Certification Consultant

BACK TO ALL VACANCIES

Role: Certification Consultant
Employer: TradIn
Duration: 12 Months (1 year)
Deadline: Applications will be screened on a rolling basis
Location: Kenema, Sierra Leone- Open to International Candidates

 

Application Instructions: Submit CV and Cover Letter to info@afriqia-solutions.com with “Certification Consultant” in Subject Line.

 

Key Purpose

The Certification Consultant will lead the restructuring and strengthening of its Internal Control System (ICS). This role is critical to ensuring full compliance with certification standards and building a robust, audit-ready and scalable certification system across cooperatives.

The consultant will collaborate closely with the ICS Manager, HQ Certification Manager and field teams to strengthen system design, standardize documentation, optimize workflows, and enhance internal capacities. 

 

Duties and Responsibilities

ICS System Restructuring

  • Conduct a full diagnostic of current ICS structure, cost efficiencies/savings, workflows, and documentation 
  • Make recommendations to restructure ICS department (roles, responsibilities, reporting lines) 
  • Establish clear segregation of duties and control points. 
  • Align ICS system with: 
    • Organic Regulations (EU/NOP/ Biosuisse/NTL/COREQ) and other standards (Fairtrade/ROC/RA).
    • Company certification strategy and targets.
    • Control Body systems and processes.
    • Most cost-effective structure. 

 

Documentation and Processes Standardization

  • Revise and improve: 
    • ICS Manual for TSL and partner cooperatives ensure clear Standard Operating Procedures for all ICS processes (inspections, approvals, sanctions, traceability etc.). 
    • ICS Templates (inspection reports, risk assessments, NC management, training records).
  • Implement document control and versioning system. 
  • Develop SOPs/ICS Manual that details the Stallholder software workflow to ensure alignment on full traceability from farmer to export, as required under ICS responsibilities.
  • Establish centralized documentation structure (digital + physical) for TSL and partner cooperatives.

 

Implementation of Workflows

  • Translate procedures into practical workflows and tools and train the required staff to implement and take ownership of the processes. Empowering the team members to be proactive in their roles within the certification processes.
  • Workflows include but are not limited to: 
    • Annual ICS cycle (inspection, training, approval, external audits). 
    • Non-compliance handling and escalation pathways.
  • Introduce performance tracking tools and dashboards for the ICS personnel/department, with similar tracking for cooperative certification processes.
  • Ensure readiness for external audits (mock audits, pre-checks).

 

Oversight of ICS Department

  • Provide technical supervision and guidance to ICS Manager and team in consultation with the Tradin Certification Manager.
  • Monitor: 
    • Inspection quality and sampling procedures.
    • Data integrity. 
    • Compliance decisions. 
  • Support decision-making on non-compliances and corrective actions in line with certification rules.

 

Capacity Building & Training

  • Assess competency gaps across ICS staff with support from the HR Manager and ICS Manager.
  • Develop and deliver structured training programs for staff including but not limited to: 
    • Internal inspectors.
    • ICS management staff.
    • TSL staff (logistics, quality, finance etc.).
    • Cooperative staff. 
  • Ensure training effectiveness through evaluation and follow-up. 
  • Institutionalize continuous learning systems with HR manager.

 

Audit & Certification Readiness

  • Prepare for certification audits in collaboration with the ICS Manager: 
    • Internal pre-audits. 
    • Documentation checks.
    • Risk-based sampling verification. 
  • Act as key liaison with Control Bodies alongside ICS Manager and Certification Manager.
  • Ensure timely certification processes and audit readiness.

 

Stakeholder & HQ Coordination

  • Act as bridge between: 
    • TSL ICS team.
    • HQ and HQ Certification Manager. 
    • Control bodies auditors.
  • Provide structured reporting and escalation of risks. 
  • Align ICS restructuring with broader sourcing strategy. 

 

 

Education and Experience

  • MSc/BSc in Agriculture, Agribusiness, or related field.
  • Minimum 5–7 years in organic certification / ICS management.
  • Proven experience with:
    • EU Organic Regulation (EU) 2018/848 or other organic standards/regulations.
    • Group certification systems (Internal Control Systems). 
    • Audit preparation and compliance systems.
  • Experience in restructuring systems or departments is a strong advantage.

 

Key Deliverables

  • ICS diagnostic assessment report (Month 1–2) 
  • Complete ICS restructuring plan and annual certification budget (Month 3) 
  • ICS Manual/SOP package and documentation system (Month 3–6) 
  • Operational workflow tools and dashboards (Month 4–8) 
  • Training modules and capacity-building reports (ongoing) 
  • Internal audit and compliance system fully functional (Month 6–10) 
  • Final ICS performance and recommendation for continuity report (Month 12)