Staff Auditor for Carbon Services, Rainforest Alliance – Vermont

Organization: Rainforest Alliance

Position Title: Staff Auditor, Carbon Services

Location: Vermont area; Able to travel globally up to 30% of the work year

Application Deadline: February 9, 2015

Description: The Staff Auditor will conduct carbon validation and verification audits for RA-Cert’s Carbon Services, including audit scheduling, on-site visits, and report writing. S/he will serve as Lead Auditor for all engagements under their responsibility and provide customer service, report reviews, quality control and other duties as assigned by their supervisor. Implement quality assurance & risk control measures to maintain and enhance RA’s reputation for exemplary professionalism, technical accuracy, timeliness and quality of service. Conduct outreach and promotion of Rainforest Alliance among stakeholders, clients, prospective clients and the forestry profession. Ensure full compliance with applicable accreditations.

Responsibilities:

Auditing

• Conduct and lead carbon field audits globally to multiple carbon standards including, but not limited to, all AFOLU project types such as Afforestation/Reforestation, Improved Forest Management (IFM), and Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD);
• Conduct desk audits and pre-assessments for carbon engagements;
• Contribute as part of an RA-Cert team to VCS Double Approval Methodology audits;
• Manage all travel arrangements to conduct the assigned fieldwork;
• Write audit reports based on audit findings; and
• Communicate with clients and RA-Cert staff in preparation and finalization of audit engagements.
• Manage the execution of validation and verification audits for a portfolio of clients to include budgeting, service contracts, team identification, logistical planning, report review, liaison with clients and finalization of reports for approval;
• Develop and implement audit plans and ensure timely and efficient completion of audits;
• Ensure efficiency, quality control and adherence to RA-Cert technical and administration certification protocols for all engagements directly under his/her responsibilities;
• Receive, process and file forms, conduct data entry and other information for carbon auditing services; and
• Coordinate with RA-Cert Carbon Services and regional staff to ensure excellent customer service to current and potential clients.

Account Management
Quality Assurance:

• Develop and maintain strong expertise in Rainforest Alliance and applicable carbon standards, policies and protocols;
• Provide input for policy development and technical improvements to the carbon auditing systems;
• Collaborate with Associate Manager and Quality Assurance staff to ensure maintenance of relevant accreditations for carbon auditing, including timely response and follow-up on accreditation reports and nonconformities;
• Collaborate with Associate Manager and Quality Assurance staff in the development and maintenance of RA-Cert policies and procedures, including manuals, templates, and guidance materials related to carbon services.
• Collaborate with Associate Manager and Quality Assurance staff to perform quality monitoring functions to ensure full conformance and consistency in implementation of all applicable standards, policies and procedures, including specific risk control measures and Engagement Risk Management (ERM) procedures;
• Coordinate with Associate Manager and Quality Assurance staff to provide prompt notification of necessary system or accreditation communications, including documents under review, finalized policies, and guidance;
• Coordinate with Associate Manager to ensure RA-Cert carbon auditing service information is up-to-date on the RA web site and sites managed for staff and auditor resources, e.g., SharePoint, Technical Expert Resource Center (TXRC), and that all relevant new and revised documents are promptly communicated to staff, contract auditors and clients; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor or equivalent degree;
• Minimum of 2 years work experience, preferably in forestry, forest certification, forest carbon project development, or related field;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in Spanish or French a plus;
• Previous auditing experience and/or ISO training preferred;
• Strong skills in MS office, Adobe Acrobat, databases, and Internet; GIS and/or remote sensing skills preferred;
• Background or interest in environmental conservation, international development or community based natural resource management preferred;
• Knowledge of RA-Cert certification and/or FSC certification a plus;
• Strong customer service skills and ability to interact culturally and linguistically with diverse staff and clients;
• Initiative, self-motivated, resourceful, detail oriented, dependability, strong attention to detail;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Physical Demands (if applicable):

• Able to travel globally up to 30% of the work year;
• Field auditing in difficult terrain and hot, dry or cold, inclement weather.

How to Apply: Please apply online at https://home.eease.adp.com/recruit/?id=11739461. Combine cover letter and resume as one single document and upload.