CSI Specialist - Shoprite Group

The purpose of the CSI specialist role is to efficiently and effectively implement multiple corporate social investment projects, from inception to completion, that provides demonstrable value in line with Shoprite’s CSI & sustainability strategy and framework. This includes administrative support for both CSI and Sustainability programmes/departments to ensure administrative efficiency in system and document processing and management.

Therefore, this role is primarily responsible for the development, implementation, and monitoring of sustainability programmes, projects, and initiatives in alignment with the business strategy. Three portfolios have been identified in line with the Group's strategic objectives that support specific focus areas within the CSI and/or Sustainability mandate.

These portfolios are subject to changes in scope and mandate dependent on the overall Group's drive and position regarding community impact, reach and benefit. Focus is including but is not limited to:

• Portfolio 1: Community food gardens for the Shoprite Group to maintain and build ongoing relationships with the communities where the Group trades.
• Portfolio 2: Mobile soup kitchens and surplus food donations for the Shoprite Group to maintain and build ongoing relationships with the communities where the Group trades.
• Portfolio 3: Project coordination across CSI and Sustainability projects. And early childhood development centres. for the Shoprite Group to maintain and build ongoing relationships with the communities where the Group trades.

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Job Objectives

• Providing support through the successful coordination, administration, and delivery of projects and initiatives providing expertise on areas of focus within the allocated portfolios or initiatives (including ad hoc projects etc. as required).
• Successfully execute all assigned activities within the portfolio mandate on time, within scope and within budget.
• Ensure compliance with internal governance, government regulations and other frameworks that the Group subscribes to.
• Remain informed of functional Shoprite-related sustainability topics, trends, and risks to proactively support in identifying and developing activities that enhance the CSI reach, stakeholder engagement and other goals assigned to specific portfolios.
• Provide assistance to the business and support multi-disciplinary teams to deliver CSI programmes, projects, and initiatives within the assigned areas of focus and peripheral activities and opportunities.
• Provide regular, clear, and concise visibility on operational execution and portfolio performance at local and national level to inspire and improve increased reach and success of portfolio outcomes.
• Provide input to the reporting on the effectiveness of CSI programmes, projects, and initiatives through the submission of periodic reports and routine analysis of information and data. Conduct and capture project lessons learnt identifying project wins and opportunities for improvement.
• Apply sustainability tools, procedures, and work instructions, where necessary, to ensure that the Group remains compliant with regulations, internal policies, and best practices.
• Assist all financial activities related to the portfolio, working with various stakeholders to ensure that strong governance is maintained around stock levels, allocations, grants, and donations. Ensure adequate controls, financial processes and assurances are applied with traceable audit trails.
• Provide the necessary support in terms of decision-making and approvals to adhere to financial and other benefits allocated within the approved mandate.
• Understand the budgetary allocations and adjust project constraints based on financial analysis and adjust activities on the ground to meet the new requirements.
• Provide operational processes on the ground to ensure that the aspects like identification and loading of suppliers and beneficiaries are administered, logistics are strongly coordinated, local activities have a good oversight and consistent approach.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external (suppliers, local government, NGO's, etc.) stakeholders.
• Participate in the process of developing communication material and plans to keep key internal and external stakeholders informed about the specific portfolio focus.
• Implement the sustainability alerts and training material to sustain the implementation of specific portfolio objectives and milestones etc.
• Contribute to the periodic review and evaluation of the Group's CSI and sustainability strategy and framework as well as programs and projects.
• Provide assistance in populating dashboards and data capturing to ensure effective reporting.

Qualifications

Degree in Business Sciences, Development Studies, Project Management or equivalent – (Highly beneficial)

Experience

• +1 years experience in a Corporate Social Investment or equivalent role with demonstrable experience executing, coordinating and providing administrative sustainability projects as derived from a Group sustainability strategy and framework - (essential).
• Applying governance and assurance within the CSI context – as oversight and operational execution.
• Required experience in conducting research surveys, monitoring and monitoring CSI programmes

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Knowledge and Skills

Relevant knowledge and practical experience in an operational project execution context of one or more of the portfolio focus areas:

• Community food gardens or mobile soup kitchens and surplus food donations or early childhood development centres for the Shoprite Group including an understanding of the communities/consumers and beneficiaries where the Group trades - (essential).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, with strong proficiency in excel.
• Personal energy and driven with strong integrity - Takes accountability for actions and mistakes.
• Independent, proactive problem-solving approach - Understands, analyses, and navigates the risks of logistical, financial and admin processes with a strong basis on operational project execution principles.
• Project coordination and administration - Applies strong project coordination and ensures quality project deliverables on time. Builds stakeholder involvement, risks, and resources on the project execution level.
• Applies sound judgement, particularly in balancing competing demands and priorities.
• Collaborative partnering - Builds sound relationships both internally and externally. Able to comfortably engage with internal and external stakeholders and various levels to achieve project goals. Open, honest, direct and comfortable giving and receiving constructive feedback.
• Communication - Clearly conveys and receives information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the listener, helps them understand and retain the message, and invites response and feedback. Keeps others informed as appropriate.
• Reporting, verbal, and written communication skills - Applies accurate and succinct messaging, presents complex concepts simply and communicates actionable findings in a way that inspires and facilitates change.
• Business and commercial acumen - Enables change by defining needs and recommending solutions that deliver value to the business.
• Understanding of how business, local government and communities operate.