Senior Legal Counsel Sustainability

ABOUT SOUTH32

South32 is a globally diversified mining and metals company. Our purpose is to make a difference by developing natural resources, improving people’s lives now and for generations to come. We are trusted by our owners and partners to realise the potential of their resources. We produce commodities including bauxite, alumina, aluminium, metallurgical coal, manganese, nickel, silver, lead, zinc and copper from our operations in Australia, Southern Africa and South America. With a focus on growing our base metals exposure, we also have two development options in North America and several partnerships with junior explorers around the world. 

    PERTH OFFICE

South32’s corporate office is based in the heart of Perth’s CBD. The corporate office houses key functions, including HR, Finance, Corporate Development, Investor Relations, Group Risk, and Technical. Our office is conveniently located a 5-minute walk from the Perth Underground Train Station.

WHAT SOUTH32 OFFERS

• Annual short-term incentive bonus that recognizes both your individual performance and the overall success of the business
• Purchase up to 4 weeks of additional annual leave
• The opportunity to become a shareholder of South32 through our share plans
• Discounted rates on travel, healthcare, and technology products
   

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Opportunity – Permanent Full-Time Position; this role will preferably be based at our office in the heart of the Perth CBD. We understand and value the benefits flexibility brings and operate a hybrid work model (in the office and from home)

The position of Senior Legal Counsel Sustainability will be part of the Corporate Legal team and will support the Sustainability lead team by providing independent support and advice on sustainability-related regulations and policies and assisting with developing and implementing South32’s Sustainability strategy and standards. This role will provide sustainability expertise and guidance to support the ongoing development and execution of the Sustainability Strategy and associated Sustainability Governance Framework.

Reporting to the Group Manager Legal Corporate & Commercial, the key role accountabilities include the following:

• Provide strategic and practical legal advice regarding sustainability issues, including on existing and emerging sustainability requirements and regulations
• Serve as a thought leader and in-house expert on all aspects of sustainability disclosure and governance, including legal, regulatory, and market developments and trends
• Advise on the application and requirements of international human rights laws, standards and frameworks to corporate governance, risk management, and compliance policies and processes
• Monitor and advise on sustainability-related legal developments, trends, risk mitigation initiatives, and best practices and provide strategic recommendations to senior leadership.

ABOUT YOU

You will have experience and demonstrate capability in the following:

• Experience in a similar role in a large complex business with a minimum of 10 years of experience within an in-house legal department and/or a top-tier law firm in environmental law
• Significant understanding of how sustainability benefits the Business, our customers, our people, wider society, and the planet.
• Comprehensive understanding of regulatory programs relating to sustainability reporting frameworks
• Experience in dealing with regulators and in providing advice and support on sustainability-related regulations and policies
• Experience in one or more of human rights, social performance, indigenous, traditional, and tribal peoples, climate change and nature/biodiversity would be an advantage
• Preferably experience working in the resources industry

Qualifications for this position are:

• Bachelor’s Degree in law

Our Culture 
At South32, our people are fundamental to our success. We’re focused on creating an inclusive and flexible workplace, with the right people in the right roles, who are engaged, empowered and appropriately rewarded.
We aspire to be an inclusive organisation, where our workforce reflects the broader demographic of the countries and communities where we operate.
South32 embraces diversity and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds.

Applications close 29 August 2023