The purpose of this role is to support the execution of Vodacom’s ESG framework with a focus on the empowering people purpose pillar and social impact-related responsible business practices across Vodacom and its subsidiaries (‘Vodacom’); as well as to provide expert advice at senior levels (Group and subsidiaries) on such matters within the context of the Group’s strategy.

It involves leading engagement with a range of internal stakeholders to reflect positive ESG-related impacts of Vodacom’s products and services and responsible business practices, manage Group projects, lead the reporting relative to the portfolio, and drive partnerships and stakeholder engagement on the topic externally.

The role sits within Vodacom Group’s ESG and Sustainable Business team, within Vodacom Group External Affairs. This team is responsible for creating and implementing Vodacom’s ESG approach in support of the Group’s purpose ambition and commitment to maintaining trust through responsible business practices. Execution includes working with the Vodacom human rights specialist, the Vodacom ESG reporting and communication specialist, customer-facing businesses, Sustainability teams within operating companies, Vodacom Foundation teams, the senior sustainability strategy manager at Vodafone as well as external partners at local and regional level.

Your responsibilities will include:

Manage the governance and execution of identified commercial-linked Group ESG purpose-linked projects including the associated measurement and target setting and internal reporting (in consultation with business), while contributing to the external reporting relative to the portfolio.

Support Vodacom’s commercial teams across Vodacom’s subsidiaries and lines of business, to: (i) identify and promote products, programmes and initiatives within the context of the Vodacom strategy that met identified societal needs (ii) guide commercial social inclusion activities in relation to the Group’s ESG approach; and (iii) assess opportunities and social impact related risks, providing recommendations.

Support the review and adaption of Vodacom’s empowering people purpose pillar and social-related aspects of responsible business practices as required by internal developments; the ongoing evolution of the external landscape; and considering the findings of various external assessments including, Vodacom commissioned independent assessments; unsolicited civil society/NGO reports and ESG ratings.

Promote and further develop the Vodacom narrative on empowering people and social-related aspects of maintaining trust (through responsible business practices); manage Vodacom external leadership opportunities and contribute to Vodafone external leadership opportunities.

Develop and manage external relationships with NGOs, industry, regulators, and reporting bodies (such as the UN Global Compact); and lead the process on external reporting of social impacts in line with evolving regulatory context and stakeholder expectations.

The ideal candidate for this role will have:

Must have technical / professional qualifications: 

Relevant degree, or relevant ESG-related qualification such as GRI Professional Certification is advantageous.

Experience in reporting against the Global Reporting Initiative standards, the UN Global Compact and UN SDGs is a minimum. Knowledge of emerging frameworks such as the EU CSRD, ISSB S1 and SASB standards is advantageous.

Experience working in a matrixed, multi-national African organisation is advantageous.

Core competencies, knowledge and experience:

Experience in the execution of commercial-linked social inclusion activities and responsible business practices.

Experience with social impact reporting against globally accepted frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative standards, the UN Global Compact, and UN SDGs is a minimum.

Learning and researching, applying expertise and technology, problem solving, entrepreneurial and commercial thinking.

Excellent verbal and written communicator who can engage and influence a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills, including managing and influencing and stakeholders (internally and externally).