Application Guide

How to Apply for Technical Specialist I, SPO

at SCS Global Services

🏢 About SCS Global Services

SCS Global Services is a pioneering Benefit Corporation that has been a leader in third-party sustainability certification for over 40 years, working across natural resources, food and agriculture, consumer products, and climate sectors. What sets SCS apart is its commitment to sound science and socially responsible business practices, offering employees the chance to drive meaningful environmental and social impact while working with a diverse range of clients and international affiliates.

About This Role

As a Technical Specialist I in Sustainable Palm Oil (SPO), you will conduct onsite and remote audits against RSPO standards, manage certification projects from planning to report completion, and provide technical support to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements. This role is pivotal in advancing sustainable palm oil practices and supply chain verification, directly contributing to SCS's mission of driving positive change through certification.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve conducting a remote audit for an RSPO client, reviewing documents and interviewing key personnel, followed by writing up audit findings and communicating with the Technical Manager. You might also participate in internal meetings to discuss program quality initiatives, coordinate with international affiliates on certification activities, or prepare for an upcoming onsite audit by reviewing client documentation and planning logistics.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who SCS Global Services Is Looking For

  • Background in sustainability, environmental science, agriculture, or a related field, with knowledge of certification standards and auditing principles.
  • Experience with sustainable palm oil (RSPO) or similar sustainability certification programs, and familiarity with supply chain verification and responsible sourcing.
  • Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple audits and technical reviews simultaneously while adhering to quality management systems.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with clients, auditors, international affiliates, and internal teams, and a willingness to develop technical expertise in SPO certification.

📝 Tips for Applying to SCS Global Services

1

Highlight any experience with RSPO, sustainable palm oil, or other sustainability certification schemes (e.g., FSC, Rainforest Alliance) in your resume and cover letter.

2

Emphasize your ability to manage certification projects end-to-end, including audit planning, report writing, and client communication, as this is a core function of the role.

3

Demonstrate familiarity with accreditation requirements and quality management systems, as the role ensures compliance with these standards.

4

Showcase your technical writing skills by providing examples of audit reports, technical reviews, or similar documents you have produced.

5

Mention any experience working with international affiliates or remote teams, as the role involves collaboration across global offices.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your specific interest in sustainable palm oil and how you align with SCS's mission of advancing sustainability through third-party certification.", 'Relevant experience with RSPO standards, auditing, or certification processes, and how you have applied them in previous roles.', 'Your project management abilities, particularly in handling multiple certification projects and ensuring compliance with accreditation requirements.', 'Your collaborative skills and experience working with diverse stakeholders, including clients, auditors, and international teams.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → SCS Global Services' history, mission, and their role as a Benefit Corporation, including their specific work in sustainable palm oil certification.
  • → The RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) standards, certification process, and current issues in sustainable palm oil supply chains.
  • → SCS's other certification programs and clients to understand the breadth of their work and how SPO fits into their portfolio.
  • → Recent news or reports about SCS Global Services, such as new certifications, partnerships, or impact stories, to reference in your application.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Your understanding of RSPO certification principles and how you would apply them in audits.
2 How you manage competing priorities when handling multiple certification projects with tight deadlines.
3 A time when you identified a non-conformity during an audit and how you handled communication with the client.
4 Your familiarity with quality management systems and accreditation requirements in certification bodies.
5 How you stay updated with evolving sustainability standards and incorporate them into your work.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not demonstrating specific knowledge of sustainable palm oil or RSPO standards, which is central to this role.
  • Failing to provide concrete examples of project management or auditing experience, as the role requires hands-on certification work.
  • Using generic language about sustainability without connecting it to SCS's specific approach and the technical aspects of SPO certification.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to SCS Global Services!

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