FLO-CERT is the independent international certifier for Fairtrade and offers verification and certification services to supply chains in order to support their development and to improve sustainable production.

The sustainability services range from providing assurance about compliance with social standards to measuring the product carbon footprint of consumer products.

With over 2000 clients in more than 70 countries, and staff and auditors on five continents, FLO-CERT has become one of the world’s leading social certification bodies, offering services that further the mission of empowering disadvantaged producers in the global South.

FLO-CERT GmbH is currently looking to increase its pool of independent consultants for its certification operations who will engage clients and potential clients in the area of customer relations and certification services.

TITLE

Consultant (m/f)

for

Fairtrade Application and Certification Services

FUNCTION

FLO-CERT is looking for a business oriented person who is willing to administer customer requests of producer organizations (Small Producer Organizations and Plantations) and other companies (processors/ exporters) in South America. The ability to deal with high profile traders as well as with small producers and to identify and manage sales opportunities is required. Expertise in customer relations is an essential asset for this position. The person will liaise with a multicultural team which is responsible for the certification of Fairtrade customers in South America.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Process applications for Fairtrade certification from customers in South America.

• Prepare assessments on compliance of producer organizations as well as traders against the relevant Fairtrade Standards

TASKS

•  Process applications of customers from South America.

•  Manage customer requests.

•  Communicate actively with potential and existing customers.

•  Contribute to the quality improvement of the FLO-CERT processes in customer service and certification.

•  Assist in sales of FLO-CERT services for the region South America.

•  Prepare evaluations of audit reports against the Fairtrade Standards.

•  Potentially perform Fairtrade audits of customers in South America

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Necessary:

•  Any business or commercial professional education (e.g. office-, trade-, merchant apprenticeship IHK) or equivalent.

•  Professional work experience of at least two years.

• Professional experience in customer service.

• Fluent in Spanish oral and written.

•  Fluent in English oral and written.

• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.

•  A pro-active, hard working and reliable personality and work style.

•  Excellent communication skills, flexible, experience in dealing with different cultures.

•  Strong dedication towards customer service.

•  Strong interest in the sustainability sector.

• Positive attitude and ability to work independently.

• Strong analytical skills.

Advantageous

• Fluent in Portuguese is a real plus.

• Experience with Customer Relationship Management Tools.

•  University level education (or equivalent) in a relevant subject (Food Science, Business, Agronomy, Economics, Sociology etc.).

• Work experience in food industry or certification systems.

• Business experience in international trade.

• Experience in Fairtrade.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• Estimated work-time share: 20 working days on average per month.

• Job share: Freelance.

• Consultant to be based in South America (preferably Bogotá, Colombia). Consultant is responsible for adequate working place (home office accepted).

• Working language English and Spanish.

• Start date: 1st of December 2012 or asap

• Payment: According to negotiated daily fee.

• Training will be provided by FLO-CERT.

TO APPLY

• For applying, please visit the FLO-CERT website:

http://www.flo-cert.net/flo-cert/168.html

Please apply via the 'Apply' button and follow the 'Smartrecruiters' application procedure for submitting your application documents in English, with curriculum vitae, motivation letter and daily fee rate indication to Mr. Brown.

• Deadline for applications: 14th of September 2012.

Please consult www.flo-cert.net for more information on FLO-CERT GmbH and the Fairtrade movement.

- Please note that only those invited for an interview will be contacted. -