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 independent Complaints Panel may appoint independent investigators or experts in any relevant field and consider their reports.

To support the independent 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: click here).

QUALIFICATIONS

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

1. Regional expertise: Based in Indonesia, preferably with specific knowledge of Indonesian palm oil business practices, and experience in engaging with stakeholders surrounding palm oil business operations in Indonesia.
2. Relevant sector experience: Has a proven track record in conducting similar desktop and on-site investigations or studies within the palm oil sector and/or the agriculture industry.
3. Language proficiency: Fluent in English and Bahasa Indonesia, both written and spoken.
4. Independence and impartiality:  Does not have a conflict of interest with the Respondent in the Complaint (i.e., PT Guntung Idamannusa) and/or any other entity affiliated with Musim Mas Holdings Pte Ltd, the Complainant in the Complaint, any entities or individuals listed in the Complaint, or members of the RSPO Secretariat.
5. RSPO knowledge: Has sufficient knowledge and experience in interpreting the RSPO Key Documents.
6. Social and Environmental Impact and Good Agricultural Practices knowledge:Has sufficient knowledge and experience in assessing social and environmental impacts and good agricultural practices in relation to replanting processes.
7. Analytical and Reporting competency: Has a proven track record in independently analysing and verifying multidisciplinary data from various sources (e.g., interviews with members of the surrounding community, legal documents, operational documents, social/environmental assessments, maps, satellite imagery, etc.) and producing comprehensive findings in line with the investigation objectives set out in Paragraph 2.1 of the Terms of Reference (ToR) for this independent investigation.
8. Legal expertise and social context: Preferably has sufficient knowledge and capacity to analyse applicable Indonesian laws and regulations relevant to:
   1. Socio-environmental conflicts and remedial measures;
   2. Environmental protection and management;
   3. Replanting procedures;
   4. Agricultural pest management for oil palm and coconut plantations; and
   5. Corporate social responsibility.

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; and
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+7:00), 26 September 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 independent Complaints Panel.