Senior Social Impact Associate

SENIOR SOCIAL IMPACT ASSOCIATE

Subsidiary: Genser Energy Ghana Limited (GEGL)

Division / Department:  External Relations

Location:  Corporate Office, Takoradi / Kumasi, Ghana

Designation Level: Functional Head

Reports Directly to: Social Impact Manager

OBJECTIVE: The Senior Social Impact Associate will lead the design and delivery of Genser Energy’s community investment and social impact programmes in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Environmental, Economic, Social and Governance (EESG) criteria and other relevant frameworks, ensuring that host communities are resilient and self-sustaining and that the Company’s social licence is sustainably secured.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

SOCIAL IMPACT STRATEGY & PLANNING

• Develop and implement the corporate social impact and community investment strategy, annual work plans and budgets in line with business objectives, the SDGs and shared-value principles.
  • Conduct community needs assessments and stakeholder mapping around areas of operation and new project developments.
  • Align community investment priorities with the development plans of host Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
• Support social impact assessments and manage social risks for new and existing projects.
  • Coordinate consultants and site teams on social and environmental impact assessments, ensuring alignment with IFC Performance Standards and lender requirements.
  • Develop and maintain the social risk register and recommend mitigation measures.

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PROGRAMME FORMULATION & DELIVERY

• Coordinate the formulation of community investment projects and programmes, including the repackaging of interventions into projects with measurable outcomes.
  • Apply participatory methodologies to involve communities in the design of interventions.
  • Develop project scopes, budgets and implementation plans, and select implementing partners.
• Oversee delivery of community investment projects and ensure compliance with legal regulations, industry standards and organisational policies.
  • Monitor delivery by partners and site teams to ensure quality, timelines and budget compliance.
• Build and manage partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, community-based organisations and development partners.
  • Prepare memoranda of understanding and manage partner performance and reporting.
• Support local content initiatives, including local employment, local procurement and skills development opportunities.
  • Work with Human Resources and Procurement to identify opportunities for community members and local businesses.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT & GRIEVANCE MANAGEMENT

• Develop and implement stakeholder engagement plans and maintain the stakeholder register.
  • Engage traditional authorities, MMDAs, community leaders and regulators on the Company’s activities and programmes.
  • Coordinate community consultations and information disclosure with site teams.
• Manage the community grievance mechanism from logging to resolution.
  • Track grievances, ensure timely resolution and analyse trends to prevent recurrence.
• Support land access, compensation and livelihood restoration processes in line with legal requirements and lender standards.

PERFORMANCE USE, REPORTING & KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT

• Work with the Monitoring and Evaluation Associate to set programme baselines, indicators and evaluation plans, and apply findings to improve programme design.
• Prepare periodic reports for management, lenders, regulators and the Board, and provide inputs to sustainability and ESG reporting.
• Oversee the knowledge management process for community investment programmes.
  • Document lessons learned, best practices and case studies for internal learning and external communication.
• Provide guidance and training to site teams and staff on community engagement, social performance and conduct in communities.
• Coordinate with Health & Safety, Human Resources, Legal, Procurement, Communications and Operations on social impact matters.

BUDGETING

• Actively assist the Department Head with the preparation of the monthly budget.
• Develop and manage all budget items, including cost control and expenditure forecasting.
• Ensure the budget is in line with the department’s scheduled activities.

ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Mentor and guide junior team members and community liaison officers to execute assigned projects within deadlines and budget.
• Carry out performance appraisals and development plans with subordinate staff.
• Coordinate the leave schedule of subordinate staff.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Sociology, Community Development, Environmental Management, Public Policy or a related field is mandatory.
• Master’s degree in Development Studies, Social Impact, Sustainability, Public Policy or a related field is a plus.
• Multicultural experience is a plus.
• Proficiency in French is a plus.
• Professional certification in social performance, ESG, sustainability or project management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) is a plus.

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum of 6 years of experience in social impact, community development, CSR or stakeholder engagement, preferably in the Power, Energy, Oil & Gas or Mining industry.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Proficiency with data collection, monitoring and reporting tools (e.g., KoboToolbox, Power BI).
• Hands-on experience in the formulation and implementation of development programmes and projects, and in building multi-stakeholder partnerships.
• Knowledge of internationally applicable sustainable development and social performance standards (e.g., ICMM, IFC Performance Standards, VPSHR, Ghana EITI, ESG and the SDGs).
• Knowledge of the mining and energy value chain and its social performance requirements.
• Good knowledge of shared-value community investment and of the development planning process of the MMDAs.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, negotiation, report writing and presentation skills, with the ability to work with diverse communities.

COMPETENCIES:

• Strategic Vision: Drive projects towards improving efficiencies based on processes and procedures.
• Efficient Project Management: Contribute to projects aimed at improving efficiencies through effective processes and procedures.
• Strong Leadership: Capable of addressing technical, financial, and HR challenges in a dynamic work environment.
• Adaptability: Willingness to adjust work practices to achieve the best results.
• Effective Communication: Communicate clearly and consistently; be a good listener and negotiator.
• Diligent Work Ethic: Manage multiple projects and ensure timely delivery of results.
• Commitment to Development: Take responsibility for personal growth and the training of team members.
• Efficiency Improvement: Navigate challenges and enhance efficiency through the use of technology.
• Organizational Skills: Strong planning, organizational, and time management abilities, with a knack for coordinating activities across different areas.
• Integrity and Confidentiality: Adhere to high ethical standards and handle sensitive community and stakeholder information with confidentiality.