Trainee Auditor - Environment and Sustainability

Company Description

At QIMA, we are on a mission to offer our clients smart solutions to make products you can trust. 

Operating in over 100 countries, we serve the consumer products, food, and life sciences industries and help more than 30,000 brands, retailers, manufacturers, and growers achieve quality excellence. 

We combine on-the-ground expertise with digital solutions that bring accuracy, transparency and intelligence for quality and compliance data. 

What sets us apart is our unique culture. Our 6,000 Qimates live and make decisions every day by our QIMA Values. With client passion, integrity, and a commitment to making things simple, we disrupted the Testing, Inspection, and Certification industry. Are you ready to hop on this exciting ride with us and help us achieve our mission? 

Our Consumer Products Division is dedicated to helping brands, retailers and manufacturers worldwide deliver safe, quality and ethically made products to their consumers. Every day at work, our inspectors, auditors, and lab techs use their expertise to help safeguard the products you use every day in your home: from clothes and footwear to toys and baby products, to electronics, appliances, and furniture.  

Job Description

• This opportunity is open to graduate students and junior professionals based in United States who are interested in developing an international career in social compliance, sustainability, and auditing.

  As a Trainee Auditor, you will receive training and support to develop as a SMETA auditor and progress toward obtaining Certified Social Compliance Auditor (CSCA) status through APSCA.

Key Responsibilities

• You will be expected to:

• Conduct social compliance and environmental audits at the manufacturing sites of our clients’ suppliers, including announced and, where applicable, unannounced audits.
• Assess compliance with applicable international standards, SMETA requirements, client-specific procedures, and relevant local regulations.
• Evaluate areas including labor and human rights, occupational health and safety, environmental management, business ethics, and responsible business practices.
• Identify potential violations and objectively document audit findings, evidence, and observations.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and detailed audit reports for clients.​​​​​​​

APSCA Certification Pathway

• As part of the role, the selected candidate will be responsible for:

• Completing the APSCA registration process.
• Participating in the required training and development activities.
• Preparing for, taking, and successfully passing all required APSCA examinations.
• Fulfilling the applicable APSCA requirements to obtain CSCA status.

• Successful completion of the APSCA certification pathway and achievement of CSCA status are essential components of the position.

• Maintain a professional, independent, impartial, and ethical approach throughout the audit process.
• Interact professionally with factory management and employees while maintaining confidentiality and protecting the integrity of the audit.
• Travel internationally and work at different manufacturing sites, as required.
• Participate in client meetings and provide input to develop quality control procedures based on specific client requirements.
• Contribute ideas to improve the quality, efficiency, and consistency of Operations projects.
• Participate in internal training, calibration sessions, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Currently completing the final semesters of a master’s degree, preferably in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, Corporate Social Responsibility, Human Resources, Occupational Health and Safety, or a related field.
• Strong interest in developing an international career in social compliance, sustainability, and auditing.
• Fluent English, both written and spoken.
• Strong analytical, communication, interviewing, and report-writing skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to assess information objectively.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, discretion, and independence.
• Ability to interact effectively with factory management, employees, clients, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple assignments.
• Valid passport and, where applicable, a valid visa.
• Availability to travel approximately 80% of the time, including international travel.
• Previous experience in auditing, manufacturing, sustainability, environmental management, human resources, or compliance is desirable but not required.
• Willingness and ability to complete the APSCA certification pathway and obtain CSCA status.

Additional Information

• Contract type: Independent Contractor.
• Monthly compensation: USD 1000
• Travel requirements: Approximately 80% of the time.
• Business travel expenses will be covered by the company, including meals, transportation, airfare, accommodation, and local transportation related to audits.
• APSCA program registration will be covered by the company.
• The company will cover the fees for all required APSCA examinations.
• Training, mentoring, and ongoing support will be provided throughout the development process.
• The position offers professional growth opportunities in sustainability, social compliance, responsible sourcing, and auditing.
• Candidates must maintain a valid passport and any visas required for their assigned destinations.