Community Relations Officer

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonuses

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development and training

Work near Richards Bay

Job summary

Placements24 in KwaZulu-Natal is seeking a skilled Community Relations Officer to build and sustain constructive ties with local communities near Richards Bay. The role combines on-site engagement at the mine with remote work for reporting and strategic planning, as well as travel across the region.

You will lead community meetings, address concerns, and develop social impact and CSI initiatives that align with the mine's objectives and local development needs, ensuring a positive social license

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of experience in community relations or CSR, preferably in mining or heavy industry.
• Ability to build trust with diverse community groups.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong understanding of social dynamics, development issues and SA regulatory environment.
• Proficiency in project management and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement community engagement strategies and communication plans.
• Build and maintain relationships with community leaders, local government and stakeholders.
• Address community concerns and grievances promptly with mutually agreeable resolutions.
• Facilitate community meetings, workshops and consultations.
• Contribute to social impact management plans and CSI initiatives.
• Monitor and report on stakeholder perceptions and social risks.
• Ensure operations respect local customs, traditions and environmental sensitivities.
• Collaborate with HR, Operations and Environmental teams.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Negotiation

Conflict resolution

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences/Communications/Development Studies

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant operator in the mining sector with operations near Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a skilled and empathetic Community Relations Officer. This role is pivotal in building and maintaining positive relationships between the company and the local communities where it operates. You will be responsible for engaging with community stakeholders, addressing concerns, facilitating communication, and developing social responsibility initiatives that align with the company's objectives and local needs. This position operates on a hybrid basis, requiring regular presence at the mine site for engagement and community events, while also allowing for remote work for reporting and strategic planning. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills, a deep understanding of community dynamics, and a commitment to sustainable development. This role is crucial for ensuring social license to operate and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships. Experience with community engagement in the South African context, particularly within the KwaZulu-Natal province, is highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement effective community engagement strategies and communication plans.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, local government officials, and various stakeholder groups.
• Address community concerns and grievances promptly and professionally, seeking mutually agreeable resolutions.
• Facilitate community meetings, workshops, and consultations.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of social impact management plans.
• Identify opportunities for community development projects and corporate social investment (CSI) initiatives.
• Monitor and report on community relations activities, stakeholder perceptions, and social risks.
• Ensure company operations are conducted in a manner that respects local customs, traditions, and environmental sensitivities.
• Collaborate with internal departments (e.g., HR, Operations, Environmental) to ensure cohesive community engagement efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, Communications, Development Studies, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in community relations, stakeholder engagement, or corporate social responsibility, preferably within the mining or heavy industry sector.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and rapport with diverse community groups.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong understanding of social dynamics, development issues, and the regulatory environment in South Africa.
• Proficiency in project management and reporting.
• Ability to work effectively both on-site and remotely, managing time and priorities across different work settings.
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the region.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Hybrid work arrangement promoting flexibility and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to make a tangible positive impact on local communities.
• Professional development and training in stakeholder engagement techniques.
• Work within a key industrial hub near Richards Bay.
• Collaborative work environment with a dedicated team.
• Contribution to the sustainable growth of the mining sector in KwaZulu-Natal.