Job description

Follow through all processes and ensure ISO certification is attained whilst ensuring ongoing compliance with the ISO standard. Additionally, seek guidance from experienced consultants or professionals with expertise in ISO certification to help streamline the process and ensure successful certification. By fulfilling these responsibilities, an ISO Associate contributes to the successful implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of ISO standards within GLF, ultimately enhancing quality and efficiency..

RESPONSIBLITIES: 

1. Identify Applicable ISO Standard: Determine which ISO standard is most relevant to the operations and objectives of Gudie Leisure Farm. For example, ISO 9001 is a quality management standard that can be applied to various types of organizations, including incubation centers. ISO 22000 may be relevant if the center is involved in food safety management. 
2. Understanding ISO Standards: Ensure a thorough understanding of the ISO standards relevant to the GLF’s operations, such as ISO 9001 for quality management systems or ISO 22000 for food safety management systems and relay the same to all stakeholders.
3. Develop Documentation and Processes: Establish documented procedures, policies, and processes that align with the requirements of the chosen ISO standard. This may include quality management processes, documentation control, risk management, and operational procedures quality manuals, procedures, work instructions, forms, and records. Ensure that all documentation aligns with ISO requirements and is easily accessible to relevant personnel.
4. Process Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvement within the incubation center to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance with ISO standards. Implement corrective and preventive actions to address non-conformities and improve overall performance.
5. Training and Awareness: Ensure that staff members are trained and aware of their roles and responsibilities in implementing the ISO requirements. Training may include ISO awareness training, quality management principles, and specific procedures relevant to their roles, internal audit training, and specific training on quality management principles.
6. Implementation and Compliance Assessment: Implement the documented processes and procedures throughout the organization. 
7. Internal Audits: Conduct internal audits to assess compliance with the ISO requirements and identify any areas for improvement or corrective action. Plan, schedule these to assess the effectiveness of the center's quality management system and adherence to ISO standards. Identify areas of improvement and non-conformities, and work with relevant stakeholders to implement corrective actions.
8. Risk Management: Implement risk management processes to identify, assess, and mitigate risks that may impact the achievement of ISO objectives and compliance. Develop risk registers, conduct risk assessments, and establish risk mitigation strategies as necessary.
9. Communication and Liaison: Serve as a liaison between GLF’s management team and external auditors during ISO certification audits. Communicate audit findings, recommendations, and corrective actions to relevant stakeholders and ensure timely resolution of issues.
10. Preparation for Certification Audit: Prepare for the external certification audit conducted by an accredited certification body. This may involve conducting a gap analysis, addressing any non-conformities identified during internal audits, and ensuring that all necessary documentation and records are in place.
11. Certification Audit: In collaboration with the COO participate in the certification body will conduct an initial certification audit to evaluate the organization's compliance with the ISO standard. This audit typically involves reviewing documentation, interviewing staff, and assessing the effectiveness of implemented processes and procedures.
12. Corrective Action and Follow-up: Address any findings or non-conformities identified during the certification audit. Implement corrective actions to resolve issues and ensure ongoing compliance with ISO requirements.
13. Continuous Improvement: Maintain the ISO certification by continuously monitoring and improving the effectiveness of the quality management system. 
14. This includes conducting regular internal audits, management reviews, and addressing opportunities for improvement identified through monitoring and measurement processes.
15. Facilitate a culture of continuous improvement within the incubation center by promoting ongoing monitoring, measurement, and analysis of processes and performance indicators. 
16. Identify trends, best practices, and areas for innovation to enhance ISO compliance and overall organizational effectiveness.
17. Documentation of Compliance: Maintain records of ISO compliance activities, including audit reports, corrective actions, management reviews, and certifications. Ensure that all documentation is accurate, up-to-date, and accessible for external audits and regulatory compliance purposes.
18. Support Management Reviews: Assist in the preparation and conduct of management reviews to evaluate the performance of the quality management system, identify opportunities for improvement, and ensure alignment with organizational objectives and ISO requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Educational Background: A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as quality management, business administration. Advanced degrees or certifications in quality management systems or ISO standards may be advantageous.
2. Knowledge of ISO Standards: A comprehensive understanding of ISO standards relevant to the organization's operations, such as ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems), ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management Systems), or others. Familiarity with the requirements, principles, and implementation guidelines of ISO standards is essential.
3. Quality Management Experience: Previous experience working in quality management, compliance, auditing, or related roles is highly desirable. Experience with implementing and maintaining ISO standards within an organization is a significant asset.
4. Auditing Skills: Proficiency in conducting internal audits to assess compliance with ISO standards and identify areas for improvement. Knowledge of audit principles, techniques, and methodologies is beneficial. Certification as an internal auditor (e.g., ISO 9001 Lead Auditor).
5. Documentation and Process Management: Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for managing documentation related to ISO compliance, including quality manuals, procedures, work instructions, forms, and records. Experience with document control systems is beneficial.
6. Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and problem-solve to address non-conformities, improve processes, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
7. Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effectively communicating ISO requirements, procedures, and recommendations to stakeholders at all levels of the organization. Strong interpersonal skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and building positive relationships.
8. Project Management Skills: Experience in project management, including planning, organizing, and implementing ISO compliance initiatives within established timelines and budgets.
9. Attention to Compliance and Regulatory Requirements: Knowledge of relevant industry regulations, standards, and legal requirements related to ISO compliance and quality management systems.
10. Continuous Improvement Mindset: A proactive attitude toward continuous learning, professional development, and driving improvements in ISO compliance processes and practices.
11. Certifications: While not always required, certifications related to ISO standards or quality management systems (e.g., Certified ISO 9001 Lead Implementer, Certified Quality Auditor) can enhance credibility and qualifications for the role.