Chain-of-Custody Coordinator, US Region, SmartWood Program, Sustainable Forestry Division

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

The Rainforest Alliance (RA) is an international nonprofit organization that works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business 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 travelers.

SmartWood, a program of the Rainforest Alliance, is the world's leading Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) forest management certifier, setting the international gold standard for credibility in auditing environmentally and socially responsible forestry. SmartWood offers a diverse set of certification and verification services, including FSC certification, legality verification, SmartLogging and carbon validation and verification. Today more than 2,700 operations spanning 63 countries have been certified by the Rainforest Alliance's SmartWood program.

Position Summary

This Chain-of-Custody (CoC) Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating and managing the execution of SmartWood CoC certification services for new and existing SmartWood clients in the US Region. S/he will supervise two or more Chain of Custody Associates/Assistants and will report to the Senior Manager, Business Operations, SmartWood Program, Sustainable Forestry Division. S/he will be directly involved in all aspects of CoC certification assessments and audits including scheduling, project management, customer service, consultant management and quality control. S/he will also be responsible for ensuring timely completion of audits and assessments for a defined portfolio. S/he will maintain a high level of professionalism, efficiency and overall quality of service as measured by client satisfaction and conformance with Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) and SmartWood standards.

Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the Senior Manager, Business Operations, provide essential leadership in managing and growing SmartWood's chain of custody portfolio;
• Oversee the execution of CoC assessments and audits in the US Region including development and implementation of annual audit schedules and ensuring timely and efficient completion of assessments;
• Supervise Chain of Custody Associates/Assistants and provide guidance and mentoring to staff as it relates to CoC process and procedures;
• Serve as project manager for a subset of CoC assessments and audits to include budgeting, service contracts, team identification, logistical planning, support to consultants, report review, liaison with clients and finalize reports for approval;
• Perform report reviews for CoC audits and assessments as needed throughout the US Region;
• Serve as lead auditor on selected assessments and audits;
• Ensure efficiency, quality control and adherence to SmartWood technical and administration certification protocols for all jobs directly under his/her responsibilities;
• In coordination with team members, provide customer service to current and potential SmartWood clients to include, but is not limited to, providing information about certification, market linkages, guidance on the certification process and marketing and respond to inquiries relating to CoC certification;
• Develop strong expertise in SmartWood and FSC chain of custody policies and protocols;
• Serve as primary point of contact for clients and potential clients. Work with other US Region team members and SmartWood personnel in achieving SmartWood objectives;
• Cooperate with and support other SmartWood staff in the execution and coordination of CoC client recruitment, assessments and audits and other SmartWood projects;
• Provide periodic progress reports to the Senior Manager, Business Operations;
• Provide input for SmartWood policy development and technical improvements to the certification system;
• Give presentations and attend meetings, as needed, to promote SmartWood and FSC certification; and
• Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Forest Products, Forestry, Natural Resource Management or a related field;
• Minimum of 3 - 5 years work experience, preferably in forest product industry, forestry or related field;
• Supervisory experience preferred; 
• Knowledge of SmartWood Certification and/or FSC certification preferred;
• Environmental management system auditor training experience a plus;
• Experience in training and mentoring;
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills and attention to detail;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills;
• Strong customer service skills;
• Strong word processing, databases, spreadsheets and presentations skills;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; and
• Ability and willingness to travel 25 percent of the time.