Certification Officer Ibero Uganda Limited

We are all about Coffee Today, Tomorrow, Together!
Ibero Uganda Limited is a company of the Neumann Kaffee Gruppe (NKG) and one of the leading exporters of high-quality coffee, with warehouses and processing facilities in Kampala and out-stations in all coffee-growing regions of Uganda. Ibero Uganda has been working towards better integration in the local market and has become a professional, long-term, and trusted business partner towards its suppliers and customers. Our commitment to developing the Ugandan coffee industry is unwavering, and we are proud of our positive contribution to the industry.

The position will be based in Kampala and reports to the Internal Control Supervisor.
The Certification Officer is responsible for ensuring coffee products and processes meet specific standards and certifications set by regulatory bodies. He/she will help maintain the integrity of coffee certifications, which are crucial for sustainability, ethical sourcing, and meeting consumer expectations.

Responsibilities
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop and establish clear certification standards related to coffee quality, sustainability, organic farming, fair trade practices, or other relevant criteria.
• Receive and review certification applications from coffee producers, exporters, and organizations to ensure they meet the specified criteria and required documentation.
Conduct on-site audits and assessments of coffee farms, processing facilities, and supply chain partners to verify compliance with established standards and regulations.
• Analyse audit results and assess whether Ibero Uganda Ltd comply with the established certification standards, including quality, sustainability, fair trade practices, and other criteria.
• Offer guidance, feedback, and recommendations to Ibero Uganda Ltd regarding necessary improvements or modifications to achieve and maintain certification compliance.
• Handle disputes or issues related to certification compliance, working to resolve conflicts while upholding the integrity of the certification process.
Keep accurate and up-to-date records of coffee certifications, audits, assessments, and related documentation, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with coffee producers, cooperatives, exporters, and other stakeholders to educate them about certification requirements, best practices, and the benefits of compliance.
• Ensure that the certification processes adhere to all legal and regulatory requirements relevant to Ibero Uganda Ltd.
• Prepare and present regular reports summarizing certification activities, audit results, compliance trends, and recommendations to management and other stakeholders.
• Conduct educational workshops and training sessions to promote understanding and adoption of certification standards for Ibero Uganda Ltd employees and farmers at large.
• Provide excellent customer service by addressing inquiries, concerns, and requests from clients, coffee producers, and stakeholders in a timely and professional manner.

Your Profile
• Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Business Administration, or a related field. Advanced degrees may be preferred.
• Deep understanding of the coffee industry, including coffee production processes, supply chain dynamics, market trends, and sustainability practices.
• In-depth knowledge of major coffee sustainability certification schemes such as Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, Organic, UTZ, and others.
• Experience in managing and overseeing certification processes, including auditing, compliance assessment, and ensuring adherence to certification standards.
• Understanding of environmental and social responsibility principles relevant to the coffee industry, including sustainable farming practices.
• Intercultural competence and strong communication skills with the ability to build positive work relationships with all stakeholders.
• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure
• Strong sense of urgency and achievement (result oriented)
• Fluent in English/ Luganda is an added advantage
• Must have impeccable character and high integrity.

Our staff appreciates
• Working in an international atmosphere in a growing and progressive company
• Opportunities to learn and grow including vocational training options
• Flexible working hours including a mobile work option
• An attractive salary with extra benefits (Medical and Life Assurance scheme, and subsidized meals)
• A great working environment and a supportive team
• 40 working hours per week, Monday to Friday