French-speaking Assurance Analyst

Full-time (45 hours per week) - fixed term contract for one year
Start Date: 1 September 2024 or as soon as possible

Our client is a leading global assurance provider. Besides providing sole certification to Fairtrade, they also offers an array of services to support companies in sourcing on Fairtrade principles where no Fairtrade Standard applies. Founded in 2003, they remain mission-driven and dedicated to promoting fairness in global trade. Their accreditation as a "Social Enterprise" demonstrates our commitment to social business values. With six international offices conducting business in over 120 countries, our client specializes in offering global reach with local expertise.

We are seeking a quality-driven, business-oriented individual to lead the coordination and administration of Fairtrade and other social certifications for companies across assigned African countries. In this role, you will engage with both high-profile traders and small producer organizations, ensuring the highest standards of quality management. Your keen attention to detail and commitment to excellence will be crucial as you travel to perform Fairtrade and other social audits, ensuring compliance and fostering sustainable practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the Assurance Analyst for assigned customers.
• Evaluate producers and traders for assigned products against Fairtrade Standards and other social standards.
• Respond to customer inquiries from assigned countries.
• Assess audit reports for compliance with Fairtrade Standards and other social standards.
• Conduct Fairtrade and other social audits for customers (small-scale producers/farmers/traders) in assigned African countries.
• Issue certification decisions.
• Actively communicate with applicants and certified customers, providing necessary information and support.
• Participate in the annual audit planning for assigned countries.
• Educate customers on Fairtrade and other social requirements.
• Identify and address the special needs of key accounts, acting as their account manager.
• Respond to certification and assurance-related questions.
• Handle requests from National Fairtrade Organisations.
• Assist in the selection, evaluation, and training of auditors.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of certification processes.
• Support the identification and pursuit of new sales and marketing opportunities.

• University-level education (B.A. or equivalent) in a relevant subject (e.g., Food Science, Business, Agronomy) or an equivalent professional qualification.
• At least two years of professional work experience in an office and customer-oriented environment.
• Permission to work in South Africa is mandatory.
• Ability to work in South Africa and travel internationally.
• At least one year of experience in certification systems (e.g., organic, FSC, MSC, SA8000, ISO 14001), particularly with ISO 65 accreditation, or two years of related business experience.
• Fluency in English and French, both oral and written.
• Attention to detail and following rules-based processes.
• Application of standards and norms to reality.
• Evidence or data gathering, capture, and analysis.
• Additional fluency in Arabic or other languages commonly spoken among Fairtrade certified clients in Africa (e.g., Afrikaans, Portuguese, Swahili) is an asset.
• Flexible, proactive, and hard-working work style.
• Team player with excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication skills and experience in dealing with different cultures.
• Strong dedication to customer service.
• Experience in customer relations and international trade is advantageous.
• Technical knowledge of Fairtrade products traded out of Africa is an advantage.
• Strong motivation for Fairtrade.

• Global Work Environment: Immerse yourself in a vibrant international setting.
• Culture of Dialogue and Respect: Thrive in a company that values open communication and mutual respect.
• Welcoming Onboarding: Experience a warm welcome and comprehensive onboarding process.
• Mission-Driven Colleagues: Collaborate with open-minded, value-driven colleagues who are passionate about our mission.
• Attractive Benefits Package: Enjoy perks like extended annual leave, family-friendly leave, and more.
• Meaningful Impact: Seize opportunities to make a real difference.
• Growth Opportunities: Benefit from development opportunities and the chance to grow within the organization.