Principal Advisor - Communities and Social Performance (CSP)

Help create a long-lasting positive legacy
Key function in crafting and driving global Communities and Social Performance (CSP) initiatives and strategies
Exposure to a global organization working across multiple countries supporting delivery of our Copper business strategy – role preferably to be based in Brisbane but would also consider Johannesburg, Montreal or Salt Lake City.

Our approach to Communities and Social Performance (CSP) is to build strong partnerships based on mutual trust and respect. This includes the way we engage with host communities and the steps we take to identify and manage often complex social, economic, environmental, cultural, and human rights impacts throughout the life cycle of our projects, from exploration, to project development, operations and closure.

About the role

Our portfolio of Copper assets is unique and complex.Our assets cover the entirety of the lifecycle, driven by the energy transition to a low carbon economy – from feasibility to steady state operations and expansions and closure planning.The Simandou iron ore project has also recently transitioned into the Product Group.

The Copper Product Group manages a complex and challenging portfolio of large assets which require extensive CSP support and expertise including Simandou, Resolution Copper, Kennecott, Oyu Tolgoi and Winu.The breadth of CSP skills required covers the entirety of the functional remit from impact assessment, to resettlement, induced migration, cultural heritage management, agreement making, community consultation, human rights and social investment.It is also expected that the portfolio will grow as Copper exploration opportunities continue to mature.

This Principal Advisor - CSP role is a great opportunity to support the development and implementation of the Copper Product Group CSP programme by working hand in hand with embedded CSP teams to strengthen capability and programme delivery in support of our business objectives. Working and reporting to the General Manager, CSP Copper within you will:

Provide technical expertise and support to CSP practitioners across the Product Group including impact assessment and management, cultural heritage, resettlement, agreement making, community consultation, human rights and social investment.
Provide day-to-day service / support / technical guidance to leaders as it pertains to CSP issues and deliverables.
Support and deliver capacity development to ensure assets understand and are able to deliver against Rio Tinto’s Human Rights Policy, CSP and Partner to Operate Standard requirements.
Oversee the Copper PG’s CSP reporting including the monthly HSEC report, quarterly S&E survey, annual compliance certification and ongoing capture, tracking and response to grievances, complaints and incidents.
Support business units in the identification, assessment and management of asset social risks (threats and opportunities) – providing guidance and support as required to ensure appropriate articulation of the risks and control measures.
Strengthen the community relations, stakeholder and social performance competencies of the Copper Product Group to help deliver innovative solutions to a range of complex social challenges.
Work closely with communications and external affairs to support both internal and external communications pertaining to CSP requirements and programmes.

What you’ll bring

A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team
Degree qualified in anthropology, social sciences, public policy, political science, business, finance or related field; advanced degrees preferred.

A wealth of experience in the development of large-scale infrastructure projects working in complex and dynamic social and socio-political environments.

Expertise in CSP technical planning, programme design and execution.

Robust understanding of emerging ESG practice in extractive industries.

Experience working at a grassroots level with deep understanding of community and social development aspects.

Experience in designing and delivering grassroots social investment programmes.

Direct experience with social impact assessments and baselines preferred, but analytical and intellectual capacity to understand the logic of these exercises and the ability to manage their implementation is necessary.

Demonstrated excellence in planning and executing stakeholder analysis and mapping networks and strategies and integrating with external affairs, outreach and communications programs.

Proficient in managing complex and sensitive issues with reputation management experience.

Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

What we offer

Discounted Health cover scheme (Medibank) for employees and their immediate family
Salary sacrifice & packaging options – rental, mortgage, super, vehicle
Paid parental leave up to 9 months
Employee discounts – banking, accommodation, motoring, retail and more
Eligible for the Rio Tinto employee share programme
A work environment where safety is always the number one priority
Learning and development opportunities to support your desired technical or leadership career path
Ongoing individual wellbeing support for you and your family for personal and professional matters

We also offer exclusive employee discounts all over the world together with a wellness program for physical and mental wellbeing through fitness and activity allowances.

About Rio Tinto

Every idea, every innovation, every little thing the world calls ‘progress’ begins with a first step, and someone willing to take it: explorers, inventors, entrepreneurs. Pioneers.

For nearly 150 years, Rio Tinto has been a company of pioneers –generations of people spanning the globe, all with the grit and vision to produce materials essential to human progress. Our iron ore has shaped skylines from Shanghai to Sydney. Our aluminium –the world’s first to be certified “responsible” –helps planes fly and makes cars lighter. Our copper helps wind turbines power cities and our boron helps feed the world, and explore the universe. Our diamonds help us celebrate the best parts of life.

Where you’ll be working

The Rio Tinto Copper group is a global organisation with operations in the U.S. (Kennecott Utah Copper, “RTKC”, and Resolution), Mongolia (Oyu Tolgoi), Africa (Simandu) and Western Australia (Winu Cu-Au project).The portfolio also includes interests in a non-managed joint venture in Chile, in addition to exploration & evaluation interests and other minor investments.

Every Voice Matters

At Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, the LGBTI+ community, mature workers, people with disabilities and people from different cultural backgrounds.

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome –they are essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or anything else that makes us different.

Apply today if you want to work with the latest technology and innovation, in an environment where we support you to drive positive change.

Please note, in order to be successfully considered for this role you must complete all pre-screening questions.

Principal Adviser Communities and Social Performance (CSP)