PROJECT OFFICER (FIELD LIAISON)

Project Officer (Field Liaison) - Weve grown to become a leading global assurance provider, bringing together outstanding expertise in certification, customised assurance, cybersecurity, inspection and training. While were proud of our heritage, its who we are today that really matters, because thats what shapes who we and our clients can become tomorrow. By staying true to our shared values and combining decades of collective experience, we support our clients in building a safer and more sustainable future. LRQA Consulting team specializes in helping clients to design and implement responsible sourcing programs and sustainability/ESG strategies in their supply chains. This role provides candidates with the opportunity to build skills in sustainability consulting, a dynamic and growing sector. It is also an excellent opportunity for an entrepreneurial individual to join a rapidly growing and successful business that is disrupting traditional approaches to sustainability, responsible sourcing, and supply chain management. The person in this role will be heavily involved in the CAFÉ Project (Comprehensive Action towards Forced labor Eradication). The project, a partnership between the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery and LRQA, aims to combat forced labor in Brazils coffee industry, with a specific focus on Minas Gerais, the countrys largest coffee producing region. The project seeks to address labor abuses through protection, prosecution, and survivor inclusion. As part of this initiative, a grievance mechanism in the form of a helpline has been established to enable coffee workers to report human rights violations and forced labor situations. LRQA is seeking a dedicated individual to conduct onsite visits to coffee farms in Minas Gerais. The field representative will engage with coffee workers, introduce them to the helpline, and provide necessary training on its use. We are looking for candidates who have easy access to major coffee-producing regions, potentially living in cities such as: São Paulo, Campinas, Belo Horizonte, Uberlândia or Ribeirão Preto. Key Responsibilities: Coordinate a set of interventions to reduce forced labor in the coffee sector, including direct worker engagement and implementation of a grievance mechanism (90%): Establishment of communication and prompt follow-up with coffee producers in Minas Gerais and international companies sourcing coffee from Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Paraná and Bahia Ensuring buy-in from producers, traders, and retailers (convincing them to participate in the project) Engagement in field activities (farm visits at SP/MG/BA/ES/PR) Support of monitoring and evaluation data collection and reporting Support of reporting procedures Participating in the deployment of a worker-centric grievance channel together with project team members Participate and contribute to meetings with project partners Support local supply chain consulting and assessments (10%): Participate in planning and briefing sessions of the local Consulting team Support sustainable supply chain projects with subject matter expertise Participate in select consulting and research projects in the agriculture and food sector Geographic area of impact: Brazil Key stakeholders: Client / Suppliers Technical / Professional Qualifications / Requirements: Knowledge of legal and regulatory framework on labour issues in Brazil Knowledge of the food & agriculture industry (especially Coffee sector) Strong project management abilities; able to plan and implement work independently Ability to proactively communicate and network with variety of stakeholders Ability to communicate tactfully and manage sensitivities, especially in talking to workers in rural and low-income settings Strong problem-solving skills to anticipate challenges and identify solutions as they arise Portuguese skills (native speaker only) English skills (high proficiency) Basic computer skills and ability to adhere to new technologies Valid driver's license in Brazil to facilitate transportation during onsite visits Highly desirable: Knowledge of and/or experience in the Brazilian food and agricultural sector Familiarity with social certifications and auditing protocols/sustainability issues The ideal candidate should preferably be based in Minas Gerais, Brazil. All travel expenses related to farm visits will be fully covered. Our Values: Expertise: We value our experience, specialist knowledge, and pioneering history within the industry. But we also never stop looking for ways to learn and improve in the future. Integrity: We always do whats right, in the right way and continually measure our actions and their outcomes against rigorous criteria both those of stakeholders and our own. Ambition: We are industry leaders because we combine technology and innovation with the expertise of our people. We help our clients be the best they can be, by being the best we can be. Vision: We support our clients in the present and prepare them for future success, by using our sharp understanding of social, environmental, technological, and commercial changes to work towards a safer, cleaner, more sustainable future. Togetherness: We respect the unique skills, expertise and backgrounds of our people and the inclusive culture they create. We believe teamwork and collaboration internally and with our clients are the best way to achieve our mutual goals. #J-18808-Ljbffr