VP Public Affairs

Purpose of the Role The head of Public Affairs leads the Group’s strategy and engagement with governments, institutions, communities, and external stakeholders to secure and maintain the Group’s license to operate. The role ensures that the Company’s reputation, regulatory relationships, and social footprint support sustainable business growth across all jurisdictions.

Key Responsibilities

1. Government & Institutional Relations Develop and implement the Group’s public affairs strategy to maintain constructive relationships with host governments and regional authorities. Serve as the main point of contact for ministries, agencies, and diplomatic bodies in West Africa and internationally. Monitor and anticipate political, regulatory, and fiscal developments impacting mining operations. Support management during negotiations of conventions, mining codes, and investment frameworks.
2. External & Stakeholder Engagement Build trusted relationships with community leaders, local institutions, and strategic partners to promote mutual understanding and cooperation. Lead the design of stakeholder mapping and engagement plans for each operating country. Represent the Group in national and regional industry associations, forums, and conferences.
3. Advocacy & Reputation Management Ensure consistent, transparent messaging aligned with the Group’s values and sustainability commitments. Coordinate advocacy positions on key industry matters (taxation, local content, energy transition, etc.). Support the CEO in high-level communications with governments, investors, and the media.
4. Strategic Intelligence & Risk Management Provide the Group with analysis on political, security, and regulatory risks. Coordinate crisis communication and institutional response when required. Contribute to the Group’s ESG and sustainability agenda by aligning public affairs actions with social performance objectives.
5. Leadership & Collaboration Manage a small multidisciplinary team across countries (corporate, site, and liaison offices). Work closely with Legal, ESG, and Operations to ensure full alignment between business objectives and stakeholder expectations. Profil Academic qualifications Master's degree (or equivalent) in political science, international relations, business law, communications or business administration. Professional experience 10 to 15 years of progressive experience in public affairs, government relations or external relations within multinational companies (ideally in the mining, energy, infrastructure or natural resources sectors) or international institutions, public administrations or diplomatic services. Proven experience in managing relations with governments and communities in West Africa. Technical and functional skills In-depth understanding of public policy processes, mining or extractive regulations and standards. Excellent command of stakeholder mapping and engagement strategies. Skills in strategic communication, reputation management and advocacy. Good knowledge of local content. Strong analytical skills to interpret political, regulatory and social trends impacting businesses. Experience working with industry associations, donor institutions, or regional bodies (ECOWAS, UEMOA, African Development Bank, etc.). Leadership and interpersonal skills Recognised as a trusted advisor to senior executives and government officials. Exceptional influence and negotiation skills, with tact and cultural sensitivity. Excellent teamwork skills Ability to manage reputation and crisis situations Languages Fluency in English and French (written and spoken) is mandatory. Personal qualities High level of integrity and discretion Strategic mindset and ability to implement concrete actions. Commitment to sustainable development, community development and corporate responsibility. Informations contractuelles Reports to: Chief Executive Officer Location: Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire