Head of ESG

Globe 24-7, in partnership with a leading copper and cobalt mining company, is recruiting a Head of ESG for an expatriate leadership opportunity in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This senior appointment will lead the development and delivery of the Company’s ESG strategy across its operations, with particular responsibility for international ESG standards, lender requirements, environmental and social action plans, and ESG assurance. The successful candidate will play a critical role in strengthening the Company’s ESG capability as the business enters its next phase of growth and investment, working closely with executive leadership, the Board, international lenders and external stakeholders.

The Role
The Head of ESG will lead the Company’s alignment with international ESG standards, with particular focus on the IFC Performance Standards, while owning the development and delivery of the ESG roadmap across its operations.
The role will lead ESG engagement with lenders, technical advisors, independent monitors and external E&S stakeholders, translating lender requirements and independent gap assessments into practical, costed and time-bound implementation plans.
A key priority will be building the internal ESG capability required to deliver the Company’s long-term objectives, while developing and managing a strong network of specialist environmental and social consultants.
The Head of ESG will work closely with the existing CSR and External Relations function, alongside HSE, HR, Procurement, Legal and Finance, to ensure effective ESG implementation and assurance across the business.
This is an expatriate opportunity in the DRC, supporting operations across Lubumbashi and Kolwezi.

The Responsibilities

• Develop and drive the Company’s long-term ESG strategy across its operations.
• Own the IFC Performance Standards PS1-PS8 compliance roadmap and ensure effective implementation across operating sites.
• Lead and manage the Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP), including implementation priorities, budgets, milestones, evidence requirements and close-out.
• Lead ESG engagement with international lenders, lender ESG teams, technical advisors and independent engineers.
• Manage lender reviews, site visits, reporting, ESAP verification and independent monitoring.
• Translate lender requirements, independent assessments and identified ESG gaps into practical internal action plans.
• Build, develop and lead the Company’s internal ESG capability, including the recruitment and development of specialist ESG professionals.
• Scope, appoint and manage specialist environmental and social consultants across key ESG workstreams.
• Serve as the Company’s subject matter expert on IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles, OECD Due Diligence Guidance and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
• Lead the preparation, submission and regulatory approval of ESIAs, ESHIAs and associated environmental and social management plans.
• Develop and implement ESG policies, procedures and management systems aligned with international standards.
• Provide regular ESG reporting to executive leadership and the Board.
• Partner with CSR, HSE, HR, Procurement, Legal and Finance to ensure effective ESG implementation across the organisation.
• Establish and lead ESG assurance programmes, including internal audits, contractor audits and independent verification.
• Support ESG requirements associated with future project finance, refinancing, offtake, equity and other strategic transactions.
• Develop internal ESG capability and reduce reliance on external consultants over time.

The Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Social Science, Engineering or a related discipline.
• Relevant Master’s Degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years’ ESG and sustainability experience within the mining sector, including at least 5 years in a senior role with direct lender interface responsibility.
• Extensive hands-on experience owning IFC Performance Standards PS1-PS8 compliance roadmaps from development through to implementation and close-out.
• Proven experience managing ESAP delivery against lender requirements and agreed milestones.
• Direct experience leading ESIA and ESHIA preparation, submissions and regulatory engagement within mining operations.
• Strong experience scoping, selecting, contracting and managing specialist environmental and social consultants.
• Direct lender interface experience within Equator Principles or IFC-aligned project finance, including lender reviews, site visits, independent engineer engagement and ESAP verification.
• Deep working knowledge of international ESG standards and lender requirements.
• Proven experience building and leading ESG teams within mining environments.
• Previous experience within African mining, with exposure to the DRC or Central African Copperbelt highly advantageous.
• Exposure to artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) challenges within African mining environments.
• Experience with PS5 resettlement and Livelihood Restoration Plans advantageous.
• GISTM and tailings management experience advantageous.
• Experience supporting ESG components of project finance, refinancing or M&A transactions advantageous.
• Fluent English essential, with working French strongly preferred.
• Comfortable working within an expatriate arrangement in the DRC, supporting operations across Lubumbashi and Kolwezi.

The Rewards

• This is an exceptional opportunity to take ownership of the ESG agenda within an established copper and cobalt mining business during a significant period of growth and investment.
• The successful candidate will have direct exposure to executive leadership, the Board, international lenders and key external stakeholders while playing a central role in strengthening the Company’s ESG capability and alignment with international standards.
• An attractive expatriate remuneration and benefits package will be offered to the successful candidate.

Contact Us
Please apply directly by submitting your resume, preferably as a Microsoft Word document.