Qualifications required. The independent auditor must possess integrity and have a track record of conducting similar audits, be objective and have the capacity to conduct systematic analysis. The independent auditor must be independent from Liberian operators and Liberian institutions that have a commercial or regulatory role in the forestry sector and be credible. It is the responsibility of the independent auditor to ensure that its personnel declare any potential conflict of interests and, where these exist, to state what measures it will take to mitigate such conflicts. In addition to this requirement, the independent auditor shall meet the following other requirements: (a) having a documented internal quality management system that meets the requirements of ISO 17021 (1) or equivalent standards and conduct audits in accordance with procedures that meet ISO 19011 (2) or equivalent standards; (b) having experience in audits of management systems; (c) having in place a mechanism for transparently handling complaints or grievances; (d) having a range of competencies including audit, preferably in forest management, and sufficient expertise and experience in performing similar functions in other parts of the world, preferably in Africa; (e) being able to demonstrate that its teams include experts with sufficient experience in Liberia and/or elsewhere in West Africa. The involvement of experts from the sub-region is to be encouraged alongside international experts; (f) having a thorough understanding of the commercial forestry sector, preferably in Africa; (g) having personnel with expertise in various fields of forestry, including forest management, processing, traceability and chain of custody systems, and international trade in timber and timber products. The independent auditor may consider a partnership or joint venture with a Liberian organization. (1) ISO/IEC 17021:2006. Conformity assessment - Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems. (2) ISO 19011:2002. Guidelines for quality and/or environmental management systems auditing.
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Sources: Voluntary Partnership Agreement, Voluntary Partnership Agreement, Voluntary Partnership Agreement