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.

QUALIFICATIONS

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

1. Regional expertise: Based in Latin America, preferably with specific experience working in Mexico;

2. Relevant sector experience: Proven track record in conducting similar investigations or studies within the palm oil sector and/or the agriculture industry;

3. Language proficiency: Fluent in English and Spanish – both written and spoken;

4. Independence and impartiality: Does not have a conflict of interest with the Respondent (Industrias Oleopalma S.A. de C.V.), the Complainant, any entities or individuals listed in the Complaint, or staff members of the RSPO Secretariat;

5. RSPO knowledge: Has sufficient knowledge of interpreting the RSPO Key Documents;

6. Able to carry out an independent analysis of the data captured to meet the objectives in item (2.0) above;

7. Legal expertise, and environmental and social context: 

1. Has a proven track record in stakeholder engagement, Mexican labour law, and regulations on property acquisition in Mexico.
2. Has knowledge of the application of the Mexican Standard NMX-F-817-SCFI-2020 and the other official Mexican standards that complement said standard. .

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 17 October 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.