Call for Expression of Interest: Independent Investigation of a Complaint

The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) Complaints System is a fair, transparent, and impartial process designed to duly handle and address complaints against RSPO Members. In resolving complaints, the Complaints Panel may appoint independent investigators or experts in any relevant field and consider their reports.

To support the Complaints Panel’s investigation(s), the RSPO Secretariat is now seeking an independent investigator or expert to conduct an independent investigation regarding an active Complaint (Link to the Case Tracker: https://rspo.my.site.com/Complaint/s/case/500GB00003rVCvIYAW/detail).

QUALIFICATIONS

Interested individuals or consulting firms should meet the minimum requirements below: 

1. Proven track record in carrying out a similar study in the palm oil sector and/or agriculture industry.
2. Fluent in English and Spanish – both written and spoken.
3. Does not have a conflict of interest with the Respondent, the Complainant, or members of the RSPO.
4. Has sufficient knowledge of interpreting the RSPO Key Documents.
5. Able to carry out an independent analysis of the data captured to meet the objectives of the Terms of Reference (ToR).
6. Has knowledge of stakeholder engagement, human rights, Guatemalan labour law, regulations on property acquisition in Guatemala, environmental and water issues, land, and rural conflicts.
7. Has knowledge of occupational health and safety regulations in Guatemala.
8. Based in Latin America.
9. The team must include at least one person who works as a translator from Q’eqchi’ to Spanish and the translator must not have a conflict of interest with the Respondent, the Complainant, or members of the RSPO.

APPLICATIONS

Interested parties are invited to submit their proposals, including the following information in their expressions of interest:

1. A brief statement expressing the rationale for the application based on the qualifications required.
2. An overall work plan and timeline, including a fee quote.
3. Curriculum Vitae(s).
4. Examples of similar or previous projects demonstrating the ability to undertake work of a similar nature.
5. Declaration of any potential conflicts of interest with the related parties.
6. All documents submitted in response to the Terms of Reference (ToR) must be written in English.

For more information, please refer to the Terms of Reference (ToR) attached.

All applications must be emailed to [email protected] and copied to [email protected] by 5:30 PM (UTC-6) on 11 August 2025. Should you have any queries, please contact [email protected]. 

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The appointment of the successful candidate will be made by the RSPO Secretariat in consultation with the Complaints Panel.