SUMMARY:
This role requires a seasoned professional skilled at engaging, affected parties and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in environmental and operational processes, managing community anxieties proactively, and facilitating constructive dialogue regarding operational impacts.
POSITION INFO:
Senior Community Liaison Officer (Mining) | Port Shepstone, KZN South Coast | Package Neg. | ROLE PURPOSE Our client is looking for a Senior Community Liaison Officer (CLO) who will be responsible for building, safeguarding, and maintaining the social licence to operate for opencast mining operation in KwaZulu-Natal. The incumbent will act as the primary operational link between the company and host communities, ensuring the strategic operational objectives of the business align with fair, consistent, and transparent community engagement This role requires a seasoned professional skilled at engaging, affected parties and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in environmental and operational processes, managing community anxieties proactively, and facilitating constructive dialogue regarding operational impacts. STRATEGIC RESPONSIBILITIES Stakeholder Engagement & Diplomacy Represent the Mine as the primary operational liaison with Traditional Authorities (Amakhosi\/Izinduna), Ward Councillors, municipal structures, and community forums. Establish fair, consistent, and transparent communication protocols to ensure host communities are accurately informed of operational timelines, local employment pipelines, and project impacts. Lead engagement activities regarding resettlement processes and grave relocations, ensuring deep cultural sensitivity and compliance with company guidelines. 2. Conflict Resolution & Grievance Management Formulate proactive community education strategies regarding operational footprint and mitigation protocols (including blasting schedules and vibration management). Serve as the key operational interface between the mine''s internal teams and external stakeholders, engaging affected parties and NGOs in environmental processes. Serve as the mine''s Grievance Officer, managing the formal Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) to ensure community disputes, land issues, and environmental complaints are investigated, addressed, and successfully closed out with balanced equity. Lead frontline mediation and conflict resolution during periods of localized agitation to protect business continuity and address community needs. 3. Socio-Economic Support & CSI Coordination Support the internal SLP and Procurement teams (coordinating with Petro and Darryn) to monitor and execute Social and Labour Plan (SLP), Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD), and local procurement targets. Coordinate Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives in direct alignment with Ian to ensure localized community development milestones are achieved. Ensure local recruitment and procurement support initiatives are governed fairly and transparently, free from nepotism or conflict of interest. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS - Experience: 8 to 10+ years of progressive experience in Community Relations or Stakeholder Management within a large-scale opencast mining environment (e.g., Lithium, Coal, Iron Ore, Heavy Minerals, or Base Metals). - Specific Track Record: Proven experience in managing community relations in operationally challenging environments, specifically including direct experience with resettlement processes, grave relocations, and engaging affected parties\/NGOs in environmental processes. - Conflict of Interest: Must provide a full declaration of any potential conflicts of interest (including active political party or trade union leadership roles) to ensure fair and unbiased mediation. - Linguistic & Cultural Capability: Professional fluency in isiZulu is essential to successfully engage with traditional structures and local stakeholders in KwaZulu-Natal. - Education: National Senior Certificate (Matric) along with a relevant Tertiary Qualification in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Public Relations, Stakeholder Management, or a related field. - Core Competencies: Advanced conflict resolution, strategic risk mapping, executive report writing, and advanced proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel). - Logistics: Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel extensively between the operation and surrounding traditional authority areas. CORE PERFORMANCE AREAS (CPAs) - Risk & Continuity Management: Minimization of operational downtime or project delays due to community disruptions. - Grievance Close-Out: Timeous investigation and successful close-out of all registered community complaints via the GRM framework. - Stakeholder Relations: Successful execution of resettlement, grave engagement, and CSI coordination initiatives. - Governance Support: Maintenance of fair, consistent, and transparent local structures that support SLP, ESD, and recruitment compliance. EMPLOYMENT EQUITY STATEMENT Our client is an equal opportunity employer. Preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups in line with the Company's Employment Equity Plan and targets. PLEASE NOTE If you haven't heard from us within three (3) weeks from the publication date, your application was unsuccessful.
