Manager, Social Sustainability

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Job description:

Purpose of the role

The Social Sustainability Manager is responsible for managing the company's Social Management System to maintain the social license of the mine, effectively manage social risks, improve relations between the company and communities, implement social projects, and enhance the company's reputation. As a member of the Management Team, the Social Sustainability Manager ensures that the company operates in compliance with national regulations, international best practices, and the company's Social Policy.

Key Responsibilities:

Stakeholder Engagement

Analyse and identify key stakeholders, and develop effective and ongoing relationships

Scope of the role is at least the district, local chiefdoms and neighbouring stakeholders, and requires interaction and integration with the company public relations, country management and Trident Social relationship scope.

Build relationships with key stakeholders such as local communities, local government authorities, Traditional Leaders, and NGOs about the company's activities

Ensure relationships are maintained through visits, regular communications, company’s events and activities, and representation of the department at community events, public meetings, and other forums to promote positive relationships and communicate CSR initiatives

Establish and maintain mechanisms to ensure active participation of communities in the company's social activities and decision-making processes

Impact and Complaints Management

Develop proactive measures to prevent potential business disruption due to poor engagement and impact management, which may threaten the company's social license

Provide guidance to the management team and General Manager on social issues, potential risks, and social management plans

Ensure effective implementation of a grievance mechanism to address external concerns in a timely and efficient manner

Collaborate with operational and administrative departments to develop corrective and preventive measures to proactively identify and mitigate social and environmental impacts

Monitor and report on the social performance of the company, including the preparation of regular progress reports

Community Development and CSR Projects

Ensure that funds allocated by the company for social development are used in accordance with the company's objectives and deliver measurable impacts

Develop systematic ways to harness contractors involvement in Community development activities for their and our own benefit.

Conduct baseline studies to assess the socio-economic situation of communities within the impact area

Develop and implement sustainable community development projects, using a participatory approach based on baseline study data and community needs assessment.

Ensure existing social development projects, such as sport, agriculture, livelihood, education, deliver a sustainable impact aligned with both the Social Sustainability department targets and the overall business reputation, strategy and stakeholder management needs

Foster partnerships with local organisations, NGOs, and government agencies to support community development initiatives.

Local Content

Collaborate closely with the Human Resources team to enhance recruitment practices, prioritizing the hiring of individuals from impacted local communities.

Develop and implement training programs to enhance the skills and employability of unemployed local youth, increasing their chances of gaining employment.

Work in partnership with the commercial team to refine procurement practices, encouraging and supporting the engagement of local suppliers.

Design and execute capacity development initiatives aimed at strengthening local businesses, including training programs and incentive schemes to maximize local procurement opportunities.

Resettlement Oversight

Provide strategic oversight of the Land Access and Resettlement process and manage the Resettlement Team responsible for its implementation

Ensure the process follows national law and international standards - IFC Performance Standard 5

Monitor progress, identify risks, and flag delays or community concerns

Support communication and stakeholder engagement related to resettlement

Provide updates to senior management and participate in internal decision-making

Team and Budget Management

Effectively manage the team under their supervision to achieve business objectives and provide necessary motivation in the work environment

Ensure the development of Objectives and Key Performance Indicators for the team, aligned to measurable performance output for the social team.

Develop and support best practices in terms of governance and in particular alignment to the company policies in commercial, financial and reporting aspects with the aim of the best management of company resources.

Support the development of their team, plan annual training and development activities to enhance their skills and capabilities

Conduct annual performance review discussions to provide feedback and set goals for team members

Prepare and monitor the annual department budget, ensuring efficient allocation and use of resources

Foster a positive and collaborative team culture, promoting professional growth and development

Qualifications, Experience & Skills Required:

Degree in Social Sciences, Sustainability, or a related field

At least 10 years of relevant experience in extractive industries, including work with local communities

Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with local stakeholders

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to work effectively across cultures and stakeholder groups

Familiarity with international social performance standards such as IFC Performance Standards, World Bank guidelines, and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights

Strategic thinker with sound decision-making skills and the ability to work independently

Strong digital literacy, including MS Office; project management certification is a plus

Additional Responsibilities

Review the social risk register, implement mitigation measures and update the management on key risks

Develop and implement communication strategies to keep stakeholders informed about the company’s activities, projects, and developments

Work closely with the Environmental Manager to ensure coordinated and comprehensive management of social and environmental issues

Develop and implement social crisis management plans to handle emergencies and unexpected social issues effectively

Ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, as well as internal policies and standards

Keep abreast of industry trends, best practices, and regulatory changes to continuously improve the company's social management strategies

Contribute to the mine closure plan from a Social perspective.

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JR15055