Job Opening at Social Accountability Accreditation Services (SAAS)

Social Accountability Accreditation Services (SAAS) (Social Accountability International's sister organization) provides assurance that workplaces worldwide are safe, decent places to work and that human and labor rights are protected in the workplace.  We achieve this through the monitoring and oversight of certification bodies (CB) and other organizations that conduct social audits against the Social Accountability SA8000 Standard and the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) Code of Conduct.  As the highest level of quality assurance and oversight for several widely used social auditing systems, SAAS plays a critical role in providing credible and reliable audits that protect the rights of workers. SAAS began work as a department of Social Accountability International (SAI) but was established as an independent not-for-profit organization in 2007

The Program Manager is a key member of the SAAS team.  The primary functions of the Program Manager are to improve SAAS oversight and program delivery and provide client management for one of SAAS’s main program areas.  These activities include:

1. Monitoring and Evaluation:
   • Manage data analysis, develop and improve metrics and indicators;
   • Use data to improve SAAS’s processes and procedures across systems; 
   • Oversee development, implementation and maintenance of database and related systems for data collection and analysis;
   • Provide technical input on SAAS policies and procedures across programs;
2. Manage the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) oversight program:
3. Oversee related structure, policies and procedures of the compliance system;
4. Undertake client relations and budget management;
5. Coordinate implementation of oversight program.

This is a fast paced job that involves communicating with international stakeholders and managing multiple tasks simultaneously.  The program manager position requires:

• a highly organized and motivated individual;
• knowledge and skills in the areas of compliance, labor rights and human rights issues;
• understanding of labor conditions in both the developing and the developed world;
• demonstration of a commitment to the philosophy of corporate social responsibility and social auditing. 

As providing technical input on SAAS policies and procedures for accreditation and auditing is a key function, the ideal candidate will have experience conducting audits and an understanding of the corrective action process.  Strong analytic skills are required as is experience working with both quantitative and qualitative data. 

Applicants should have demonstrated experience:

• managing projects and the ability to handle a large volume of work spread across projects and programs;
• excellent communication skills;
• the ability to effectively engage with stakeholders on a variety of technical and programmatic issues;
• appreciate and engage effectively with a diverse range of personalities, cultures, and working styles amongst other individuals involved in accreditation and certification scheme management; and
• a balance of ability to understand and enforce requirements while having sensitivity to client needs.

The responsibilities of the Program Manager include:

• Manage the BSCI program, maintaining the relationship between SAAS and its client.
• Manage SAAS oversight of the 19 certification bodies that conduct BSCI audits.
• Represent SAAS and its assurance responsibilities at BSCI related meetings.
• Ensure effective oversight of the BSCI system through implementing policies and procedures, monitoring the outcomes of SAAS assessment and coordinating with international field staff.
• Monitor the status of corrective actions issued by SAAS during oversight audits; manage the process of closure of non-conformities.
• Provide technical input on SAAS policies and procedures, improve upon existing methodologies and develop additional oversight tools and systems.
• Oversee development and implementation of the database and related systems for data collection and analysis.
• Regularly identify and report on key accreditation metrics internally; develop and improve metrics and indicators for evaluating certification body (CB) performance.

Travel:

Some international and national travel required.

Experience and skills:

Experience:

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in relevant field; Master’s strongly preferred.
• 3-5 years program management experience.
• 2-3 years’ experience working in CSR, management system auditing, social compliance or a related field.
• Auditing experience (field auditing experience conducting social or environmental audits preferred).
• Experience working with databases (e.g. Salesforce, Access) and analytic software (e.g. Excel, SPSS).
• Proven ability to effectively manage a project, a high volume of work, communication with diverse stakeholders (including staff, personnel and clients) and numerous details.
• Proven ability to coordinate with multiple project participants in a time sensitive environment.

Skills:

• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Strong data analysis skills and ability to use results to create or optimize relevant metrics and indicators.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to think critically and devise creative and effective solutions to problems.
• Ability to prioritize workload and manage multiple activities and projects simultaneously.

Location:

Position is located in New York City.  SAAS is unable to sponsor work visas or cover moving expenses.

Application Deadline:

November 14, 2014

Approximate Start Date:

December 1, 2014

Salary Range:

SAAS, an equal opportunity employer, is committed to developing an enthusiastic and diverse work force.  Compensation is commensurate with experience and appropriate for a charitable organization of SAAS’s size.  We offer an excellent benefits package.

Please send a resume and a cover letter describing yourself, your interest in this specific position, and your relevant experience to SAAS-Recruits@saasaccreditation.org and reference “SAAS Program Manager” or fax to 212-684-1515. No phone calls, please. No applications will be considered without a relevant cover letter.