The Rainforest Alliance is an international nonprofit organization that works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices and consumer behavior. Based in New York City, with offices throughout the United States and worldwide, the Rainforest Alliance works with people whose livelihoods depend on the land, helping them transform the way they grow food, harvest wood and host travellers.

Description Of Job

Reports to: Manager, Africa - RA-Cert Africa

RA-Cert, a division of the  Rainforest Alliance, supports the organization's mission by delivering sustainability auditing, verification, validation and certification services based on the best available global standards. RA-Cert conducts its work with the highest integrity, transparency and quality in order to generate positive economic, ecological and social benefits for our clients and worldwide.

Position Summary:
The Certification Services Associate will ensure the timely and professional implementation of all RA-Cert Africa auditing processes in its service region. She/he will be the primary contact for farmers, companies and auditors operating in the region. In close co-ordination with team members, she/he will promote the certification programme by cultivating new and existing relationships with farmers and companies. She/he will also be responsible for carrying out audit processes.

Responsibilities:

•  Cultivate new and existing relationships with farmers, companies, auditors and other stakeholders in RA-Cert Africa services region;
•  Provide up-to-date and informative certification-related information to interested parties;
•  Oversee the application and swift execution of all audits services in RA-Cert Africa service region
•  Review and approve applications, develop audit quotations and provide quotations and invoices to clients;
•  Develop service agreements, audits plans and obtain client's approval
•  Define and co-ordinate audit logistics, including auditor selection and contracting;
•  Gather audit reports to ensure prompt review and distribution;
•  Ensure payment of the auditors;
•  Maintain Rainforest Alliance audit management database with timely entry of audit milestones and required documentation;
•  Administer and handle audit-related appeals, suggestions and complaints from clients, staff or other parties;
•  Ensure compliance and adherence to the quality systems as required by Sustainable Farm Certification, Intl.;
•  Co-ordinate with RA-Cert team members to achieve cross programme efficiencies in Rainforest Alliance audit management and customer service; and
•  Other duties as assigned

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Qualification Required & Experience

•  University degree required
•  3-5 years of experience in delivering client services;
•  International experience with an agricultural and/or environmental NGO preferred;
•  Strong written and verbal communication skills in French and English;
•  Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and general working knowledge of the Internet and web-based skills)
•  Creative, energetic with outstanding interpersonal skills;
•  Ability to relate to farmers, NGOs and companies across various cultures;
•  Strong organizational skills with high level of attention to detail; and
•  Willingness and ability to travel up to 15% of the time

How To Apply For The Job:

Send resume, cover letter and salary history to:

Human Resources
Rainforest Alliance
665 Broadway, Suite 500
New York, NY 10012

Fax: 212-677-2187, E-mail: josei@ra.org and copied to: Personnel@ra.org. If emailing, use the following format in the subject line: first name and last name, job title of position you are applying for.

Closing Date: 12th July, 2012

The Rainforest Alliance is an equal opportunity employer