Technical Specialist I, SPO

• Conduct onsite and remote certification audits according to RSPO standards, certification requirements, and applicable ISO auditing guidelines
• Complete assigned audits within established timelines and program procedures
• Perform technical assessments, data validation, document reviews, and risk evaluations
• Support development of audit plans, risk assessments, and verification approaches
• Prepare accurate audit reports with standards interpretation, technical findings, and supporting evidence
• Document, communicate, and close audit findings, including corrective action requests and follow-up
• Participate in witness audits and calibration activities
• Conduct technical research and interpret applicable standards
• Deliver certification services according to SCS quality, accreditation, and certification requirements
• Participate in internal and external accreditation audits and support corrective actions
• Maintain competency records, training logs, calibration activities, and technical qualifications
• Maintain knowledge of RSPO standards, EUDR requirements, certification updates, and industry best practices
• Support the SCS Quality Management System and documentation standards
• Assist with technical reviews of audit reports and certification documentation
• Help develop and refine program templates, guidance documents, and quality management tools
• Participate in technical training, calibration, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Communicate with clients, auditors, international affiliates, and internal stakeholders
• Guide clients on certification requirements, audit expectations, and documentation
• Support audit planning, client preparation, and project coordination
• Respond to routine technical and certification inquiries and escalating complex issues
• Build collaborative relationships to support quality service delivery and timely project completion

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in natural resources, sustainability, environmental studies, or a related field
• 3+ years experience in professional auditing or quality assurance in a manufacturing setting
• Experience with the third-party certification process
• Professional experience in the palm oil sector, including palm oil mill, refinery, crusher, oleochemical producer, biodiesel, food manufacturing, home and personal care products, animal feed and/or cosmetic sector
• Experience in HCV and HCS assessment, social auditing, or involvement in human rights activities
• Demonstrable understanding of the latest version of RSPO Certification Systems
• RSPO Supply Chain Lead Auditor certification course or willingness to complete courses and training offered by SCS
• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor course training or willingness to complete the ISO course offered by SCS
• Ability and willingness to travel for audits up to 50-75% of the year
• Fluency in English with professional and technical verbal and written communication experience
• Strong organization and prioritization skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Proficient with MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel)
• Ability to learn, adapt, and use internal and external database systems
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Initiative, good judgment, and ability to work independently under pressure in a changing environment
• Master's Degree in natural resources, sustainability, environmental studies, or a related field (preferred)
• Professional fluency in another language such as French, Spanish, Portuguese, etc. (preferred)

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in conducting certification audits according to RSPO standards and ISO guidelines, with a strong focus on technical assessments, risk evaluations, and effective communication with clients and stakeholders. Proficient in maintaining quality management systems and documentation standards while ensuring compliance with industry best practices.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• RSPO Certification Systems
• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification
• Third-Party Certification Process
• Professional Auditing Experience
• HCV and HCS Assessment

Hard Skills

• Certification Audits
• Technical Assessments
• Data Validation
• Document Reviews
• Risk Evaluations
• Audit Reporting
• Quality Management Systems
• Sustainability Standards
• ISO Auditing Guidelines
• RSPO Standards

Soft Skills

• Strong Communication Skills
• Organization and Prioritization
• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service Skills
• Ability to Work Independently

Certifications & Qualifications

• RSPO Supply Chain Lead Auditor Certification
• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Course

Industry Keywords

• Palm Oil Sector
• Sustainability
• Environmental Studies
• Social Auditing
• Human Rights Activities
• Food Manufacturing
• Biodiesel
• Oleochemical Producer
• Animal Feed
• Cosmetic Sector

Tools & Technologies

• MS Office Suite
• Internal Database Systems
• Quality Management Tools