Senior Sustainability & RSPO Officer at Biase Plantations Limited

Biase Plantations Limited is a subsidiary of Wilmar International Limited. The Company is into oil palm cultivation. It has over 3,000 employees. Wilmar International Limited, founded in 1991, headquartered in Singapore, is one of Asia’s leading agribusiness groups.  It has over 500 manufacturing plants and an extensive distribution network covering China, India, Indonesia and some 50 other countries. The Group is backed by a multinational workforce of over 100,000 people.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Senior Sustainability & RSPO Officer

Location: Akamkpa, Cross River
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Description

• The Sustainability and RSPO Officer is responsible for ensuring that the company’s operations align with sustainability goals and the requirements of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification. The role involves implementing sustainability strategies, monitoring compliance with environmental and social standards, managing audits, and promoting sustainable practices within the organization.
• Location: Calaro Estate & Calaro Extension
• Department: Sustainability
• Reports to: Sustainability Manager/Senior Estate Manager
• Job Grade: 5B

Responsibilities
RSPO Compliance and Certification:

• Implement RSPO Principles and Criteria (P&C) to ensure full compliance.
• Manage all documentation and processes required for RSPO audits and certification.
• Develop and maintain management systems for the RSPO certification and ensure all records are accurate and up to date.
• Prepare for and assist in facilitating internal and external audits.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Develop and implement sustainability programmes that align with the organisation’s goals in environmental conservation, waste reduction, energy efficiency, and social responsibility.
• Monitor and evaluate the organisation's carbon footprint, water usage, and biodiversity impact, implementing strategies to reduce negative impacts.
• Promote best practices for sustainable land use, waste management, and resource conservation.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Work with CLO to engage with Landlord Communities, NGOs and other stakeholders to ensure positive social and environmental impacts from operations.
• Raise awareness among employees and contractors on sustainability issues and RSPO standards through training and workshops.

Environmental and Social Risk Management:

• Identify potential environmental and social risks in operations and develop mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with local environmental regulations and labour laws.
• Support grievance mechanisms to handle complaints related to sustainability and RSPO compliance.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Prepare periodic reports on sustainability performance, including compliance with RSPO standards, for internal and external stakeholders.
• Track and document sustainability KPIs such as waste reduction, energy use, emissions, and community engagement activities.
• Support the communication team in publishing sustainability reports and updates.

Continuous Improvement:

• Stay informed on evolving RSPO standards, industry trends, and environmental policies.
• Work with cross-functional teams to improve sustainability practices across the organisation.
• Identify opportunities to adopt innovative practices that enhance the Company’s sustainability performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Agriculture, Natural Resources Management, Sustainability, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in sustainability management, RSPO compliance, or related roles in the agricultural or palm oil industry.
• Strong knowledge of RSPO principles and other relevant sustainability standards (e.g. ISCC, FSC).
• Experience in managing environmental audits, certification processes, and sustainability reporting.
• Excellent project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and sustainability reporting tools.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Skills:

• Knowledge of ISO 14001 or other environmental management systems.
• Understanding of local and international environmental laws and regulations.
• Experience in community engagement and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and external partners.

Working Conditions:

• This role may require occasional travel to other company sites, including plantations and mills.
• Ability to work in outdoor environments and in different locations, depending on project needs.

Application Closing Date
28th October, 2024.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should address and submit their applications to:
The General Manager,
Biase Plantations Limited,
Calaro Estate, Mbarakom,
Akamkpa Local Government Area,
Cross River State.