Principal Advisor - Community & Social Performance (Projects)

About the position

Our client in the mining sector is recruiting a Principal Advisor - Community & Social Performance (CSP) to support a major mining construction project based in Richards Bay. The role forms part of the Project Owner's Team and will work closely with the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor to ensure effective delivery of community engagement and social performance commitments during the early construction phase of the project.
The successful candidate will play a key role in managing community-related risks, supporting contractor capability and ensuring compliance with social performance standards within a complex mining project environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support CSP induction, training and capability development for the EPC contractor
• Review and validate contractor Community Engagement Plans and Social Impact Management Plans
• Ensure effective grievance management processes are implemented and maintained
• Support integration of community and social performance requirements into project execution
• Establish structured engagement processes with contractors and project teams
• Monitor contractor compliance with CSP commitments and identify deviations
• Compile documentation and reporting on contractor social performance delivery
• Coordinate with project stakeholders to align engineering, construction and social performance activities
• Provide guidance to project teams on community relations, risk management and stakeholder engagement

Minimum Requirements:

• Relevant degree in Social Sciences, Community Development, Environmental Management or related discipline
• Minimum 5 years' experience working with EPC contractors or major infrastructure/mining projects
• Strong understanding of community engagement, social impact management and grievance mechanisms
• Experience working in construction or mining environments
• Strong analytical, reporting and stakeholder engagement skills
• Excellent communication and relationship-building capability
• Experience working in African mining environments advantageous
• Knowledge of the Richards Bay region or surrounding communities beneficial

Desired Skills:

• Social Sciences
• Mining
• Environmental Management
• EPC
• community engagement
• grievance mechanisms
• social impact management
• Construction
• Richards Bay region
• African mining environments
• community relations
• CSP induction
• Community Development
• environmental management

Desired Work Experience:

• More than 10 years

About The Employer:

Lusapho Professional Services is a specialist recruitment firm supporting the engineering, mining and infrastructure sectors. Our mission is bridging the unemployment gap one candidate at a time by connecting exceptional talent with leading organisations.