Lead, Communities and Social Performance
KoBold Metals DRC · Lubumbashi
About the company:
In the coming decades, demand for critical minerals such as copper, lithium, and cobalt will continue to grow. These minerals are needed to build electric infrastructure, vehicles, data centers, and electronics. However, the mining industry is making 10x fewer discoveries per dollar spent on exploration compared to 30 years ago because the easy-to-find, near surface deposits have largely been discovered.
KoBold was founded to be the first AI native mineral exploration, mine development, and technology development company. Our goal is to turn mineral exploration into a repeatable science to discover the minerals the world needs—by integrating artificial intelligence, human intelligence, and new technology. Our multidisciplinary teams of data scientists, engineers, and geologists work together to build data systems, design new sensors, and establish industry-leading workflows to develop and test subsurface predictions on our exploration projects.
Our first discovery, Mingomba, is a high-grade copper deposit in Zambia, found after spending materially less than industry average. We are developing Mingomba with the same technical rigor that we apply to exploration. The Mingomba team brings together mine and processing engineers, geologists, data scientists, software engineers, and community, health & safety, construction, and operations specialists. By combining industry knowledge and cutting edge technology, we are developing Mingomba into a world class project that has safer and more predictable outcomes for ourselves, partners, and communities. It is expected to create thousands of good jobs for generations.
KoBold runs exploration programs in eight countries, all with the potential for another discovery.
KoBold is privately held; investors include institutional asset managers T. Rowe Price and Canada Pension Plan Investments; technology venture capitalists Andreessen Horowitz, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, BOND Capital, Durable Capital, StepStone, and Standard Investments; and strategic natural resources companies BHP and Mitsubishi.
About The Role:
You will lead KoBold’s community and public relations function in the DRC, ensuring that our presence reflects our values, regulatory obligations, and long-term commitments to local communities. You will manage community engagement, public and government relations, and oversee the implementation of the Plan d’Action de Réinstallation (PAR).
Responsibilities of this position include:
Strategic Leadership & Representation
- Represent KoBold at the regional and local level with provincial governors, local administrative authorities, traditional authorities and community stakeholders and other industry stakeholders.
- Lead strategic engagement with local communities to ensure KoBold’s success.
- Provide advisory support and recommendations for the implementation of exploration activities.
- Represent KoBold’s values and ethics in every interaction, reinforcing a culture of trust and credibility.
Communities Engagement and Stakeholder Relations
- Ensure the proper identification and analysis of stakeholders who may be affected by or interested in KoBold’s activities.
- Design stakeholder engagement processes such as land access strategies and stakeholder engagement plans, including engagement strategies with traditional leaders.
- Lead consultation processes with local communities, traditional authorities and local authorities to ensure the timely implementation of work programs.
- Develop and maintain trusted and productive relationships with community leaders, local governments, civil society organizations, and development partners to sustain community confidence.
- Implement KoBold’s grievance mechanism and resolve community concerns or complaints.
Social Impact Assessment and Management
- Lead social and environmental risk assessments.
- Lead social due diligence for new projects.
- Oversee social impact assessments and ongoing monitoring of exploration activities.
- Develop and implement social management plans aligned with international standards (IFC Performance Standards, ICMM principles, IRMA).
- Track and report on social performance indicators.
- Identify and assess social risks, including artisanal and small-scale mining and develop mitigation strategies.
- Manage complex crisis situations with judgment and authority, balancing company, community, and regulatory expectations.
- Lead cross-functional task forces on critical issues requiring alignment across operations, legal, and ESG teams.
- Foster a culture of accountability, discretion, and disciplined execution across all externally-facing teams.
- Advise senior leadership on the strategic implications of evolving stakeholder dynamics.
Community Development
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- Oversee community investment programs and local initiatives
- Develop scopes of work for community investment initiatives
- Implement actions outlined in the PARs.
Qualifications
- 7-10+ years of progressive experience in social performance, community relations or stakeholder engagement within the mining, energy, or infrastructure sectors.
- Proven ability to build and manage relationships with community members, traditional leaders, government officials, and institutional stakeholders in complex environments.
- Deep understanding of international standards including IFC Performance Standards, ICMM principles and UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
- Knowledge of social impact assessment methodologies and tools.
- Knowledge of grievance mechanism design and implementation.
- Strong negotiation and conflict resolution abilities.
- Fluency in French and English (written and spoken); knowledge of local languages is an advantage.
- High level of integrity, cultural awareness, and professional maturity, with the ability to operate effectively in a diverse, cross-functional team.
What to Expect
Joining KoBold means getting the opportunity for hands-on exposure to our exploration projects around the world. All employees are expected to travel to project sites, with a minimum of one week per year. Field-facing and technical roles spend significantly more time in the field.
KoBold Metals is an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity for people of any race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, age, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.
This position is (Contract, Exempt)
At this time, we are only accepting applications from Congolese nationals.
(Location: Lubumbashi, DRC)