Associate, Standard Development (Social & Human Rights)
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the leading global standard for organic textile processing, focusing on both ecological and social criteria. Our collective vision is that organic textiles will become a significant part of everyday life, enhancing people's lives and the environment. Global Standard gGmbH is the operating entity of GOTS.
Global Standard gGmbH seeks a motivated and passionate individual for a junior-level, remote position with fluency in English, with a requirement of occasional travel. Knowledge of German and / or French shall be an advantage.
Start date: at the earliest
Reporting to: Head of Sub-Unit
Key responsibilities:
Development and Implementation
• Assist in the ongoing development and refinement of the standard criteria related to human rights, working and employment conditions, and other social issues.
• Support the coordination and execution of social and human rights-related training activities for Certification Bodies.
• Contribute to the creation of innovative approaches and tools that align with or enhance verifiable criteria, under the guidance of the head of Sub-Unit.
• Facilitate communication with Standards Revision Committee and other external experts as needed.
Monitoring and Analysis
• Assist in benchmarking standard criteria and their implementation against key international human rights and labor norms, including those outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Labour Conventions, and the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
• Assist in developing tools to assist Certified Entities and Certification Bodies in implementing Due Diligence Criteria.
• Support the analysis and reporting on national and regional legislative initiatives related to mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence.
• Contribute to comparative analyses of the standard against other Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) and initiatives, aiming for enhanced compatibility and best practices.
• Engage in tracking developments in governmental and voluntary social sustainability criteria and initiatives, facilitating collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• Support the monitoring of social and human rights auditing activities by Certification Bodies to ensure quality and reliability.
• Participate in assessing and documenting the impact of requirements of human rights and social criteria on the ground.
Collaboration and Reporting
• Work closely with colleagues across departments to ensure a cohesive approach to human rights and social compliance.
• Prepare reports and updates for internal and external stakeholders, highlighting progress, challenges, and opportunities in human rights aspects related to certification.
Candidate profile:
• A degree in human rights, social sciences, law or related field.
• Initial working experience in law, human rights, or social compliance is advantageous but not required.
• Ability to write clearly and concisely about complex topics.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse and multicultural environment.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of German and French is considered an advantage.
We offer:
• A workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.
• A challenging, multifaceted, work-from-home position at a world-leading, internationally recognised standard-setting organization.
• The chance to support national and international movements towards sustainable textile production.
• Growth potential based on performance and job requirements.
• A highly motivated, worldwide team and harmonious work environment.
• Opportunities to advocate globally for human rights in textile production.
• In-depth exposure to business and human rights issues.
If you meet the above criteria and are interested in this position, please email your complete application to Jacqueline Schneider (hr@global-standard.org) by 31 March 2024.
Please include the following in your application:
• Subject line: “Associate, Standard Development (Social & Human Rights)”
• CV/Resume
• Motivation letter
• Salary expectations