ISO/IEC 17020 Inspection Body Accreditation Consultant

Objective
The primary objective of this role is to provide specialized consulting services aimed at qualifying entities, both governmental and private, to obtain accreditation in accordance with the requirements of the Saudi Accreditation Center (SAAC). This involves designing and implementing a comprehensive Inspection Body Management System that complies with the international standard ISO/IEC 17020 and industry best practices.

Duties and Responsibilities
The consultant will be responsible for a dual set of duties, encompassing both the strategic implementation of the ISO/IEC 17020 standard and the technical oversight of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) operations.

I. Consulting Responsibilities (ISO/IEC 17020)

The consultant will conduct comprehensive current-state analyses and gap assessments against ISO/IEC 17020 and SAAC requirements. Based on these findings, they will design and develop a robust Inspection Body Management System tailored to the organization's specific needs. This includes preparing all necessary accreditation documentation, such as policies, procedures, forms, and records.
Furthermore, the consultant will determine the appropriate scope of accreditation and classify the inspection body as Type A, B, or C. They will develop detailed competency matrices for inspectors and technical staff. To ensure readiness, the consultant will execute internal audits and facilitate mock assessments. They will also compile and organize the required evidence, documentation, and records for the accreditation assessment, providing end-to-end support during the application and assessment phases, including the effective resolution of any non-conformities.

II. Technical Responsibilities (Non-Destructive Testing - NDT)
In a technical capacity, the consultant will oversee Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) activities to ensure strict compliance with international standards, such as ASNT and ISO. They will review and approve inspection procedures and testing techniques, encompassing Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Radiographic Testing (RT), Penetrant Testing (PT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), and Visual Testing (VT).
The consultant will assess the technical competence of NDT inspectors and technicians, developing targeted qualification and training programs to address any identified gaps. They must ensure all technical operations align seamlessly with ISO/IEC 17020 requirements and relevant regulatory frameworks. Additionally, the consultant will participate in defining the technical scope of accreditation specifically related to inspection and testing activities, and provide expert technical support during on-site evaluation visits by the accreditation body.

Qualifications and Experience
The ideal candidate will possess a strong educational background coupled with extensive practical experience in both quality management systems and technical inspection methodologies. A Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field is required. The candidate must have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in engineering or industrial inspection.
Furthermore, proven practical experience in implementing or qualifying organizations for ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation is essential. The candidate must also demonstrate expertise and practical experience in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methodologies. While not strictly required, it is highly preferred that the candidate is a Certified Lead Auditor for ISO/IEC 17020 or ISO 9001, and possesses in-depth, detailed knowledge of the Saudi Accreditation Center (SAAC) requirements and processes.

Core Competencies and Skills
To succeed in this role, the consultant must demonstrate a blend of analytical, communicative, and technical skills. Strong integration skills are necessary to bridge the gap between technical operational requirements and formal accreditation standards. The candidate must also exhibit proficiency in conducting gap analyses and formulating effective qualification and remediation plans.
Excellent skills in training, coaching, and transferring knowledge to inspectors and technical personnel are crucial for this position. The consultant must have an exceptional ability to draft clear, concise, and comprehensive technical and executive reports. Finally, bilingual proficiency, with excellent verbal and written communication skills in both Arabic and English, is required to effectively interact with all stakeholders.

Job Types: Contract, Internship