Do you have a passion for agriculture and the environment? Do you want to make a difference by ensuring businesses meet the right standards and address environmental deficiencies?
If so, then you might be the match for our role as Agriculture Specialist (with focus on agricultural certification) based in Costa Rica.
What you can expect
As soon as you start your new job, you'll be auditing against agricultural certification schemes such as the Rainforest Alliance (RA), GlobalG.A.P., C.A.F.E. Practices, or similar programmes while helping develop and improve these services. After a few months, you'll be supporting the success and growth of our certification services in Costa Rica.
Projects you will work on:
- Managing a portfolio of certified clients to ensure their required audits are scheduled, carried out and completed on time.
- Working with budgeting, logistical planning, report review and database administration.
- Conducting sustainability audits for clients when needed.
- Acting as a primary point of contact to support new and existing clients with their sustainable certifications.
Role Progression
Working with Preferred by Nature is very much about your growth. We support continuous learning through professional development and career paths aimed at helping you grow in your career.
Within one month, you will:
- Meet the team and learn to use our systems, tools and resources available
- Begin your training in managing supply chain and understand the key elements in this field
- Begin management of a portfolio of certified clients
Within three months, you will:
- Be technically proficient in the applicable agricultural certification schemes
- Attain auditor qualifications for one or more sustainable certifications
- Travel to client’s facilities to assist in conducting on-site sustainability audits
Within one year, you will:
- Attain lead auditor qualification for the relevant sustainable certifications
- Work with the team to determine avenues for growth and development of new and existing certifications
- Continue developing expertise by working with new programmes and departments within Preferred by Nature
Important that you
- Have a bachelor's degree with a concentration in biology, ecologist, agriculture engineer or a related field
- Direct auditing experience against agriculture certification schemes
- Have at least three years of experience in the agriculture sector
- Knowledge of Rainforest Alliance, GlobalG.A.P., C.A.F.E. Practices and/or other sustainability certifications
- Can manage competing priorities while working both independently and as part of a team
- Can manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Are fluent in Spanish and English (Level C1 minimum)
- Have strong customer service skills/orientation: ability and willingness to find out what the customer wants and needs and to act accordingly, taking the organisation's costs and benefits into account
- Are willing to travel up to 50% of the time
Would also be great, but not necessary, if you have:
- Friendly service approach
- Organisation skills and prioritisation of tasks
- Respectful and assertive when expressing ideas
If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you!
What Sets Us Apart
- Global work culture
- Work from home
- An in-depth onboarding and professional training that prepares you with the right skills and knowledge to thrive in this role
- Excellent opportunities for growth and professional development
- Potential future international travel opportunities
- A friendly, international team of colleagues, with a pleasant work environment
- Private medical insurance
- 20 days of vacation leave per year plus public holidays
Preferred by Nature
Preferred by Nature is a non-profit, mission driven organisation that works for sustainable land management and climate-friendly solutions. With 300+ employees and a network of local experts, we develop practical solutions to drive positive impacts in production landscapes and supply chains in 100+ countries. We focus on forest and climate impact commodities and related sectors.
How to apply
If you feel you meet the requirements of the role, please submit your CV and cover letter in English, including salary expectations by 24 March 2023 via the application form below.
Please note: Only applicants legally eligible to work in Costa Rica will be considered.
Application pre-screening will be conducted during the application period.
Preferred by Nature wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
For questions, please contact:
Emina Rossatty, Senior HR Specialist – Latin America
E-mail: erossatty@preferredbynature.org