Sustainable Development & Community Relations Principal Advisor
ALCOA - RIO TINTO ALCAN - in Guinea Refinery Project
Context
Alcoa and Rio Tinto Alcan have started development planning of an Alumina refinery in Kamsar, Guinea. The project hereafter referred to as ARTAGR potentially represents a major development in the Boke Prefecture and for the country as a whole. While the project brings with it enormous benefits, it also brings all the macroeconomic and social impact risks typically associated with the construction and operation of large refinery project in emerging economies. These impacts will represent significant operational and reputation risks for the project, Alcoa and RTA.
The project has already completed the initial pre-conceptual phase (FEL 1) and will soon complete the pre-feasibility phase (or FEL 2) and will soon enter the feasibility phase expected to last from 12 to 22 months. During this phase, it is expected that final project option will be analyzed (from an environmental and socio economic perspectives), that the final location for the refinery, residue disposal area, the port and associated logistics (e.g., roads) will be selected, that baseline and preliminary environmental, social and health impact assessment studies will be completed, and finally that community development programs will continue.
Considering the recent experience of other Rio Tinto projects, the project will require robust engagement and consultation with the Guinean and especially the Boké communities, the Guinean government and key stakeholders in the NGO and development sectors. In addition, a focus on local capacity building will be needed to equip local organizations and individuals with the required skills to effectively implement activities and plans.
Primary Purpose
The Principal Advisor for Sustainable Development (SD) & Community Relations will provide a critical interface with the field-based Project Manager to assist in conducting of CR & SD related services including the Environmental, Social and Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) and to supplement the existing project team and outside contractors in charge of the various studies with resources from Rio Tinto Alcan and externally as required. The significant scope and impact of the ARTAGR combined with the already existing impact of CBG requires the person in this position to adequately address the spectrum of current and anticipated socio-economic risks.
Accountabilities
As a staff member of the field-level project team, the Principal Advisor will play a critical role in managing the development and integration of socio-economic considerations and community relations strategies and programs into overall project planning in a manner consistent with RTA’s overall Sustainable Development Framework, RTA’s Road Map for the full project life cycle and with Rio Tinto (RT)’s stated policies and standards in The Way We Work.
Key responsibilities of the principal advisor will include: i) managing and facilitating the strategic alignment of the project with national and regional plans as well as RTA’s C&ER and sustainability standards and business objectives; ii) establishing an effective framework for engaging with multiple stakeholders and locally impacted communities; iii) managing the contractors providing study services, particularly the environmental, social and health impact assessment study (ESHIA); and iv) planning and overseeing the implementation of the community relations/sustainability investment program expected to start in FEL 2 and continue in FEL3 . The advisor will work closely with the Project Director, the project team members, RTA’s Community Relations and Sustainability team at the project head office as well as the project communication specialist and any specialized external resources as required.
Specific Responsibilities
NOTE: The Principal Advisor’s specific responsibilities described below are based on the RTA’s Full Project Life Cycle Road Map.
Macro level work:
Strategic alignment
· Lead the establishment and embedding of the RTA community relations & sustainable development policy and standards within the current joint venture (with Alcoa) and the project design and operations;
· Ensure that issues pertaining to the project are aligned with national and regional plans, community concerns and priorities and overall RTA project business objectives, and CR/Sustainability standards are well understood by contractors and properly investigated in assessment studies.
Multi-stakeholder engagement
· Ensure that a quality in-depth Stakeholder Analysis is completed and that key stakeholders are well identified;
· Initiate the design of mutually accepted and understood consultation procedures with the community and stakeholders;
· Ensure that that the project team, the contractors working on studies and the other members of the field teams engage with key local stakeholder in accordance with the jointly agreed upon procedures and become an active member of regional/local development committees;
· Facilitate inclusion of the project into regional and local development plans;
· Assess models and facilitate the establishment of a local and national stakeholder advisory committee.
Joint financing & business case for sustainability
· Work with the project management team to establish and consolidate relationships with external partners (including multilateral organisations, aid agencies, development banks and NGOs) with the objective of leveraging 3rd party capital and mutual collaboration in implementing local supplier development, training and employment programs, regional development plans, and other community development programs;
· Assist the project management team to develop a joint financing strategy and negotiate joint financing agreements.
· Build on the initial Business Case analysis completed for the Madagascar project to refine data, information and assessments for the updating of the business case for sustainability at the end of FEL 2.
· Contribute to assessing the relevance and feasibility of establishing a Trust Fund, Foundation, etc.
Baseline and environmental and socio economic impacts assessment
Note: Core activities for this particular area of work are elaborated in detail in the Terms of Reference of the ESHIA Contractor.
· Oversee progress of the socio economic components of the preliminary ESHIA study managed by the contractor including:
o Maintaining a close relationship with the contractors team in the field and at their HQs;
o Monitoring progress on a regular basis;
o Ensuring that contractors follows Alcoa/RTA communication plan and stakeholder engagement strategy;
· Ensure that participation of communities and concerned stakeholders in the baseline and ESHIA is maximized.
· Manage the baseline assessment work (part of which is already included in the ESHIA contractor’s contract) and related specialist studies;
· Ensure that the following assessment included in the EHSIA are progressing as per plan:
o Human Rights Impact Assessment;
o Peace and conflict impact assessment;
o Health impact assessment;
· Participate in all key land use zoning consultations with communities (ESHIA);
· Participate in local consultations on cultural heritage (ESHIA);
Implementation Plans and initial community/sustainability investment program
· Building on the above study/assessment process and findings and on existing documentation and knowledge, support the initial three-year community development plan developed by the project in collaboration with Human Resources, HSE, Procurement and other relevant functions. The plan will cover:
o Community engagement & government relations;
o Community development programs for villages impacted by the project;
o Local supplier development (capacity assessment, hiring of training services providers. Monitoring of training, etc);
o Local training and employment initiatives (skills and trainability assessments, hiring of training services provider, monitoring of training, etc) ;
o Support existing regional development initiatives;
· Undertake the competitive selection of services providers for community services and training;
· Supervise / monitor the effective implementation of the plan as per agreement signed with services providers;
· Ensure that the plan’s key deliverables outlined above are factored into the project’s overall design and operations.
Others:
Resettlement
· Oversee completion of the detailed assessment work of communities/families to be resettled or compensated due to the project, including the socio economic baseline of family households;
· Assess the compensation to be paid and establish a payment distribution strategy;
· Establish a grievance mechanism to receive and address community concerns about compensation and relocation;
· Prepare a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) based on the outcome of consultations with the concerned communities and families.
Communication
· Work closely with Communication specialist to ensure that communications are transparent, credible, accurate, reflective of actual work done, and are responsive to concerns raised by interested parties both within and outside Guinea;
· Ensure that ESHIA contractors comply with the project’s Communication Plan.
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
· Develop appropriate monitoring and evaluation systems to measure the effectiveness, impact and the level of achievement of results set for the project’s stakeholder engagement process, community relations and three-year community investment plan.
· Ensure that the M & E system includes:
o Metrics - clear objectives, inputs, targets and indicators and outcomes for community relations and the Community/Sustainability Investment program;
o Internal audit and assurance processes; and
o External assurance processes to strengthen transparency and the on-going confidence and trust of communities, Guinean society and international stakeholders.
FEL 2 reporting and FEL 3 Recommendations
· Ensure that key issues, concerns and recommendations pertaining to stakeholder engagement, community relations, conflicts and human rights, health, employment and local suppliers, resettlement , etc are duly taken into account in the FEL 2 report and FEL 3 recommendations (including resources, cost and planning for FEL3, construction and ramp up);
Support the preparation of relevant sections of the FEL 2 report building on the preliminary ESHIA findings, the baseline assessment and the initial results of the Three-year Community / Sustainability Investment Plan.
(*) Estimated time allocation is tentative
Problem Solving
The project - and by extension the Principal Advisor for CR - will face a number of challenges:
§ The project will follow CBG which is currently in operation. CBG already had significant local/regional impacts that have triggered a debate around the benefits and costs of mining and the threat that such project poses to local communities’ livelihood and the environment. The project’s impact – both good and bad - will play a central role in this debate.
§ The low level of capacity & infrastructure, especially in the Boké prefecture, represents a significant constraints to the achievement of local job creation and local suppliers involvement;
§ As is currently the case with CBG, the upcoming ARTAGR project is likely to become politicized; and if in 5-10 years the project cannot show clear benefits to the people of the Boké region and Guinea, the project will be considered a failure.
To mitigate these socio-economic risks, the Principal Advisor will have to demonstrate the importance of building a credible and effective framework for engaging with multiple stakeholders, support the strategic alignment of the project with national / regional plans and community priorities and develop effective community relations and socio-economic development programs that are in synchrony with local priorities. The latter includes programs aiming at enhancing the skills of the local work force and developing the capacities of local potential suppliers (SMEs). All aspects of the project’s work - from baseline assessments to impact assessments, to worker training, to regional development planning, to community consultation – will have to deliver tangible, consistent, visible benefits.
Qualifications
This position requires a combination of effective public relations/communication skills with sound technical knowledge of how to design & implement multi-stakeholder based programs, community relations and community development, and the necessary assertiveness to manage the risk profile inherent in a project managed by a joint venture partner in a developing country.
Education & Academic Background
· Equivalent to a European BAC+5 university degree / master degree in North America in social sciences & foreign/international affairs with a specialization in emerging/developing economies and/or in community development. .
Language skills
· Fluency in French and English is required.
· Fluency in one of the local language is desirable.
Desirable years of experience
· Minimum of five (5) years of experience working in community development, the extractive sector and/or the developing world, preferably in Africa, and ideally with previous work experience in Guinea/West Africa..
Required Experience & Competencies:
· Experience in community relations and social development in an extractive industry in developing economies
· Experience in project execution and expertise in integrating socio-economic factors into project execution planning
· Experience in designing, implementing and managing community relations programs across diverse functions – HS&E, procurement, human resources
· Experience in local supplier enhancement and local employment programs
· Understanding of development dynamics and challenges with resource extractive industries in developing economies
· Strong focus on delivery of results
· Strong focus on developing people
· Ability to work in a fast-paced project development environment
· Strong team player with maturity to build effective partnerships across corporate and cultural divides
· Comfort and capability in pursuing business focused collaboration on a Group wide basis
· Strong commercial focus
· Qualified and experienced social and local economic development specialist
· Strong leadership skills that start with leading self and align with the RTA Sustainability Framework and the RT The way we work
· Rigorous, data based approach to decision making
· Ability to manage culturally and geographically diverse project teams
Contact
Please send your application to Alison Reynolds precising the following reference: AR/COM/AF/119 to job.2540@afriquemploi.net
Context
Alcoa and Rio Tinto Alcan have started development planning of an Alumina refinery in Kamsar, Guinea. The project hereafter referred to as ARTAGR potentially represents a major development in the Boke Prefecture and for the country as a whole. While the project brings with it enormous benefits, it also brings all the macroeconomic and social impact risks typically associated with the construction and operation of large refinery project in emerging economies. These impacts will represent significant operational and reputation risks for the project, Alcoa and RTA.
The project has already completed the initial pre-conceptual phase (FEL 1) and will soon complete the pre-feasibility phase (or FEL 2) and will soon enter the feasibility phase expected to last from 12 to 22 months. During this phase, it is expected that final project option will be analyzed (from an environmental and socio economic perspectives), that the final location for the refinery, residue disposal area, the port and associated logistics (e.g., roads) will be selected, that baseline and preliminary environmental, social and health impact assessment studies will be completed, and finally that community development programs will continue.
Considering the recent experience of other Rio Tinto projects, the project will require robust engagement and consultation with the Guinean and especially the Boké communities, the Guinean government and key stakeholders in the NGO and development sectors. In addition, a focus on local capacity building will be needed to equip local organizations and individuals with the required skills to effectively implement activities and plans.
Primary Purpose
The Principal Advisor for Sustainable Development (SD) & Community Relations will provide a critical interface with the field-based Project Manager to assist in conducting of CR & SD related services including the Environmental, Social and Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) and to supplement the existing project team and outside contractors in charge of the various studies with resources from Rio Tinto Alcan and externally as required. The significant scope and impact of the ARTAGR combined with the already existing impact of CBG requires the person in this position to adequately address the spectrum of current and anticipated socio-economic risks.
Accountabilities
As a staff member of the field-level project team, the Principal Advisor will play a critical role in managing the development and integration of socio-economic considerations and community relations strategies and programs into overall project planning in a manner consistent with RTA’s overall Sustainable Development Framework, RTA’s Road Map for the full project life cycle and with Rio Tinto (RT)’s stated policies and standards in The Way We Work.
Key responsibilities of the principal advisor will include: i) managing and facilitating the strategic alignment of the project with national and regional plans as well as RTA’s C&ER and sustainability standards and business objectives; ii) establishing an effective framework for engaging with multiple stakeholders and locally impacted communities; iii) managing the contractors providing study services, particularly the environmental, social and health impact assessment study (ESHIA); and iv) planning and overseeing the implementation of the community relations/sustainability investment program expected to start in FEL 2 and continue in FEL3 . The advisor will work closely with the Project Director, the project team members, RTA’s Community Relations and Sustainability team at the project head office as well as the project communication specialist and any specialized external resources as required.
Specific Responsibilities
NOTE: The Principal Advisor’s specific responsibilities described below are based on the RTA’s Full Project Life Cycle Road Map.
Macro level work:
Strategic alignment
· Lead the establishment and embedding of the RTA community relations & sustainable development policy and standards within the current joint venture (with Alcoa) and the project design and operations;
· Ensure that issues pertaining to the project are aligned with national and regional plans, community concerns and priorities and overall RTA project business objectives, and CR/Sustainability standards are well understood by contractors and properly investigated in assessment studies.
Multi-stakeholder engagement
· Ensure that a quality in-depth Stakeholder Analysis is completed and that key stakeholders are well identified;
· Initiate the design of mutually accepted and understood consultation procedures with the community and stakeholders;
· Ensure that that the project team, the contractors working on studies and the other members of the field teams engage with key local stakeholder in accordance with the jointly agreed upon procedures and become an active member of regional/local development committees;
· Facilitate inclusion of the project into regional and local development plans;
· Assess models and facilitate the establishment of a local and national stakeholder advisory committee.
Joint financing & business case for sustainability
· Work with the project management team to establish and consolidate relationships with external partners (including multilateral organisations, aid agencies, development banks and NGOs) with the objective of leveraging 3rd party capital and mutual collaboration in implementing local supplier development, training and employment programs, regional development plans, and other community development programs;
· Assist the project management team to develop a joint financing strategy and negotiate joint financing agreements.
· Build on the initial Business Case analysis completed for the Madagascar project to refine data, information and assessments for the updating of the business case for sustainability at the end of FEL 2.
· Contribute to assessing the relevance and feasibility of establishing a Trust Fund, Foundation, etc.
Baseline and environmental and socio economic impacts assessment
Note: Core activities for this particular area of work are elaborated in detail in the Terms of Reference of the ESHIA Contractor.
· Oversee progress of the socio economic components of the preliminary ESHIA study managed by the contractor including:
o Maintaining a close relationship with the contractors team in the field and at their HQs;
o Monitoring progress on a regular basis;
o Ensuring that contractors follows Alcoa/RTA communication plan and stakeholder engagement strategy;
· Ensure that participation of communities and concerned stakeholders in the baseline and ESHIA is maximized.
· Manage the baseline assessment work (part of which is already included in the ESHIA contractor’s contract) and related specialist studies;
· Ensure that the following assessment included in the EHSIA are progressing as per plan:
o Human Rights Impact Assessment;
o Peace and conflict impact assessment;
o Health impact assessment;
· Participate in all key land use zoning consultations with communities (ESHIA);
· Participate in local consultations on cultural heritage (ESHIA);
Implementation Plans and initial community/sustainability investment program
· Building on the above study/assessment process and findings and on existing documentation and knowledge, support the initial three-year community development plan developed by the project in collaboration with Human Resources, HSE, Procurement and other relevant functions. The plan will cover:
o Community engagement & government relations;
o Community development programs for villages impacted by the project;
o Local supplier development (capacity assessment, hiring of training services providers. Monitoring of training, etc);
o Local training and employment initiatives (skills and trainability assessments, hiring of training services provider, monitoring of training, etc) ;
o Support existing regional development initiatives;
· Undertake the competitive selection of services providers for community services and training;
· Supervise / monitor the effective implementation of the plan as per agreement signed with services providers;
· Ensure that the plan’s key deliverables outlined above are factored into the project’s overall design and operations.
Others:
Resettlement
· Oversee completion of the detailed assessment work of communities/families to be resettled or compensated due to the project, including the socio economic baseline of family households;
· Assess the compensation to be paid and establish a payment distribution strategy;
· Establish a grievance mechanism to receive and address community concerns about compensation and relocation;
· Prepare a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) based on the outcome of consultations with the concerned communities and families.
Communication
· Work closely with Communication specialist to ensure that communications are transparent, credible, accurate, reflective of actual work done, and are responsive to concerns raised by interested parties both within and outside Guinea;
· Ensure that ESHIA contractors comply with the project’s Communication Plan.
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
· Develop appropriate monitoring and evaluation systems to measure the effectiveness, impact and the level of achievement of results set for the project’s stakeholder engagement process, community relations and three-year community investment plan.
· Ensure that the M & E system includes:
o Metrics - clear objectives, inputs, targets and indicators and outcomes for community relations and the Community/Sustainability Investment program;
o Internal audit and assurance processes; and
o External assurance processes to strengthen transparency and the on-going confidence and trust of communities, Guinean society and international stakeholders.
FEL 2 reporting and FEL 3 Recommendations
· Ensure that key issues, concerns and recommendations pertaining to stakeholder engagement, community relations, conflicts and human rights, health, employment and local suppliers, resettlement , etc are duly taken into account in the FEL 2 report and FEL 3 recommendations (including resources, cost and planning for FEL3, construction and ramp up);
Support the preparation of relevant sections of the FEL 2 report building on the preliminary ESHIA findings, the baseline assessment and the initial results of the Three-year Community / Sustainability Investment Plan.
(*) Estimated time allocation is tentative
Problem Solving
The project - and by extension the Principal Advisor for CR - will face a number of challenges:
§ The project will follow CBG which is currently in operation. CBG already had significant local/regional impacts that have triggered a debate around the benefits and costs of mining and the threat that such project poses to local communities’ livelihood and the environment. The project’s impact – both good and bad - will play a central role in this debate.
§ The low level of capacity & infrastructure, especially in the Boké prefecture, represents a significant constraints to the achievement of local job creation and local suppliers involvement;
§ As is currently the case with CBG, the upcoming ARTAGR project is likely to become politicized; and if in 5-10 years the project cannot show clear benefits to the people of the Boké region and Guinea, the project will be considered a failure.
To mitigate these socio-economic risks, the Principal Advisor will have to demonstrate the importance of building a credible and effective framework for engaging with multiple stakeholders, support the strategic alignment of the project with national / regional plans and community priorities and develop effective community relations and socio-economic development programs that are in synchrony with local priorities. The latter includes programs aiming at enhancing the skills of the local work force and developing the capacities of local potential suppliers (SMEs). All aspects of the project’s work - from baseline assessments to impact assessments, to worker training, to regional development planning, to community consultation – will have to deliver tangible, consistent, visible benefits.
Qualifications
This position requires a combination of effective public relations/communication skills with sound technical knowledge of how to design & implement multi-stakeholder based programs, community relations and community development, and the necessary assertiveness to manage the risk profile inherent in a project managed by a joint venture partner in a developing country.
Education & Academic Background
· Equivalent to a European BAC+5 university degree / master degree in North America in social sciences & foreign/international affairs with a specialization in emerging/developing economies and/or in community development. .
Language skills
· Fluency in French and English is required.
· Fluency in one of the local language is desirable.
Desirable years of experience
· Minimum of five (5) years of experience working in community development, the extractive sector and/or the developing world, preferably in Africa, and ideally with previous work experience in Guinea/West Africa..
Required Experience & Competencies:
· Experience in community relations and social development in an extractive industry in developing economies
· Experience in project execution and expertise in integrating socio-economic factors into project execution planning
· Experience in designing, implementing and managing community relations programs across diverse functions – HS&E, procurement, human resources
· Experience in local supplier enhancement and local employment programs
· Understanding of development dynamics and challenges with resource extractive industries in developing economies
· Strong focus on delivery of results
· Strong focus on developing people
· Ability to work in a fast-paced project development environment
· Strong team player with maturity to build effective partnerships across corporate and cultural divides
· Comfort and capability in pursuing business focused collaboration on a Group wide basis
· Strong commercial focus
· Qualified and experienced social and local economic development specialist
· Strong leadership skills that start with leading self and align with the RTA Sustainability Framework and the RT The way we work
· Rigorous, data based approach to decision making
· Ability to manage culturally and geographically diverse project teams
Contact
Please send your application to Alison Reynolds precising the following reference: AR/COM/AF/119 to job.2540@afriquemploi.net
