CERTIFICATION & COMPLIANCE OFFICER

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with all relevant national and international regulations related to the production, certification, and export of avocados, herbs, and other horticultural products.
• Stay updated on changes in agricultural export standards, environmental regulations, and certifications (e.g., GlobalGAP, Fair Trade, HACCP, ISO).
• Implement strategies to maintain compliance with regulations on pesticide use, soil health, water usage, and organic farming practices.

Certification Acquisition & Renewal:

• Manage the application and renewal process for necessary certifications, ensuring the farm meets all requirements set by certifying bodies for horticultural exports.
• Prepare all necessary documentation, track deadlines, and maintain accurate records for certification audits.
• Coordinate with relevant certification bodies and regulatory agencies to facilitate the certification process, ensuring the farm’s practices meet export market standards.

Compliance Audits & Inspections:

• Lead internal audits to ensure compliance with industry certifications, identifying areas for improvement.
• Coordinate and manage external audits conducted by certifying bodies, providing necessary documentation and access during audits.
• Ensure the farm’s processes and practices are ready for annual inspections and spot checks by certification authorities and export compliance agencies.

Export Documentation:

• Ensure that all necessary export documentation is completed in a timely manner, including phytosanitary certificates, certificates of origin, and export permits.
• Liaise with regulatory authorities and customs officials to ensure all export procedures are correctly followed and that the farm's produce is compliant with export regulations.

Advisory Role on Farming Practices:

1. Best Agricultural Practices:

• Advise farm management and workers on best practices for agricultural production in line with industry standards for quality, sustainability, and certification requirements.
• Provide guidance on responsible use of fertilizers, pesticides, and other inputs, ensuring their use aligns with certification requirements (e.g., organic certification or eco-labels).
• Ensure compliance with environmental sustainability practices, such as water conservation, soil health management, and waste reduction.

1. Training and Capacity Building:

• Conduct training sessions for farm workers and management on certification standards, compliance requirements, and sustainable farming practices.
• Ensure the farm team is educated on proper pesticide application, fertilization practices, and harvest procedures to meet export quality standards.

1. Monitoring & Continuous Improvement:

• Monitor farm activities and practices to ensure adherence to approved farming practices, including the use of certified fertilizers, crop protection products, and irrigation techniques.
• Provide ongoing recommendations for process improvement to enhance the farm’s ability to meet compliance standards and improve yields.

Documentation and Reporting:

1. Record-Keeping and Documentation:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all certifications, audit reports, compliance documentation, and training sessions.
• Prepare regular reports on compliance status, certification achievements, and any issues or risks related to non-compliance.
• Ensure all records are available for internal and external audits and meet the documentation requirements of certification bodies.

1. b) Risk Management & Reporting:

• Identify potential risks related to non-compliance, such as the risk of certification suspension or export bans, and implement strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Report non-compliance issues and recommend corrective actions to senior management, ensuring timely resolution.

KEY REQUIREMENT SKILLS AND QUALIFICATION

• Degree in Agricultural Science, Horticulture, Agribusiness, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in a certification and compliance role within a farm or agribusiness, particularly in the export of avocados, herbs, or other horticultural produce.
• Practical experience with certification processes such as GlobalGAP, Fair Trade, and food safety standards (HACCP, ISO).
• Proven experience advising on agricultural best practices, particularly in the areas of pest management, fertilizers, irrigation, and sustainable farming.
• Excellent organizational and documentation skills, with the ability to manage multiple certifications and compliance programs.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to train staff, advise management, and liaise with external certification bodies and regulatory authorities.

HOW TO APPLY

• If you meet the above qualifications, skills and experience press the Apply button.
• Interviews will be carried out on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
• Only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

APPLY