Location: Darong, Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur
Company: Agri Exim Global Philippines
About Agri Exim Global Philippines:
Agri Exim Global Philippines is a leading provider of organic and sustainable agriculture products, specializing in coconut-based goods. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards in organic certification, fair trade compliance, and sustainable farming while supporting local farmers. Our mission is to empower communities, ensure traceability, and deliver premium organic products to the global market.
Job Summary:
The Certification Officer is responsible for ensuring compliance with Organic and Fair Trade certification standards. This role involves reviewing applications, leading audits, collaborating with farmers, government agencies, and industry stakeholders, and managing the certification and traceability processes. The Certification Officer will also play a key role in expanding farmer participation, maintaining accreditation, and implementing technology-based solutions for sustainable sourcing.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Certification Compliance & Audit Management
- Review certification applications, inspection reports, and supporting documentation.
- Ensure compliance with NOP, EU Organic, and Fair Trade regulations.
- Lead and maintain certification audits for Organic and Fair Trade annually.
- Implement certification policies, procedures, and documentation.
- Track and resolve non-conformances related to certifications.
2. Farmer & Field Operations Support
- Develop strategies for farm expansion and accreditation.
- Strengthen relationships with accredited farmers and farmer cooperatives.
- Assist groups of coconut farmers in complying with legal requirements to secure juridical personality.
- Coordinate with government agencies (Department of Agriculture, Philippine Coconut Authority) for accreditation and compliance.
- Ensure farmers are trained on the benefits of organic and fair-trade certification.
3. Technology & Traceability Management
- Implement traceability systems for financial and supply chain transparency.
- Lead technology-based initiatives/projects (e.g., Light Bulb, Parikrama app).
- Perform financial traceability from the farm level to ensure compliance.
4. Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, train, and mentor a team of field officers and certification specialists.
- Develop programs to maintain engagement and good relationships with farmers.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth certification processes.
Qualifications & Skills:
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Biology, Food Science, or Business-related courses.
- 3+ years of experience in certification management, organic farming, or food processing.
- Strong knowledge of EU NOP Organic, Fair Trade, and sustainable farming regulations.
Technical & Industry Knowledge:
- Familiarity with certification audits, regulatory compliance, and food safety standards.
- Understanding of food science, organic farming, and supply chain traceability.
- Experience in working with farmer cooperatives and government agencies.
Leadership & Problem-Solving:
- Strong decision-making, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Excellent team leadership and project management abilities.
Communication & Collaboration:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to build relationships with farmers, auditors, and government agencies.
- Comfortable with technology-based initiatives for traceability and compliance.
