Senior Sustainability Specialist

Purpose of the Job The purpose of the Senior Sustainability Specialist role is to ensure the efficient and effective management and delivery of multiple sustainability projects, from inception to completion, that provide demonstrable value in line with Shoprite's sustainability strategy and implementation plan. The role is responsible for providing project leadership through the successful identification, management, and delivery of in scope projects and initiatives while providing expertise on sustainability programmes and projects which include a focus on environmental, and socioeconomic development drivers. The following issues are material to our business: climate change, water scarcity, deepening poverty and social tension, responsible sourcing, food waste, and growing consumer and investor awareness of environmental issues. Therefore, this role is primarily responsible for the development, implementation, and monitoring of sustainability programmes, projects, and initiatives in alignment with the business strategy. The portfolio identified in line with the Group's strategic objectives and priorities, and across the entire value chain is: Waste management and responsible sourcing. Job Advert Details Job CategoryOther Job Objectives Providing project leadership through the successful identification, management, and delivery of projects and initiatives while providing expertise on sustainability programmes and projects which include a focus on environmental, and socioeconomic development drivers. Successfully execute and deliver all assigned projects on-time, within scope and budget, ensuring that all assigned projects are aligned to the sustainability strategy and project management methodology. Direct sustainability programmes, projects, and initiatives to ensure compliance with government regulations and other frameworks that the Group subscribes to. Remain informed of market-related sustainability topics, trends, and risks to proactively identify and develop sustainability-related programmes, projects, and initiatives. Provide subject matter expertise and advice to the business and lead multi-disciplinary teams to deliver on sustainability programmes, projects, and initiatives. Provide regular, clear, and concise visibility on project status (timeline, key decisions, dependencies, issues, risks, metrics) through weekly/monthly status reporting and project/resource reviews. Monitor, evaluate and report on the effectiveness of sustainability programmes, projects, and initiatives through the submission of periodic reports and routine analysis of information and data. Conduct and capture project lessons learnt identifying project wins and opportunities for improvement. Develop sustainability tools, procedures, and work instructions, where necessary, to ensure that the Group remains compliant with regulations, internal policies, and best practices. Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders (suppliers, local government, NGOs, etc.). Develop communication material and plans to keep key internal and external stakeholders informed about sustainability programmes, projects, and initiatives. Develop and deliver sustainability Alerts and training material to sustain the implementation of sustainability programmes, projects, and initiatives.Contribute to the periodic review and evaluation of the Group's sustainability strategy and implementation plans as well as programmes and projects. Qualifications Degree in Business Sciences, Engineering or equivalent - (essential). Experience +5 years' experience in an environmental sustainability or equivalent role with demonstrable experience implementing and leading sizeable sustainability projects - (essential). Relevant knowledge and practical experience of environmental issues and initiatives across the value-chain: biodiversity, waste and recycling, renewable energy, social enterprise, community engagement etc - (essential). Experience with providing sustainability expertise, leading, guiding and advising multiple and diverse internal and external stakeholders - (essential). Knowledge and Skills Knowledge of environmental regulations impacting the industry including but not limited to a strong understanding of sustainability issues relevant to the food retail - (essential). Advanced knowledge of MS-suite, specifically MS-Excel. Knowledge of sustainability reporting frameworks and standards.