Biodiversity Certification Consultant (External) at Save The Slum Initiative

Position Overview

• The Biodiversity Certification Consultant will guide the project toward achieving recognized biodiversity conservation certification (preferably Rainforest Alliance or equivalent) ensuring farming practices meet international sustainability standards.
• This specialized consultancy requires deep expertise in agricultural certification systems and proven experience supporting smallholder farmers in accessing premium markets through verified sustainable production practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Standards Assessment: Conduct comprehensive review of project interventions including pollinator habitat creation, soil microbiome enhancement practices, native hedgerow establishment, and integrated pest management protocols to ensure alignment with recognized biodiversity certification standards. Identify gaps and develop action plans for compliance achievement.
• Audit Preparation: Guide STSI team and participating farmers through certification preparation process including documentation development, record-keeping system establishment, and compliance training ensuring readiness for formal certification audits. Develop standard operating procedures meeting certification requirements while remaining practical for smallholder implementation.
• Site Verification: Conduct detailed on-site audits of demonstration plots verifying compliance with biodiversity conservation criteria including native species protection, pollinator habitat quality, pesticide use restrictions, and ecosystem service provision. Document evidence supporting certification applications while identifying areas requiring improvement.
• Farmer Training: Develop and deliver training programs educating farmers about certification requirements, sustainable production practices, and record-keeping obligations necessary for maintaining certified status. Create user-friendly documentation tools and monitoring systems enabling farmers to demonstrate ongoing compliance.
• Corrective Action Planning: Identify non-compliance issues and develop detailed corrective action plans with specific timelines, responsible parties, and verification procedures. Provide ongoing technical assistance helping farmers and project staff implement necessary improvements while maintaining production efficiency.
• Certification Coordination: Liaise with certifying bodies throughout application and assessment process ensuring smooth certification procedures, timely submission of required documentation, and effective communication during audit visits. Coordinate with certification agencies to schedule assessments and address any compliance concerns.
• Market Linkage Support: Advise on branding strategies, premium market positioning, and documentation requirements supporting biodiversity-friendly product marketing. Help develop value propositions highlighting conservation benefits while connecting farmers with buyers specifically seeking certified sustainable products.
• Monitoring System Development: Establish ongoing monitoring and verification systems ensuring continued compliance with certification standards beyond initial certification achievement. Train local staff in internal audit procedures and develop sustainability plans for long-term certification maintenance.

Specific Certification Focus Areas

• Biodiversity Conservation: Verify protection and enhancement of native plant and animal species, pollinator habitat quality, and ecosystem service provision across project sites.
• Chemical Management: Ensure compliance with restricted pesticide lists, integrated pest management implementation, and residue monitoring procedures.
• Social Standards: Document fair labor practices, community engagement processes, and gender inclusion initiatives meeting certification social criteria.
• Environmental Management: Verify soil conservation practices, water resource protection, and waste management systems supporting environmental sustainability requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Professional certification as lead auditor for recognized sustainability standards (Rainforest Alliance, UTZ, Organic, Fair Trade) with minimum 5 years' experience auditing or consulting on agricultural certification projects in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Deep understanding of biodiversity conservation principles and smallholder farming systems.

Technical Expertise:

• Comprehensive knowledge of international sustainability standards, certification procedures, and market requirements for certified agricultural products.
• Experience with pollinator conservation, agroforestry systems, soil health management, and integrated pest management approaches supporting biodiversity objectives.

Professional Skills:

• Excellent analytical and training abilities with proven track record supporting farmers through certification processes.
• Strong communication skills for coordination with certification bodies, farmers, NGOs, and market actors while maintaining objectivity and professional standards.