Job Description

The South African Sugar Association (SASA) has a permanent opportunity available for the Head of Sustainability based at Kwa-Shukela in Mount Edgecombe.
This role will be based in the External Affairs Division.
The South African Sugar Association (SASA) provides a diverse range of highly specialized services to the South African sugar industry and our activities are funded in the main by the sugarcane growers and sugar milling companies. Our mission is to provide specialist services that enhance the profitability, global competitiveness and sustainability of the South African sugar industry.
Reporting to the External Affairs Director, this position's overall objective within the External Affairs Division is to lead and manage the sustainability portfolio encompassing industry diversification, natural resources, and environmental management.
The role is responsible for driving and coordinating the industry's diversification agenda while providing strategic oversight of natural resources and environmental management functions. This includes monitoring the legislative, regulatory, and market landscape to formulate policies, strategies, and guidelines that promote an enabling natural resources framework; enable diversification and sustainable industry practices; and support the development of new value chains and markets; as well as collaborating with key stakeholders to influence policy shifts and support the industry's transition towards diversified, resilient, and sustainable business models.
Duties:

• Participate in the External Affairs Division Management meetings to discuss and present plans, priorities, and resourcing provisions to support the key Sustainability Portfolio deliverables
• Keeps abreast of policy and legislative prescripts and trends and developments pertaining to sustainability, natural resources and diversification
• Advocate for and lead on policy advocacy related to renewable energy and green products.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve sustainability strategies using established sustainability principles, practices, and frameworks.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations while leading climate change mitigation initiatives and conducting social impact assessments. Manage and contribute to research related to diversification opportunities, environmental management, natural resource use, and other sustainability-related topics relevant to the sugar industry
• Leads the identification, evaluation, and advancement of diversification interventions, projects and programmes that serve to support the sustainability and performance of the industry
• Formulates recommendations, provides strategic advice and presents the industry position on sustainability and diversification
• Build and maintain strategic stakeholder relationships to advance sustainability and diversification objectives
• Provides strategic oversight, guidance, and support to the Sustainability Officer responsible for administrative, coordination, and secretariat functions in support of sustainability and diversification initiatives

Requirements / Competencies:

• Master's degree in environmental management, economics, engineering, energy studies or a related field of study.
• 8 years' work experience in sustainability, environmental management, energy, or related strategic roles. Experience in industry development will be an advantage
• Keen interest in analysis and interpretation of scientific information and the capability of working with and, merging and consolidating information from various sources
• Resilience together with an ability to work to and meet strict deadlines
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• In possession of a driver's license and own transport

Recruitment Process:

• SASA follows a comprehensive recruitment process that includes the formal assessment of cognitive abilities and preferred behavioral styles

Skills Required