Field Consultant Social Risks

Job ID:43585
Location:LRQA - Sao Paulo, Alphaville  
Position Category:Consulting
Position Type:Employee Fixed Term

Job Overview 

LRQA is seeking a Technical Field Consultant – Social Risks to work in the Conilon coffee chain in the regions of Linhares/ES and Teixeira de Freitas/BA. This is an excellent opportunity for professionals who want to be part of a growing multinational organization and work directly with measurable social impact.

What you will do:

It will work in high-risk rural contexts, conducting independent assessments to identify, prevent and remedy human rights violations. Its main focus will be:

• Preventing and combating forced labour
• Eradication of child labor
• Occupational health and safety, especially risks related to the use of pesticides on farms

You will work directly with suppliers, producers, rural workers and other stakeholders, contributing to transforming practices in the Conilon coffee chain.

Who You Are

Are you excited about the idea of working on challenges that really matter to the world? Then we want to meet you.

The Paper

As a Technical Field Consultant, you will be responsible for monitoring social practices on 4C certified farms, working on the prevention, mitigation and remediation of human rights risks. You will be the bridge between producers, workers and other stakeholders, promoting training and collaborative solutions that ensure social compliance and strengthen sustainable practices.

What We Expect From You

This position requires professional maturity, common sense, and the ability to act independently in sensitive and high-risk rural environments. You'll need to make decisions in the field based on real-world context, balancing risk mitigation, stakeholder engagement, and, when necessary, reporting critical situations to leadership.

We seek professionals with prior experience dealing with complex social issues in agricultural or rural contexts, especially where risks are not explicit or easily identifiable.

Success in this position depends on your professional judgment and your ability to read the context, not just follow checklists.

Responsibilities

Field Monitoring and Evaluation

• Conduct periodic visits to farms to monitor social practices and digitally record within our client's database
• Conduct on-site observations and informal interactions with workers to assess actual working conditions, going beyond formal documentation and managerial narratives
• Interview workers in a culturally sensitive and non-intimidating manner, ensuring trust, confidentiality, and protection from retaliation
• Identify red flags related to forced labor, child labor, and unsafe handling of agrochemicals, including inconsistencies between documentation, verbal statements, and observed practices

Risk Management and Remediation

• Exercise professional judgment to determine when risks can be addressed through dialogue and capacity building, and when it is necessary to report critical situations following internal protocols
• Identify social risks (child labour, working conditions, discrimination, etc.) and propose feasible action plans
• Support producers in implementing corrective measures with a collaborative, non-punitive approach

Capacity Building and Training

• Design and facilitate practical, context-specific trainings tailored to local realities
• Use accessible language and concrete examples to promote effective behavioral change

Documentation and Reporting

• Prepare follow-up reports and performance indicators (visits conducted, trainings conducted, non-conformities corrected)
• Operate autonomously in rural and high-risk environments, managing ambiguities, resistance, and sensitive situations with professionalism

Integrity and Confidentiality

• Maintain high integrity against information leaks, inappropriate interference, and bribery attempts
• Strictly comply with all company policies related to confidentiality and ethical conduct

Qualifications

Mandatory Requirements

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, Law, Accounting, Social Work or related areas
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in social compliance, human rights, rural development or responsible sourcing in high-risk contexts
• Proven experience in identifying and remediating human rights violations (forced labor, child labor, degrading conditions) in agricultural or rural settings
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement corrective action plans in complex rural environments, with measurable results
• Hands-on experience in the field is essential, purely administrative, academic or policy-focused backgrounds are not sufficient for this role
• In-depth knowledge of social risks in agriculture and specifically in the coffee chain

Technical Skills

• Advanced mastery of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and online research/reporting/analysis tools
• Excellent oral and written communication in Portuguese
• Effective negotiation and problem-solving skills with a conciliatory approach

Logistics Requirements

• Valid category B driver's license (or possibility to obtain)
• Availability to travel 80% of the time in the regions of Linhares/ES and Teixeira de Freitas/BA
• Comfortable working in rural and remote environments

Desirable Differentials

• Previous experience in social projects, consulting or auditing in agricultural chains with a focus on human rights due diligence
• Knowledge in certifications (4C, Rainforest Alliance, C.A.F.E. Practices)
• Knowledge of the social, cultural and labor dynamics of the interior of Espírito Santo and Bahia
• Understanding of occupational health and safety hazards related to pesticide handling, including worker exposure, PPE use, and risks involving minors
• Experience with sensitive case investigations and management of grievance mechanisms

Core Behavioral Skills

• Autonomy for strategic decision-making in sensitive situations, balancing risk mitigation, stakeholder engagement, and the need for escalation
• Ability to technically guide producers and cooperatives in strengthening social management systems and implementing preventive measures
• Emotional resilience and ethical judgment when dealing with sensitive human rights issues under local pressure
• Ability to act independently and objectively in multicultural environments with people from different socioeconomic levels
• Cultural sensitivity and global awareness
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with absolute discretion
• Unwavering professional integrity, including zero tolerance for bribery, undue influence, manipulation of information, or concealment of social risks

Diversity and Inclusion at LRQA:

We are on a mission to be the place where we all want to work and we are passionate about embracing different perspectives because we understand the value this brings to our business, our clients and each other. We are all about creating a safer and more sustainable future and our inclusive culture is right at the heart of our business.

Together our employees make our communities better and we want you to be part of our diverse team!

LRQA is a leading global assurance provider.  The integrity and expertise we bring to our partnership with clients support their journey to a safer, more secure and more sustainable future. (Group entities).

Copyright © LRQA 2021. All rights reserved. Terms of use.  Privacy Policy.