Consultant –Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) Tailings Management and Reprocessing Expert Consultant (English)

Background

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an independent think tank that delivers the knowledge to act. Our mission is to promote human development and environmental sustainability. Our big-picture view allows us to address the root causes of some of the greatest challenges facing our planet today—ecological destruction, social exclusion, unfair laws and economic rules, a changing climate. With offices in Winnipeg, Geneva, Ottawa, Toronto, and New York, our work affects lives in nearly 100 countries.  

IISD serves as the Secretariat for the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF). The IGF works with governments to advance their sustainable development goals with effective laws, policies, and regulations for the mining sector. It is devoted to optimizing the benefits of mining to achieve poverty reduction, inclusive growth, social development, and environmental stewardship. The IGF serves as a unique global venue for dialogue between its 85-member country governments and mining companies, industry associations, and civil society. 

The Secretariat IGF has recently started an Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) tailings technical assistance program to support the IGF’s resource-rich member countries in designing and implementing appropriate regulations for ASGM tailings management and reprocessing.

The program has recently completed the first phase of the project with a new IGF report designed to inform policy-makers about ASGM extraction, processing, tailings generation, management, and reprocessing. It also covers mercury recovery from tailings, its management, and disposal.

Scope of Work

The Secretariat is launching the second phase of the project, and we are currently looking for an ASGM Tailings Management and Reprocessing Expert consultant (English) to support the IGF Secretariat. The consultant will

• Design and develop a 3-day training module on technical and policy best practices of ASGM tailings management and reprocessing, including case studies from various regions (Africa, Latin American and the Caribbean [LAC], and Asia): September to November 2024.

The consultant will be required to further undertake one or more of the following activities below.

• Design and deliver a 3-day virtual regional training with IGF African member countries: January 2025 to March 2025.
• Design and deliver a 3-day virtual regional training with IGF LAC member countries: January 2025 to March 2025.
• Design and deliver a 3-day virtual regional training with IGF Asian member countries: January 2025 to March 2025.

Qualifications

Education

• A university degree from a recognized university in geology, chemistry, engineering, environmental science/management, or a related discipline.

Experience 

• A minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience dedicated to artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), including ASGM management.
• Experience in the assessment, management, and reprocessing of tailings in ASGM operations, with a deep understanding of the environmental and economic challenges associated with ASGM practices.
• Knowledge of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, including its requirements, objectives, implementation strategies, and technical guidance. Good knowledge of best practices in ASGM operations, including the management of hazardous materials and mitigation of environmental impacts.
• Experience in developing and delivering training programs or capacity-building initiatives in ASM, including ASGM, with a focus on sustainable practices, environmental management, or tailings reprocessing.
• Experience working in Africa, LAC, or Asia is highly desirable, along with an understanding of the regional challenges and opportunities in ASGM.

Languages

• Proficiency in English is required. Proficiency in French or Spanish is considered a strong asset.

Other information

This position is an immediate short-term consultancy with an opportunity for future contracts.

• Location: Remote. International travel is not required. 
• Start Date: September 15, 2024
• End Date: March 31, 2025

Application Procedure

All submissions must be in English. Accommodations for job applicants with disabilities are available on request.  Candidates must hold appropriate work authorization for the place they are based. IISD will not be applying for residency and work permits for this position on behalf of the applicant.

Applications will only be accepted through Bamboo HR. 

• A CV (no longer than two pages) 
• A cover letter (one page)

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 

IISD is committed to fostering a more equitable and sustainable world and welcomes candidates who uphold our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, to correct the conditions of social injustice and disadvantage in employment around the world, we encourage candidates from historically marginalized groups, including women, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, and those who identify themselves as 2SLGBTQIA+, to apply for this position. We offer reasonable accommodations in our recruitment process and seek applicants’ advice on how best to accommodate their needs. 

IISD does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, caste, ethnicity, religion, colour, disability, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

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