LR_Head of Environmental (351104)

• Environmental Strategy Development:
• Develop and implement comprehensive environmental strategies that align with the organization's overall goals and objectives.
• Set environmental goals, policies, and practices aimed at sustainability,  regulatory compliance and moving forward to international best practice for the sector.
• Integrate environmental considerations into the organization's business planning and operations.
• Regulatory Compliance:
  • Ensure the organization complies with all relevant environmental regulations and standards at local, national, and international levels.
  • Oversee environmental audits, assessments, and inspections to identify potential areas of non-compliance and implement corrective actions.
  • Liaise with regulatory agencies, staying up to date with changes in environmental legislation and ensuring the organization adapts accordingly.
• Sustainability Initiatives:
• Lead the development and execution of sustainability programs, including waste reduction, energy efficiency, water conservation, biodiversity conservation and renewable energy adoption.
• Promote corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives related to the environment, ensuring the organization contributes positively to the communities in which it operates.
• Drive initiatives to reduce the organization's carbon footprint and improve overall environmental performance.
• Environmental Risk Management:
• Identify and assess environmental risks associated with the organization's operations, including potential impacts on air, water, land, and biodiversity.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies, including emergency response plans for environmental incidents.
• Monitor and report on environmental performance metrics, ensuring risks are managed effectively and targets are met.
• Leadership and Team Management:
• Lead and manage the environmental team, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities.
• Foster a culture of environmental responsibility and awareness throughout the organization.
• Collaborate with other departments, including operations, legal, and communications, to ensure a coordinated approach to environmental management.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including employees, management, regulatory bodies, NGOs, and the public, to communicate the organization’s environmental efforts and achievements.
• Represent the organization in industry forums, environmental conferences, and public engagements, advocating for environmental stewardship and sustainability.
• Work with suppliers, contractors, and partners to ensure they adhere to the organization’s environmental standards.
• Innovation and Continuous Improvement:
• Promote innovation in environmental practices, seeking out new technologies, processes, and partnerships that can enhance sustainability.
• Continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of environmental initiatives, adjusting as needed to improve outcomes.
• Stay informed about emerging environmental issues, trends, and technologies to keep the organization at the forefront of environmental leadership.
•  Reporting and Documentation:
• Prepare and present regular reports on the organization's environmental performance, sustainability initiatives, and compliance status to senior management and the board.
• Ensure accurate documentation of all environmental activities, compliance records, and sustainability metrics.

• Develop and maintain an environmental management system (EMS) to standardize and improve environmental practices across the organization and be aligned to ISO14001.

  Qualifications / Experience / Technical Knowledge

• Educational Background:
  • Bachelor’s Degree: in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, or a related field.
  • Advanced Degree: A master’s degree in environmental management, Environmental Policy, or Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on sustainability is often preferred.
  • Professional Certifications:
  • Relevant certifications such as Certified Environmental Professional (CEP), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), or ISO 14001 Environmental Management certification can be highly valuable.
  • Additional certifications in project management (e.g., PMP) or risk management can be beneficial.
  • Experience:
  • Typically, 15 to 20 years of experience in environmental management in the mining sector, sustainability, or a related field, with at least 10 years in a leadership role.
  • Proven track record of developing and implementing successful environmental management programs and managing compliance in complex organizations.
• Core Competencies / Skills / Knowledge:
• Environmental Expertise:
• In-depth knowledge of environmental regulations, international standards, sustainability practices, and best practices in environmental management and system development.
• Understanding of environmental science principles, including ecology, pollution control, and resource conservation.
• Strategic Planning:
• Ability to develop long-term environmental strategies that align with organizational goals.
• Skilled in balancing environmental objectives with business priorities.
• Communication:
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for effectively engaging with stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to clearly articulate complex environmental issues and strategies to non-expert audiences.
• Project Management:
• Proficient in managing large-scale environmental projects, from planning and implementation to monitoring and reporting.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.

Personal Qualities / Behavioral Traits:

• Integrity and Ethics:
• A strong commitment to ethical practices in environmental management and sustainability.
• Ensures transparency and accountability in all environmental initiatives.
• Resilience:
• Ability to handle the pressures and challenges associated with managing environmental responsibilities in a dynamic business environment.
• Maintains focus and determination in the face of obstacles.
• Adaptability:
• Flexibility to adapt to changing environmental regulations, technologies, and business needs.
• Capable of leading the organization through transitions related to environmental practices.
• Passion for Sustainability:
• A genuine passion for environmental sustainability and a commitment to making a positive impact on the planet.
• Advocates for environmental stewardship both within and outside the organization.

Working Conditions:

Work Environment:

• Primarily office-based, but with regular site visits to operational facilities, project sites, and possibly remote locations.
• Interaction with various departments, requiring collaboration and occasional travel.

Health and Safety:

1. Ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations, standards, and procedures.
2. Participate in health, safety and environment training programs to understand potential hazards, safety procedures, and emergency protocols.
3. Report any health, safety and environmental concerns, incidents, or near misses promptly to the designated supervisor or safety officer.
4. Assist in identifying workplace hazards and participate in risk assessments to minimize risks to personal health and safety.
5. Wear appropriate PPE as required for specific tasks or environments and ensure that it is maintained and used correctly.
6. Be familiar with emergency response procedures, including evacuation routes, assembly points, and first aid protocols.
7. Follow established safe work practices and procedures to prevent accidents, injuries, or illnesses.
8. Operate machinery, tools, and equipment safely, following manufacturer's instructions and the AML safety guidelines.
9. Maintain a clean and orderly workspace to reduce hazards and prevent accidents.
   1. Promote a culture of health and safety awareness among coworkers by encouraging safe behaviors and reporting unsafe conditions.
   2. Participate in health and safety committees or meetings as required, providing input and suggestions for improving workplace safety.
   3. Keep accurate records of safety inspections, incidents, and training activities as required by company policy and regulations.

Environment:

1. Oversee and monitor the environmental performance of your department's functions, ensuring high levels of awareness and compliance with company environmental policies and relevant environmental laws.
2. Regularly review environmental performance metrics and indicators to track progress, identify trends, and address areas for improvement.
3. Ensure all environmental incidents are reported promptly and investigated thoroughly in line with company policies and legal requirements.
4. Uphold a culture of environmental responsibility and compliance within the organization by setting clear expectations for incident reporting and response at all levels.
5. Collaborate with the Environment team to identify opportunities for environmental improvement and develop strategic programs to enhance sustainability practices.