ethical guidelines] to maintain professional integrity.
Verify that all required certification documentation from our groups and partners is properly secured and provided to our clients in accordance with their specifications.
Weekly, ensure the internal Certification Status overview is updated and distribute significant updates to both the Country Representative and Global Supply Chain Manager.
Ensure you remain current with all certification standards and regulatory requirements to maintain full compliance throughout the supply chain.
To guarantee that our supply chain fully aligns with and meets the specifications set by our clients, meticulous oversight and adherence to their required standards must be maintained throughout all operational stages.
To ensure compliance with regulatory standards, create and standardize all necessary processes, documentation, and training manuals in collaboration with the Global Supply Chain Manager.
Spearhead the up-country Standard and Assurance team to deliver successful and efficient execution, driving the certification of RA, FT, and BB certificate holders.
Collaborate with the IMS team to devise work plans and reports, while also contributing to the establishment of optimal practices for field staff.
Identify and pursue ongoing opportunities to enhance collaboration and efficiency within the S&A team as well as across the broader organizational team.
Oversee the ongoing advancement of each stage within the certification processes assigned to your team.
Conduct comprehensive risk assessments to identify potential hazards and evaluate their impact on the organization.
Collaborate effectively with the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) and Information Management Team to establish and maintain standardized data collection procedures, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and efficiency across all processes.
Develop, implement, and expand best practices for the digitization of standardized data collection processes, including Global Monitoring Reports (GMR) and internal surveys.
Gather every polygon, ensuring complete collection of 100% of the dataset without exception.
Gather traceability information to ensure comprehensive documentation of product development processes.
Leadership and Management: Demonstrates the ability to guide, inspire, and oversee teams effectively, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment. Responsible for setting clear goals, delegating tasks, and ensuring accountability while motivating team members to achieve organizational objectives. Requires strong interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and the capacity to adapt to changing circumstances. Must prioritize decision-making, conflict resolution, and performance management to drive success.
Developed and established comprehensive job descriptions and responsibilities for all staff positions within the S&A department, including IMS Officers, Documentation Officers, Field Officers, and Enumerators.
The S&A teams must be provided with clear, tailored objectives, and their performance should be evaluated throughout the year in alignment with their respective grade levels.
Ensure adherence to all applicable local laws and regulations, as well as company policies, in all operational activities.
Offer strategic leadership and guidance to the S&A team, aligning their efforts with the client and program objectives established by the organization, while ensuring they receive the necessary resources and support to successfully achieve their goals. Additionally, facilitate collaboration and assistance from the Global Supply Chain Manager and Country Manager as needed.
Develop and nurture a high-performing, driven team capable of consistently producing exceptional results, while providing each member with access to relevant training and professional development initiatives to foster continuous skill enhancement and knowledge expansion.
Foster effective collaboration across all departments within the cooperative to maintain alignment and synergy.
Always prioritize the safety of all staff members by supplying necessary equipment and tools.
Finance and Budget Management: Responsible for overseeing financial operations, developing and managing budgets, forecasting financial performance, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements. Analyze financial data to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for cost optimization. Prepare and present financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, to stakeholders. Collaborate with department heads to align financial goals with organizational objectives and provide strategic recommendations. Monitor expenditures, track variances against budgets, and implement corrective actions as needed. Ensure accurate and timely financial transactions, including payroll processing, accounts payable/receivable, and general ledger maintenance.
Develop the annual budget specifically tailored for the upcoming crop season, ensuring all financial allocations align with anticipated agricultural needs and objectives.
Oversee the S&A budget as a primary steward, meticulously directing resource allocation to maximize efficiency and drive optimal outcomes.
Secure necessary approvals for operational expenditures, procurement of materials, and related financial transactions.
Submit requests for S&A Funds no later than the 15th day of each month.
Submit your S&A Expense Report no later than three business days following the close of each month.
Ensure strict adherence to all applicable laws and organizational protocols, including fraud prevention measures.
Additional duties encompass a range of tasks that contribute to the overall efficiency and success of the role. These may include collaborating with cross-functional teams to align on project objectives, ensuring adherence to company policies and regulatory standards, and participating in professional development opportunities to enhance skill sets. Furthermore, the position may require representing the organization at external events, maintaining accurate documentation to support operational transparency, and assisting in the identification and resolution of process inefficiencies.
We will investigate pesticide utilization and the handling of pesticide containers within the farming communities participating in our certification programs.
Perform internal audits for UDR and Pesticides compliance in coordination with the Monitoring & Evaluation team.
Conduct mapping initiatives in partnership with established UDR suppliers, collaborating closely with the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) team.
Provide comprehensive training to conventional UDR suppliers in traceability systems and associated regulatory controls.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field required; minimum of 3 years of professional experience in software development, systems administration, or a comparable technical role essential. Proficiency in at least one programming language such as Python, Java, or C++ is mandatory, along with experience managing databases and cloud platforms. Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail are necessary to diagnose issues and implement effective solutions. Excellent communication abilities are needed to collaborate with cross-functional teams and articulate technical concepts clearly. Familiarity with DevOps practices, security protocols, and Agile methodologies is highly advantageous.
A master’s degree in Agricultural Development, Environmental Science, or a closely aligned field is required.
With a minimum of five years of expertise in overseeing agricultural standards specifically within the cocoa, coffee, or cashew sectors—ideally with a focus on cocoa—you will bring invaluable insight to our team. Proficiency in the RA certification program or alternative industry standards is essential for success in this role.
Demonstrated proficiency in strategic planning and meticulous organization, ensuring efficient workflows and project execution.
We seek candidates with strong verbal and written communication abilities, along with the capacity to collaborate effectively in team settings.
Demonstrates a strong drive for innovation and a relentless commitment to enhancing projects and processes through continuous improvement.
A highly motivated and driven professional seeks a dynamic opportunity to leverage their skills and expertise in a challenging and rewarding environment. The ideal candidate is eager to contribute to the organization’s success while continuously expanding their knowledge and capabilities. This role offers a platform for personal and professional growth, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
A proactive individual with a versatile mindset, demonstrating a readiness to handle both routine assignments and large-scale portfolio management.
Demonstrated proficiency in communication and advocacy, with a strong aptitude for representing the organization confidently during meetings and events.
Individuals should possess a comprehensive grasp of the practical, on-the-ground conditions in the Country of Operation or comparable environments.
Proficiency in English is essential, while fluency in French would be considered an additional benefit.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 years
