ASSM Development Officer

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Mintek has an exciting position for an ASSM Development Officer to support the coordination of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASSM) activities, with emphasis on formalisation, basic compliance, and sustainable practices. The role includes assisting with the delivery of training programmes, providing general technical support to project teams, and helping ensure that training and project activities are completed within set timelines and budgets.

The position contributes to meeting the development needs of the small‑scale mining sector, supporting funder requirements, and aligning work with Mintek's overall mandate.

• Assist with guiding staff in the ASSM Section, offering basic mentorship and support to help build competence, teamwork, and good discipline within the division.
• Support the Head of Section in securing mineral‑related training projects by contributing to consulting activities and engaging with clients at various technical levels.
• Provide day‑to‑day support to junior staff, help with their training, and contribute to team discussions and technical decisions as needed.
• Prepare technical notes and internal communications that summarise project results, procedures, and operational information.

• Provide practical expertise to achieve the objective of projects using the research facilities.
• Ascertain the training needs of clients, develop new training courses/programmes, and contribute to divisional plans for training and business and play a major part in deciding on the division's long‑term policies and plans.
• Ensure that the documentation of work and procedures is done and produce professional reports, papers and presentations at local conferences.
• Keep up to date at a professional level with relevant training, technology and business in sections of the division's work.
• Source for funding – initiate and maintain contact with potential donors and project sponsors through networking, and following‑up on initiatives from management.
• Contribute to the Division's business plans by providing technical and practical expertise in a cost effective manner, and interacting with clients.
• Monitor and maintain the existing facilities to avoid/prevent failure and maintain required service level to optimise the utilisation of the facilities.

• Prioritise planned maintenance
• Ensure that critical items are catered for in the budget.
• Generate specifications for procurement.
• Ensure that spares and materials received meet the quality specified.
• Allocate resources to execute preventative maintenance tasks
• Ensure that billable hours are captured on ERP.
• Conduct plant and equipment inspections
• Ensure compliance with SHEQ compliance
• Enforce discipline and company policies and procedures in the section.
• Conduct research projects assigned by superiors.

• Control materials and spares issue to minimise wastage.
• Control the budget allocated to the cost centre

• Identify skills gaps amongst subordinates.
• Identify training needs of subordinates

• Liaise with internal clients on maintenance issues.
• Participate in CMS and client feedback meetings.
• Assist approved inspection authorities when executing statutory inspections on site.
• Train subordinates on Mintek SOP's.

• Report to the Head and Manager on the status of plant and equipment.
• Advise the Head on the skills gaps identified amongst subordinates.

• Minimum:
  Honours degree in Sustainable Development or related fields.
• Ideally, MSc in Development Studies (focusing on natural resources or/and ASM) or related fields.

• Minimum 3‑5 years' relevant experience.
• Experience in training specifically related to fields of mining and minerals.
• Must have broad experience as a professional, covering training, being Chief Investigator of major projects, and business operations.
• Project management experience

• Mid‑Senior level

• Full‑time

• Other

• Research Services

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