[stuart cragg]

stuart cragg

29/10/2020 at 10:53 am #34073

Biodynamic Association Certification are looking for a
Food Processing Certification & Project Officer
to join our team.

Starting salary £21,500 pro rata 0.6 FTE

Summary
We are a recognised Organic control body providing Organic and Biodynamic (Demeter) certification for over 270 licensees in the UK and Ireland.
The job entails making clear impartial certification decisions by reviewing assessment reports for compliance with organic and biodynamic standards. The role also involves administering BDA Certification’s risk based policy for unannounced inspections and laboratory testing requirements and responding to general enquiries from processors and traders. The post holder will report to the Managing Director.
The successful candidate is interested in biodynamic, organic and sustainable food and farming. prior knowledge or an undergraduate degree in these or related disciplines (Agriculture, Food Technology etc.), is desirable. It is essential that the candidate is self-motivating and enjoys working effectively in a small team. Full training is provided.
Salary & working hours
The role is based in our Stroud office. The starting salary is £21,500 pro rata 0.6 FTE (3 days per week). Working hours can be flexible which we are happy to discuss. The salary will be reviewed annually with a view to incremental increases. The role is initially 0.6 FTE; however, it is expected that this role could increase towards a full time position in the near future.
Overview of responsibilities
The Certification and Project Officer provides expertise within the Certification Office with regard to all matters concerning biodynamic & organic food processing, packing and trading. The role is primarily focused on the review of reports and certifying licensees for compliance with applicable standards.
Certification and Project Officers also engage on assigned development projects according to directions given by the Certification Board and certification manager.
Key tasks are as follows
• Review Assessment Reports for compliance to Demeter and Organic Standards.
• Make impartial Certification decisions as outlined in the BDA Certification operating procedures for assessments and certification.
• Reviewing initial applications and producing accurate application reports.
• Dealing with enquiries from food processors, packers and traders who are interested in certification for biodynamic and or organic food
• Providing Standards information for processors, packers, and traders
• Administration of licensees exports.
• Development of the certification system with regards to food processing – revision and development of assessment forms, procedures and documentation
• Participation in the on-going process of assessing and revising Demeter and Organic Standards in the UK & EU.
• Liaison with other Organic Certification Bodies including representing BDA Certification at the Certification Bodies Technical Working Group (CBTWG).
• Liaison with DEFRA and other public sector bodies where appropriate.
• Provide input into consultations from various stakeholder bodies as requested.
• Training inspectors and other certification officers as appropriate.
• Participation in workshops and events.
• Research and participation in development projects.
• Any other tasks as requested by the Administrator, Managing Director or Certification Board.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience
Certification and Project Officers are required to have detailed knowledge of the UK Demeter Standards and the UK & EU Organic Regulations. This will have been obtained through previous experience in biodynamic, organic or sustainable certification systems. Certification and Project Officers should hold a degree in a relevant field (food science & technology or similar). However, equivalent experience is also acceptable and training will be provided.
The position requires excellent IT skills, including Excel, Word and Outlook and the ability to work independently, make sound impartial decisions on certification matters, and to communicate effectively with other members of staff.
Additional tasks as requested:
• Maintain licensee information and certified products on the database.
• Support the Administrator with compiling reports to DEFRA and the EU as required, on statistics, new applications and withdrawals.
• Website and social media updating.
• Any other administrative, statistical and research tasks that arise.

Annual holidays
The normal annual holiday with pay is 21 days per year FTE. Additionally, you are entitled to Bank and other Public Holidays. A further day’s paid holiday is given for each full year’s completed service up to a maximum of 9 extra days. For employees working on a part-time basis, entitlement to holiday will be calculated using the ratio of hours/days worked to full time hours (37.5/week).
To apply for this post please send in your CV with a covering letter to certification@biodynamic.org.uk