HSEC Manager (Kazakhstan)

Position Overview

ESS is seeking a highly experiencedHSEC Managerto lead all Health, Safety, Environment, and Community (HSEC) functions In Kazakhstan.

The HSEC Manager will ensure full compliance with Kazakhstan regulatory requirements and alignment with international best practices, including the standards of theInternational Finance Corporation (IFC)where applicable.

This role is critical in safeguarding workforce safety, environmental protection, regulatory compliance, and maintaining strong relationships with local communities and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Health & Safety

• Develop, implement, and maintain the site Health & Safety Management System.
• Ensure compliance with national occupational health and safety regulations.
• Lead risk assessments, Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), and incident investigations.
• Due diligence.
• Monitor and report on safety KPIs (LTIFR, TRIR, near misses).
• Promote a strong safety culture across employees and contractors.
• Oversee contractor HSE performance and enforce site safety standards.
• Develop emergency preparedness and response plans.

Environmental Management

• Ensure compliance with environmental permits and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee implementation of ESIA commitments and Environmental & Social Management Plans.
• Supervise environmental monitoring programs (water quality, air emissions, waste management, noise, biodiversity).
• Ensure proper hazardous materials and tailings management (if applicable).
• Prepare regulatory and internal environmental reports.
• Lead environmental audits and inspections.

Community & Social Management

• Support implementation of stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Oversee community grievance mechanisms.
• Ensure project activities minimize impacts on surrounding communities.
• Coordinate community development initiatives in collaboration with management.
• Maintain constructive relationships with local authorities and community leaders.

Governance & Reporting

• Ensure alignment with IFC requirements where project financing applies.
• Prepare HSEC reports for senior management and regulatory authorities.
• Support external audits and lender reviews.
• Develop continuous improvement plans based on HSEC performance data.
• Maintain accurate documentation and compliance records.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Health & Safety, Mining Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5 to 10 years of HSEC experience in industrial, environment, mining or heavy industrial projects.
• Strong knowledge of Kazakhstan regulatory framework.
  
• Experience in projects aligned with IFC standards is an advantage.
• Fluent in English ; French is an asset.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.

Core Competencies

• Strong leadership and decision-making
• Operational risk management
• Regulatory compliance expertise
• Stakeholder engagement skills
• High level of integrity and accountability
• Ability to work in remote site environments