Programme Manager – Fair Cobalt Alliance
Kolwezi / Lubumbashi, DRC
The Impact Facility for Sustainable Mining Communities is recruiting an experienced individual for the position of Programme Manager of the Fair Cobalt Alliance (FCA). The FCA is a multi-stakeholder initiative managed by The Impact Facility as its permanent secretariat, first launched in 2020. The FCA was set up to provide a meaningful response to reports of child labour and human rights challenges associated with artisanal cobalt mining in the DR Congo. As an action platform, FCA implements a series of interventions designed to address the root courses of child labour and upend hazardous working conditions associated with the artisanal production of cobalt in the DR Congo.
We implement activities through partnerships with local organisations on the ground, coordinated and supported by our local team based in Kolwezi. The FCA is managed through a lean management team reporting to FCA’s Steering Committee, comprising representatives of current FCA members. Our members comprise organisations across and along the cobalt supply chain, including both civil society actors and private sector players, from industrial miners, to refiners, to consumer electronics, battery manufacturers and EVs.
Role Summary
The position of Programme Manager is a key role managing a growing international multi-stakeholder initiative operating in a complex environment with considerable public attention. We are hence seeking a highly practical professional, experienced in managing international field programmes, programme M&E, donor reporting, public relations, coordination of multiple implementing partner activities to fill a full-time position (ideally). With a key responsibility to make sure the on the ground implementation of the program is running according to plan, starting from March 2022 (with a programme duration of at least three years).
Your main responsibilities will include all aspects and stakeholder engagement of a new, multi-part programme designed to remediate child labour, professionalize conditions on artisanal mining sites through on-site investments and increase household incomes and financial resilience in Lualaba and Haute-Katanaga province.
You will report to senior management, engage directly with our donors and work closely with other team members globally. As programme manager, you will be required to be based in Kolwezi/Lubumbashi, or travel to the DR Congo several times a year as well as occasional travel to Europe.
Key Responsibilities:
Your main responsibilities will include all aspects and stakeholder engagement of a new, multi-part programme designed to remediate child labour, professionalize conditions on artisanal mining sites through on-site investments and increase household incomes and financial resilience in Lualaba and Haute-Katanaga province.
This will include:
- Accountable for the DRC ASM mine site improvement and community development programme design and set up (dignified working conditions, child labor remediation, and raising incomes);
- Accountable for the implementation and budget of the overall FCA DRC program and ensuring deliverables are met in time;
- Responsible for the day-to-day management of DRC-based and external support staff;
- Responsible for the implementation of M&E frameworks, to ensure effective programme and impact monitoring;
- Responsible for DRC regional stakeholder engagement & partnerships (coordinating with FCA Kinshasa representative);
- Responsible for narrative and financial donor reporting for the DRC programme implementation (book-keeping support will be provided);
- Responsible for the delivery of timely internal reports for the FCA steering committee and broader membership;
- Responsible for local partnership development, contracting and managing implementing partners;
- Liaise with programme & business development director to support program design and fundraising (proposals);
- Present and act as the point person on local implementation for FCA steering committee and FCA members;
- Act as a spokesperson for the Fair Cobalt Alliance.
Direct reports: Kolwezi Team (3 staff members)
Requirements
- Minimum of 5 years relevant professional work experience; working in an international consulting / contracting environment, international business, or international development agency or NGO is preferred;
- Proven experience in programme and budget development and implementation;
- Excellent team and people-management skills;
- Experience and confidence working with project implementing partners, contractors and donors;
- Experience working on complex settings such as DRC; experience in the DRC a plus;
- Good familiarity of CSR issues, particularly on childrens rights and child labour remediation, OHS, rural livelihoods, poverty alleviation and livelihood diversification;
- Knowledge of /experience working with responsible supply chain programmes (minerals, raw materials, metals, textile, food, minerals), and specifically cobalt is an advantage;
- English and French fluency is a “must”;
- Excellent oral, digital communication and presentation skills;
- Proficiency in MS Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word and Outlook);
- Master’s degree in a related field including natural resource management / geography / political science / international relations / environmental or social management / CSR.
What we can offer you
This is a chance to work with and learn from a very experienced team and to lead and contribute to a fascinating, influential and potentially ground-breaking project in supply chain risk management, responsible sourcing, and impact investing.
- A contract for 36- 40 hours per week;
- A competitive salary, commensurate with experience and aligned with development / NGO remuneration;
- 23 days holiday per annum plus public holidays;
- Diverse, exciting and impactful work collaborating with the private sector;
- Being part of a dynamic and experienced international team passionate about serving its clients to build successful responsible businesses, and committed to corporate sustainability, human rights and social change;
- Occasional international travel;
- Possibility to work remotely.
How to Apply
If you are interested in being considered for this role, please send your CV, a cover letter and a writing sample to jobs@theimpactfacility.com with the email subject heading: “Programme Manager – Fair Cobalt Alliance”.
All applications will be reviewed on a continual basis until the position has been filled.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to complete a written assessment exercise, followed by an interview.