Preferred by Nature is a non-profit, mission driven organisation that works for sustainable land management and climate-friendly solutions. With 300+ employees and a network of local experts, we develop practical solutions to drive positive impacts in production landscapes and supply chains in 100+ countries. We focus on forest and climate impact commodities and related sectors.
We are now looking for an Agriculture Specialist to join our team in the Philippines on a permanent contract.
What you will do
As an Agriculture Specialist, your main tasks are implementing Assurance Services, auditing services and growing our portfolio in the Philippines. Detail of duties will include:
Support Asian regions in the delivery of certification services in the Philippines
- Ensure efficiency, quality control and adherence to Preferred by Nature’s operational and certification and verification protocols for assigned work and client portfolio in the Philippines;
- Ensure audit timeliness and quality performance across all areas within the Philippines;
- Ensure client care principles are followed for quality customer service;
- Monitor internal capacity and resources to complete the volume of work expected for current and future services, and make recommendations when adjustments are needed;
- Support the coordination and execution of evaluations – including budgeting, scheduling, logistical planning, supporting consultants, liaising with clients, updating internal and external databases, finalising reports and closing the engagement;
- Conduct quality review, including the technical review and certification or verification decision for appointed audit reports of Preferred by Nature’s agriculture-related certification and verification
Manage relationships in the Philippines
- Identify clients for key account management (KAM) in the Philippines and implement best practices for managing these relationships;
- Identify core stakeholders in the region, including interested parties on certification and client matters as well as local scheme offices, and implement best practices for managing these relationships;
- Oversee management of external auditors and other contracted personnel needed for delivery of Assurance services
Oversee risk management in the Philippines
- Identify risk factors across clients, countries and industries/commodities and regularly monitor activities to ensure proactive risk management mechanisms are implemented;
- Oversee dispute resolution in the region following Preferred by Nature policies and procedures and adherence to scheme requirements;
- Serve as lead crisis management point person in the country and delegate tasks as applicable
Support Agriculture services development
- Provide customer service to current and potential clients of Preferred by Nature in the Philippines to include, but not limited to, providing information about certification, technical guidance on the interpretation of certification standards and the certification process and trademark use.
Cross-departmental collaboration
- Ensure regional responsiveness to the Technical Team and QUA, including reinforcement of related initiatives;
- In coordinate with Technical Team to ensure conformance and consistency in the implementation of certification or verification scheme owner policies and procedures, including for accreditation audits, developing responses to nonconformities identified by accreditation bodies, and handling complaints and appeals processes;
- Manage questions and disputes relating to active certification evaluations and clients consistent with Preferred by Nature, and certification scheme policies;
- Develop and maintain strong technical expertise in Agriculture services and Preferred by Nature policies, standards and protocols;
- Liaison with Market Development/Communications;
- Collaborate with other Preferred by Nature divisions such as Projects and Solutions (PAS), Strategy and Innovation (SAI), Training, and other teams as necessary;
- Monitor & reinforce operational and administrative policies.
Others
- To obtain and maintain the qualification as auditor, report reviewer/certifier and trainer of Agriculture services to provide technical input and performance feedback based on qualifications
Who you are
- Have an agriculture-related education degree to meet auditor requirements of most certification/verification schemes
- At least 3 years of experience working related to agriculture sectors.
- It is nice if you are familiar with farm or plantation networks, have worked in a certification or inspection body, and have a master's degree in Agriculture
- Proficient in Tagalog and English (any other language is considered an asset)
- Proficient with office software including word, spreadsheet, email and online voice and video calls. Familiar with GIS software is an advantage.
- Comfortable travelling nationwide (and internationally) as part of your job role
- Have a high level of integrity and business ethics to strike a balance between serving clients and, at the same time, not compromising your role as a coordinator
- Based in Davao
- Comfortable making independent decisions, as the nature of the job requires you to work independently, often remotely from your colleagues
- Believe in Preferred by Nature’s mission and want to contribute to it
If you have the qualities listed above, we are delighted to discuss your potential further.
What we offer you
- An in-depth onboarding and professional training to equip you with the right skills and knowledge to thrive in this role
- An exciting and challenging position within a dynamic and innovative global organisation with a mission-driven work atmosphere
- Excellent opportunities for growth and professional development
- Potential future international travel opportunities
- A friendly, international team of colleagues, with a pleasant work environment
- Working location: home office
- Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience
Additional information:
- The position holder reports to the Team leader for Southeast Asia Agriculture Auditing Services based in Indonesia
- Expected starting date: as soon as possible
How to apply
If you feel you meet the requirements of the role, please submit your Letter of Application and CV (in English), including salary expectations by 13 February 2023 via the application form below.
Please note: Only applicants legally eligible to work in the Philippines will be considered.
Application pre-screening will be conducted during the application period.
Preferred by Nature wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
For questions, please contact:
Mohd Fahmi Wahab - Senior HR Specialist, Asia
E-mail: fwahab@preferredbynature.org