Job Details

Job Description

At First Quantum, we free the talent of our people by taking a very different approach which is underpinned by a very different, very definite culture – the “First Quantum Way”.

Working with us is not like working anywhere else, which is why we recruit people who will take a bolder, smarter approach to spot opportunities, solve problems and deliver results.

Our culture is all about encouraging you to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best result. That’s how we continue to achieve extraordinary things in extraordinary locations.

Job description:

Job Summary:

The Compliance Lead will be responsible for ensuring that the FQM subsidiaries’ operations comply with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements. The role involves overseeing the compliance framework across all mine sites and subsidiaries in Zambia, supervising site compliance officers, and liaising with regulatory bodies to maintain the companies’ good standing and adherence to the mining, environmental laws, health and safety standards, and other applicable laws and regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

Compliance Oversight:

• Develop, implement, and monitor a comprehensive compliance program for all mining operations.
• Ensure that all activities across mine sites comply with local, national, and international laws and regulations, including the mining laws and regulations, ZEMA requirements, and health and safety regulations.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory changes and ensure the company’s policies and procedures are updated accordingly.
• Oversee the implementation and enforcement of data protection processes and policies, ensuring compliance with relevant data privacy laws, safeguarding sensitive information, and managing data-related risks associated with mining operations.

Supervision and Leadership:

• Lead and manage a team of compliance officers deployed at various mine sites across Zambia.
• Provide guidance, training, and support to compliance officers to ensure consistent and effective compliance practices.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and ensure professional development opportunities for the compliance team.

Regulatory Liaison:

• Act as the primary point of contact between the company, local councils and regulatory authorities, including ZEMA, ZRA, PACRA, RPA, FIC, the Data Protection Commissioner and the Ministry of Mines.
• Prepare and submit required reports, documentation, and filings including rating requirements to regulatory bodies in a timely manner.
• Facilitate inspections and audits by regulatory agencies, ensuring that the company is always prepared and compliant.

Risk Management:

• Identify potential compliance risks related to the company’s operations and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Oversee the development and implementation of risk management frameworks, including policies on Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF), anti-bribery, anti-corruption, human rights and modern slavery, KYC, data protection and other critical corporate governance matters.

Policy and Procedure Development:

• Draft, review, and update compliance policies and procedures to align with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure that all employees, contractors, and third parties are aware of and adhere to the company’s compliance policies.

Training and Awareness:

• Develop and deliver training programs on compliance-related topics to all employees, ensuring a company-wide understanding of compliance obligations.
• Promote a culture of compliance and ethical behaviour within the organisation.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Conduct regular compliance audits and inspections at mine sites to ensure adherence to policies and regulations.
• Prepare and present compliance reports to the executive team, highlighting key findings, risks, and recommendations for improvement.
• Maintain records of compliance activities and documentation to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Establish and manage protocols for reporting and responding to compliance breaches, data protection incidents, and other legal infractions, ensuring swift resolution and transparent communication with stakeholders and regulatory bodies

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Business Administration, Mining Engineering, or a related field. A master’s degree or professional certification in compliance or risk management is preferred.
• Not less than 5 years’ experience in a compliance role in a managerial or supervisory capacity (experience within the mining or extractive industries will be an advantage).
• In-depth knowledge of Zambian mining laws, environmental regulations, health and safety standards, and other relevant legal frameworks.
• Proven experience in managing a team and leading compliance initiatives across multiple locations.
• Strong analytical, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a proactive and solution-oriented approach.

Key Competencies:

• Leadership and management skills
• Excellent understanding of regulatory frameworks
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• High ethical standards and integrity
• Attention to detail and ability to work under pressure
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Work Environment:

• Frequent travel to mine sites across Zambia is required.
• Ability to work in remote and challenging environments.