Community Development jobs in South Africa

The Community Liaison Officer is responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring and reporting BME’s progress against its ESG commitments, ensuring contract deliverables are met and community safety and sustainability standards are upheld. The role fosters transparent communication, ensuring that community concerns are addressed and that the company’s operations build mutual trust and understanding.

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Community Development, or a related field.
• A qualification in Environmental Science or Safety would be advantageous.
• Certification in Conflict Resolution, Stakeholder Engagement, or Social Responsibility would be desirable.

• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in community engagement or liaison roles, preferably in the mining or industrial sectors.
• Proven experience in conflict resolution, stakeholder management, report writing and community development.
• Experience working in environments requiring safety, health, and environmental management.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with community members, addressing safety and ESG concerns related to operations, and communicating key safety and environmental standards.
• Conduct all BME activities in alignment with the stakeholder engagement and CSI framework.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between the business and local communities, ensuring open, transparent communication to foster trust in operational activities.
• Organise and facilitate regular community meetings and forums to discuss BME safety and ESG initiatives, gathering feedback and encouraging positive community participation.
• Mediate between the mine and the community to resolve conflicts or issues, ensuring that BME adheres to legal and ethical standards.
• Monitor and report on community perceptions and reactions to mining activities, providing strategic advice to improve community relations and project acceptance.
• Ensure regular and periodic tracking and reporting of community interactions, governmental institutions, and customers' contractual and ESG obligations.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders, including governmental bodies, non-governmental organisations, and other community groups to promote harmonious relationships to fulfill ESG commitments.
• Implement community development initiatives in alignment with company sustainability goals, working closely with the Social Responsibility and Sustainability Specialist.

Job Skills:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain trust with community members.
• Proficiency in conflict resolution and mediation.
• Ability to organise and lead community meetings, workshops, and forums.
• Excellent reporting and monitoring skills.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.

Job Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of the mining industry and community partnerships.
• Familiarity with SHE standards and community safety practices.
• Knowledge of local legislative and regulatory requirements relating to community relations and ESG.
• Awareness of best practice community development and sustainability initiatives.

Competency Requirements:

• SHE standards - Essential
• Community Development best practice - Mastery
• ESG - Mastery
• Skills Development - Essential
• CSI - Mastery
• Stakeholder Management and Engagement - Mastery