Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO)
Fairtrade Labelling Organizations (FLO) International is the leading Fairtrade standard setting and certification body. It regularly inspects and certifies about 508 producer organizations in more than 60 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. It permits nearly 1,5 million producers, workers and their dependents in more than 60 developing countries to benefit from labelled Fairtrade. FLO International is divided into the following two organizations: 1. FLO International e.V. is a publicly recognized non-profit multi-stakeholder association involving FLO’s 20 member organizations (or Labelling Initiatives), producer organizations, traders and external experts. It develops and reviews standards and assists producers in capitalizing on market opportunities. 2. FLO-CERT GmbH is a limited company that coordinates all tasks and processes all information related to the inspection and certification of producers and trade. Operating independently from any other interests, it follows the international ISO standard for certification bodies (ISO 65).
Closing date: 27 Dec 2009 -- (CLOSED)
Location: India
FLO International is seeking a dynamic, results oriented development professional with excellent grassroots training skills and motivation to continue working at the grassroots level. The candidate must possess excellent critical thinking and conflict management skills, as well as communication skills suitable for remote team participation. The candidate must also be willing to travel frequently to small farmer organizations and plantations.
Function
To act as the regionally based liaison person between the Producer Services and Relations Unit (PSR) and FLO certified producers, potential FLO producer partners, and Fairtrade stakeholders in India. Currently there are three liaison officers in India and the candidate would join the team as the fourth liaison officer, sharing responsibility with the team.
Core Responsibilities
- Providing information, advice and training to producers to improve compliance with Fairtrade standards
- Providing information, advice and training to producers to improve their market opportunities.
- Providing information to FLO International e.V. about producers in their sphere of activity.
In India, there are plantations which fit the Fairtrade Standards for Hired Labour, whose workers require training and capacity building. Additionally, there are farmer groups that fit the Fairtrade Standards for small farmer organizations and for contract production. The specific responsibilities expected of the Liaison Officer depend on producer type.
Tasks
- Seeking new Suppliers/Products/Origins
- Providing an introduction to producers to Fairtrade.
- Assessing Producer Groups as Businesses
- Support Work following Inspections
- Sourcing and liaising with local external support agencies
- Helping coordinate the Pricing Process.
- Provide information about local networks.
- Provide regular and consistent reports on targeted producer groups
- Represent the PBU in local workshops/conferences as required and agreed.
Not Tasks
- Standard setting, Inspection, Certification, Product Management, Supply Chain Management.
Reporting and communication lines
- To the appropriate Regional Coordinator based at the FLO e.V. office in Germany.
- To Producer Services and Relations Unit (PSR), FLO International e.V.
Requirements
- University degree in agricultural, social, or economic science or development studies
- At least five years of professional working experience
- Experience in working with small farmers organizations at the grassroots level
- Motivation to continue working at the grassroots level
- Strong self-management skills: able to work alone and independently; good planning and organizational capacities
- Good contacts with local NGOs and Government resources
- Ability to communicate effectively with counterparts from different strata of society
- Ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender balance
- Dynamic trainer
- Team player: working with local and remote teams
- Basic accounting skills (other business skills desirable)
- Familiarity with local culture
- Fluent in English and other Indian language(s) (proficiency in Hindi and at least one other Indian language)
- Preparedness to frequent travels in the region in basic conditions
- Proficient in the use of computers, including MS Office, internet
- Experience with Corporate Social Responsibility and certification systems would be a plus
Terms of the contract: Consultant contract for twelve month period (renewable), start as early as possible.
Location of the post: a location in India agreed upon mutual consent. The Liaison Officer will have to set up his/her own office (“home office”) and travel frequently to the region of responsibility.
An Induction Training will be provided to the Liaison Officer.
This is a local posting in India and Indian Nationals or Persons of Indian Origin are strongly encouraged to apply. Foreigners should be advised that no visa support will be given for residence or work permits.
Reference Code: RW_7YACLD-92
