Mining Standards and Responsible Sourcing Expert

Job Posting Organization:
Pact is a global nonprofit organization that has been operational since its establishment, with experience in over 60 countries. The organization is dedicated to fostering thriving, resilient communities that can chart their own development paths. Pact delivers solutions that are rooted in evidence and driven by data, ensuring that its programs are effective and impactful. The organization operates with a mission to empower individuals and communities, providing them with the tools and resources necessary for sustainable development. Pact's Programs Team plays a crucial role in achieving this mission by bridging program management, technical support, and business development, thereby ensuring program excellence through continuous learning, monitoring, and evaluation. The team also provides organizational and industry-wide thought leadership, leveraging a complementary set of cross-functional, multi-disciplinary skills, expertise, and experiences to influence progressive change across the globe.

Job Overview:
The Mining Standards and Responsible Sourcing Expert is tasked with providing technical leadership for a project focused on responsible mining, due diligence, mining governance, and human and labor rights within critical mineral supply chains in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This role involves supporting various stakeholders, including government institutions, industrial and artisanal mining companies, cooperatives, professional organizations, and civil society, in aligning their policies and practices with national and international standards. The expert will play a pivotal role in bridging national reforms with their operational implementation at the provincial level, ensuring that public policies and international standards are effectively applied in targeted mining areas. The position is integral to the project's technical team and requires collaboration with other officers to achieve the project's objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Mining Standards and Responsible Sourcing Expert include providing high-level technical expertise on mining standards and due diligence, advising stakeholders on the application of national and international frameworks concerning human rights and labor rights, and promoting best practices in due diligence, risk management, transparency, community engagement, and grievance mechanisms. The expert will support the continuous improvement of internal policies for mining operators and cooperatives, ensuring alignment with applicable standards. Additionally, the role involves providing technical support to ministries and public agencies in identifying and implementing necessary reforms in the mining sector, drafting regulatory texts, and developing tools for self-assessment and compliance monitoring. The expert will also provide direct technical assistance to various supply chain stakeholders, organize training sessions, and facilitate dialogue with provincial authorities to ensure effective implementation of reforms and standards.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as mining, geology, natural resource governance, political science, or law. Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of demonstrated professional experience in the mining sector in the DRC, with proven expertise in responsible mining, due diligence, mining governance, and human rights and labor rights. Familiarity with the DRC Mining Code and its institutional framework, as well as proficiency in international extractive industry standards, is essential. Strong analytical and writing skills, along with experience in developing training programs and tools, are also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field, which may include mining, geology, natural resource governance, political science, or law. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of the mining sector and the regulatory frameworks that govern it.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of professional experience in the mining sector, specifically within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This experience should encompass areas such as responsible mining practices, due diligence processes, mining governance, and the formalization of artisanal mining operations. Proven experience in human rights and labor rights, as well as supply chain compliance or certification, is also necessary.

Languages:
The position requires an excellent command of French, as it is the primary language of communication in the DRC. Additionally, good professional proficiency in English is required, and knowledge of Swahili is considered a major asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
This position is part of a project that emphasizes the importance of responsible mining practices and the enforcement of labor rights. The role may involve working in complex, multicultural environments and requires strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and negotiation abilities. The expert will be expected to contribute to the development of project work plans, technical reports, and strategic documents, ensuring that best practices and lessons learned are documented and shared. The position may also involve regular travel within the DRC to engage with local stakeholders and support the implementation of mining standards and governance reforms.