Field Agent

The Role
SLR Better Mining works to ensure that mineral supply chains comply with legal and regulatory requirements and align with international responsible sourcing standards, including the OECD Due Diligence Guidance. Through on-the-ground engagement, monitoring, and corrective action, SLR Better Mining seeks to support ethical, transparent, and sustainable artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), while contributing to improved working conditions, environmental protection, and local development.
As a Field Agent, you play a critical role in safeguarding the integrity of responsible mineral supply chains. Your core duty is to ensure that mine sites operate ethically and responsibly, and that any risk related to human rights, environmental harm, health and safety, fraud, illegal mining, or conflict minerals is immediately identified, reported, and addressed.
This is a position of trust and responsibility. Field Agents must flag and report all concerns—no matter how minor they may appear—and ensure that issues are escalated without delay through the appropriate SLR Better Mining reporting channels. Failure to report risks or incidents can have serious consequences for affected communities, workers, and downstream supply chains. Integrity, vigilance, and professional judgment are therefore fundamental to this role.
Location
The Field Agent will be based in Rwanda. The role requires extensive time at assigned mine sites, and Field Agents should expect to reside at project mine sites for the majority of their working time.
Reporting Lines
The Field Agent reports directly to the Project Coordinator and works closely with Project Analysts and Project Managers as required.
Tasks and Responsibilities

• Field monitoring and data collection
• Conduct regular mine site visits and use SLR Better Mining systems and tools to collect, verify, and report data on incidents, risks, and events in and around mine sites.
• Assess and record risks related to:
  • Human rights abuses (including child labour, forced labour, and exploitation)
  • Health and safety hazards
  • Environmental damage
  • Fraud, corruption, or illegal mining
  • Conflict and security-related risks linked to mineral production
• Immediately flag and report any identified risk, concern, or deviation from standards, regardless of perceived severity.
• Work with local stakeholders to verify information related to incidents and site conditions.
• Support mine operators and local stakeholders in implementing agreed risk mitigation and corrective measures.
• Monitor progress against agreed objectives and ensure activities implemented by cooperatives and local partners align with SLR Better Mining requirements.
• Monitor compliance with mineral traceability procedures aligned with OECD guidance.
• Oversee and verify tagging and scanning processes at mine sites.
  

Senior Field Agent Responsibilities (where Applicable):

• Operate with a high degree of independence and professional judgment.
• Ensure the quality and integrity of work conducted by Field Agents.
• Act as a key point of contact for Analysts and International Analysts to resolve site-specific issues.
• Reporting and communication
• Provide regular and timely reporting to Project Coordinators and Project Analysts.
• Transmit collected data to local database managers or designated SLR Better Mining staff in line with established procedures.
• Maintain familiarity with Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) and associated procedures.
• Actively participate in CAP planning, implementation, and follow-up in collaboration with the senior SLR Better Mining team and relevant stakeholders, including mine operators.
• Prepare and submit monthly mine site reports.
• Promote accuracy, transparency, and completeness of all reported data.
  

Senior Field Agent Responsibilities (where Applicable):

• Collaborate closely with Project Coordinators and Analysts on reporting, documentation, and quality assurance, including periodic office-based work on a rotation basis.

• Engagement with stakeholders
• Build and maintain professional, constructive relationships with local stakeholders, including:
  • Government authorities
  • Mining cooperatives
  • Civil society organisations
  • Community members
• Support clear and responsible communication that contributes to improved practices and sustainable investment in mining communities.
• Collaborate with mine operators and stakeholders on risk mitigation and initiatives to improve conditions at mine sites and surrounding communities.
• Monitor developments and initiatives within the local minerals sector.
• Facilitate, document, and follow up on meetings related to Corrective Action Plans.
• Research, learning, and continuous improvement
• Provide feedback and suggestions to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of local monitoring systems.
• Contribute to the preparation and improvement of reporting and representation materials.
• Support the identification of training and capacity-building needs among supply chain stakeholders.
• Where required, support or deliver awareness-raising or training sessions for government officials, cooperative members, and other stakeholders.
  

Senior Field Agent Responsibilities (where Applicable):

• Contribute to assessments of knowledge and capacity gaps within the local team.
• Support the effective rollout and adoption of training at the local and territorial levels.
• Training and professional development
• Participate in identifying skills gaps within the wider SLR Better Mining team.
• Complete required training to maintain high professional and ethical standards.
• Take responsibility for ongoing professional development relevant to the role.
  

Senior Field Agent Responsibilities (where Applicable):

• Mentor, support, and train junior or newly recruited Field Agents.
  

Note: This role carries significant ethical and professional responsibility. SLR Better Mining Field Agents are expected to act with integrity at all times and to prioritise the safety, rights, and well-being of workers, communities, and the environment above all other considerations.
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