Principal Adviser—Communities and Social Performance

About the role

Corporate Relations is a global team providing expertise and advice across all aspects of external affairs, stakeholder engagement, social risk management, communication, brand management and media relations.

We are looking for a Principal Adviser—Communities & Social Performance to provide necessary and specific advice in Communities & Social Performance, leading all external engagement work at the FalCon diamonds exploration project in Saskatchewan. You will be responsible for reaching agreement on social, economic, environmental, and cultural issues with indigenous communities. Supports the Communities & Social Performance team with technical expertise, implementation and delivery of key initiatives, systems and training.

This role is a great opportunity for a CSP practitioner who enjoys the challenges in supporting the business in driving greater CSP performances across our projects in Canada. Working and reporting to the Chief Advisor – Communities & Social Performance, you will be:

• Leading Communities & Social Performance initiatives at the FalCon project, liaising with senior leaders across both Communities & Social Performance and the Product Group; promotes best practice, and leverages innovative ideas.
• Responsible for all aspects of Communities & Social Performance planning, including setting goals and objectives, identifying necessary resources, appropriate milestones, and budget required to implement plans successfully.
• Working closely with exploration team to ensure that Communities & Social Performance activities and plans are closely aligned with project needs.
• Developing resourcing plan and leads efforts to create a Communities & Social Performance team in order to achieve expected outcomes. Responsible for leading this team, and coaching its members effectively.
• Providing professional expertise and advice, guidance or support on significant business cases, including engagement and agreements with indigenous communities, and on other technical Communities & Social Performance related activities.
• Maintaining a favourable relationship with the community and external stakeholders.
• Representing the organization at community gatherings, and/or at technical/professional forums. Coordinates meetings with key stakeholders for the project. Provides recommendations on developing, maintaining, and promoting good relationships between the project and governmental agencies, community groups and NGOs.
• Contributing to development of policy and standards in the Communities & Social Performance area and/or Stakeholder Engagement function for the FalCon project, leading on decisions related to communities.
• Delivering strategies and programs that meet the needs of community stakeholders and the Product Group, and ensures actions that mitigate social risks and maximise opportunities are incorporated into activities and programs.
• Contributing to the development and maintenance of the Communities & Social Performance community and professional knowledge and expertise of team members, where appropriate.

About you

To be successfully considered for this role, you will have:

• Tertiary qualifications in related discipline
• At least 10 years of progressive experience in CSP and community agreement
• Experience in Communicating, engaging and working with communities
• Experience in Community based complaint, dispute and grievance management and resolution processes
• Demonstrated experience in applying international standards, codes of conduct and relevant legislation in the area of human rights, land rights and mining access, regional development, cultural heritage, community enterprise development, and/or social projects
• Experience in Community development and/or regional economic development and local employment and workforce development, will be highly regarded
• Well-developed interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to develop professional and productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders to influence, negotiate, collaboratively problem solve, and resolve conflict.
• Good research and analytical skills to research, advise on and resolve sensitive and/or complex community and social issues, with the ability to develop innovative solutions to novel problems.
• Well-developed project management skills to plan, manage and deliver community and social performance related projects including the ability to manage related resources and budgets.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with technical professionals, project staff and senior leaders to achieve outcomes through the sharing of expertise, skills and technical capability.
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to write recommendations and reports for management and present complex information for a range of stakeholders.
• A good appreciation of the CSP dynamics relevant to undertaking resources and mineral exploration activities.

About us

As pioneers in mining and metals, we produce materials essential to human progress.

Our long history is filled with firsts. We’ve developed some of the world’s largest and best quality mines and operations, and our people work in around 35 countries across six continents. Aluminium and copper, diamonds, gold and industrial minerals, iron ore, coal and uranium: our materials make up the world around us. You’ll find then in smartphones, planes, cars, hospitals and throughout your home.

Creating an inclusive and diverse workforce

We are a diverse team of talented, enthusiastic individuals who foster a culture of inclusion. No matter how they may differ, our people share one thing in common. It’s a belief that work is more rewarding when we are accepted and valued for our differences, not judged by them. We all have something to contribute, and it’s this contribution that makes for a great organization and fulfilling career.

To apply

Please visit the Rio Tinto careers website.