Assurance Programme Manager

Location

Brussels, Belgium (hybrid) or remote within working hours broadly compatible with CET

Reports To

Head of Standards and Assurance

Contract

Full-time

Travel

International travel required

About SSI

The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) is a global multi-stakeholder sustainability assurance and certification initiative dedicated to advancing responsible, transparent and sustainable solar value chains worldwide.

SSI brings together manufacturers, project developers, buyers, policymakers, financial institutions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to strengthen sustainability performance and support responsible solar deployment globally.

As SSI continues to grow, we are seeking an Assurance Programme Manager to help deliver and strengthen the integrity, effectiveness and impact of our standards and assurance system.

The Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to help shape a rapidly growing global sustainability initiative operating at the intersection of renewable energy, responsible sourcing, supply-chain traceability and human rights due diligence.

The Assurance Programme Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day management and quality oversight of SSI's assurance programme and will contribute to the development and implementation of SSI's ESG and Supply Chain Traceability Standards.

The role combines programme delivery, assurance oversight, standards development, data analysis, stakeholder engagement and capacity building.

Key ResponsibilitiesAssurance Programme Delivery

• Coordinate and oversee SSI assessments from initiation through certification decisions.
• Monitor assessment quality, timelines and consistency.
• Support continuous improvement of assurance processes and methodologies.
• Maintain oversight of assessment activities across regions, sites and assessment bodies.

Assessment Body & Auditor Management

• Serve as a primary operational contact for approved assessment bodies.
• Support approval, onboarding, calibration and performance monitoring of assessors.
• Maintain assessor competency and qualification records.
• Coordinate corrective actions and improvement measures where necessary.

Quality & Assurance Integrity

• Review assessment reports and assurance outputs for quality and consistency.
• Support interpretation of requirements and technical guidance.
• Coordinate shadow assessments and other assurance oversight activities.
• Support investigations into complaints, disputes and assurance-related incidents.

Standards Development & System Improvement

• Contribute to the ongoing revision and improvement of SSI Standards.
• Support stakeholder consultations and standards development processes.
• Draft guidance documents, FAQs and technical interpretations.
• Support alignment with ISEAL good practice and international sustainability frameworks.

Data, Monitoring & Reporting

• Maintain assurance programme data and reporting systems.
• Develop dashboards and KPIs.
• Analyse trends, findings and systemic risks.
• Prepare internal reports and recommendations.

Stakeholder Engagement & Capacity Building

• Deliver training and calibration sessions.
• Support members and assessment bodies in understanding SSI requirements.
• Represent SSI in meetings, webinars and technical working groups.
• Contribute to collaboration with other sustainability initiatives and standards systems.
  

About YouEssential Experience

• 5-7+ years of experience in sustainability standards, certification, auditing, assurance, responsible sourcing or related fields.
• Strong understanding of third-party assurance and certification systems.
• Experience working with audit firms, certification bodies or independent assessors.
• Experience conducting, managing or reviewing ESG, social, environmental or supply-chain assessments.
• Knowledge of audit methodologies, corrective actions and conformity assessment principles.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
  

Highly Desirable

• Experience with sustainability standards and certification systems.
• Familiarity with ISEAL Codes of Good Practice.
• Human rights and labour-rights auditing experience.
• Responsible sourcing and OECD-aligned due diligence expertise.
• Supply-chain traceability or chain-of-custody systems experience.
• Experience in renewable energy, solar, manufacturing, metals or complex international supply chains.
• Experience working in Asia, particularly China.
• Auditor qualifications or recognised auditing certifications.
  

Personal Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management abilities.
• Strong organisational and programme management skills.
• Ability to balance technical rigour with practical implementation.
• Comfortable working independently within a small international team.
• Commitment to integrity, collaboration and continuous improvement.
  

What We Offer

• A mission-driven role supporting responsible solar supply chains globally.
• The opportunity to influence the development of a leading international sustainability assurance system.
• Exposure to cutting-edge issues in traceability, responsible sourcing, ESG and human rights due diligence.
• Flexible and remote-friendly working arrangements.
• An international, collaborative and values-driven team environment.
• Professional development and learning opportunities.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
  

How to Apply

Please submit:

• A CV (maximum two pages)
• A cover letter explaining your motivation and how your experience aligns with the role requirements

Applications should be sent to: contact@solarstewardshipinitiative.org

Application deadline: 23 October 2026

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

SSI is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, nationalities, identities and experiences, and encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.