Specialist: SHE Implementation at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for Specialist: SHE Implementation in the Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) function. The incumbent will develop and implement the SHE management programmes and processes to achieve a Divisional and Support Function(s) SHE objectives and targets. The incumbent will guide and provide operational SHE support in the implementation, compliance and certification of international standards (e.g., ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 17025, Good Laboratory Practices [GLP]), applicable statutory requirements and SHE Management System in a Division/ Portfolio and Support Function(s). This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

SHE Planning

• Develop enabling processes / mechanisms to assist the organisation in its quest to achieve zero harm by establishing and maintaining a safe, healthy and environmentally sustainable working environment in the Division/Portfolio through embedding principles of quality in all we do.
• Ensure the development and implementation of operational excellence principles and practices throughout all business and operational processes within the Division/Portfolios and Support Functions.
• Ensure that SHE requirements, systems and processes are implemented and complied with in the Division/Portfolios and Support Functions.
• To report to the Group SHEQ function on effectiveness of systems and processes within their respective divisions/portfolios.
• Ensure that the Division/Portfolios and Support Functions are compliant with the applicable SHE legal and other requirements. This includes development/implementation and monitoring of systems and processes that assist in compliance and monitoring (e.g. risk assessment registers, SOPs).
• Develop and maintain the Divisional/Portfolios and Support Functions SHE Management Programmes (SHEMP) in support and achievement of the organisational SHE objectives and targets.
• Develop and communicate annual calendar for SHE events/ priorities.

SHE Implementation

• Plan and conduct SHE communication, training / education and awareness campaign in the Division/Portfolio and Support Functions.
• Interact with Human Capital for initiating and coordinating the annual SHE training plan and updating information for personal and audit requirements.
• Ensure all forms of SHE risk assessments are conducted e.g. general, manual handling, and also act as an interface with the Group SHE function where a specialist response is required in relation to risk assessments performed by others within the Division/Portfolios and Support Functions
• Facilitate CSIR occupational health and safety related surveys, e.g., noise, lighting, exposure to chemical substances, and make associated recommendations in consultation with the Group SHEQ function.
• Provide responsive SHE service delivery aligned with Divisional/ Portfolios and Support Functions requirements /needs.
• Continuously facilitate engagement with key internal stakeholders on SHE requirements and performance.
• Serve as SHE Committee Meetings Secretariat for the Division/Portfolios and Support Functions.

SHE Performance Evaluation

• Full responsibility for Division/Portfolio and Support Functions in preparations for annual internal and external SHE audits in order to assist the organisation in maintaining certification against SHE Standards i.e., ISO 14001, ISO 45001
• Assist in retaining laboratory accreditations and work towards the attainment of new accreditations
• Advice the Division/ Portfolios and Support Functions on effectiveness of SHE systems and processes in ensuring compliance, outline gaps if/where they exist and propose improvement plans for closure.
• Produce and coordinate yearly Divisional/Portfolios and Support Functions SHE action plans and prepare and submit monthly SHE performance reports to Divisional/ Portfolio and Support Functions Leadership.

SHE Review

• Promote continual improvement in order to enhance SHE performance in the Division/Portfolios and Support Functions.
• Facilitate and ensure SHE Management Reviews (MR) are planned and conducted within the Division/Portfolios and Support Functions

Human Resource Management

• Manage, mentor, coach and play an advisory role for staff growth and development.
• Conduct performance management contracting and reviews for all staff at the recommended periods, for the purpose of managing and improving both individuals’ performance and service delivery.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A three-year degree or equivalent in any of the SHE disciplines or a formal qualification in the scientific or engineering field coupled with a qualification in at least one of the recognised SHE disciplines.
• SAATCA or any other recognised auditor registration will be highly advantageous.

A minimum of five years’ experience in the implementation of SHE management systems in a research environment, with a solid track record in the following:

• Comprehensive experience in the implementation and evaluation of SHE management systems.
• Exposure to evaluation, monitoring and management of laboratory systems based on ISO 17025 and the basic Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) principles is highly recommended.
• A minimum of three years in the implementation of systems.
• Exposure in a research and development and/or pilot scale environment is recommended.
• Experience in SHE systems as applied to research and development, business analysis, business process re-engineering, product development and testing is required.
• Experience in risk management and risk control as a function.
• Computer literacy as an advanced user as well as good administrative and analytical skills is required.
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).