CSI Specialist at Shoprite Group of Companies

Purpose of the Job    

• The purpose of the CSI & Sustainability Specialist role is to ensure the efficient and effective execution of multiple sustainability projects, from inception to completion, that provide demonstrable value in line with Shoprite’s sustainability strategy and framework.
• The role is responsible for providing project leadership through the successful identification, management, and delivery of in scope projects and initiatives providing expertise on sustainability programmes and projects which include a focus on environmental, and socioeconomic development drivers.
• The Group has identified the following sustainability issues as being material to our business in the year under review: climate change, water scarcity, deepening poverty and social tension, responsible sourcing, food waste, and growing consumer and investor awareness of environmental issues.
• 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 Groups drive and position regarding community impact, reach and benefit. Focus is including but not limited to:
• Portfolio 1: Community food gardens for the Shoprite Group to maintain and build on-going 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 on-going 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 on going relationships with the communities where the Group trades. 

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 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 guidance to the business and support multi-disciplinary teams to deliver on sustainability 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.
• Monitor, evaluate and report on the effectiveness of portfolio operational outcomes, including the submission of periodic reports and routine analysis of information and data. Conduct and capture lessons learnt identifying operational 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.
• Plan and support 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.
• Build strong operational processes on the ground to ensure that the aspects like identification and loading of suppliers and beneficiaries is 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 sustainability strategy and framework as well as programmes and projects.

Qualifications    

Highly beneficial:

• Degree in Business Sciences, Development Studies, Project Management or equivalent

Experience    

Essential:

• +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.

Knowledge and Skills    

• Relevant knowledge and practical experience in an operational project execution context of one or more of the portfolios 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).
• Applying governance and assurance within the CSI context – as oversight and operational execution. 

Closing Date    

• 2026/03/26