Field Agent

Role overview

SLR Better Mining helps mineral supply chains meet legal and regulatory obligations while also aligning with globally recognized responsible sourcing expectations, including the OECD Due Diligence Guidance. The program relies on field presence, monitoring, and follow-up action to strengthen ethical, transparent, and sustainable artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). It also aims to improve labour conditions, environmental stewardship, and local development outcomes.

As a Field Agent, you are entrusted with protecting the reliability of responsible mineral supply chains. The role requires you to make sure mine sites operate in a responsible and ethical manner, and to quickly detect, record, and escalate any concern connected to human rights, environmental impact, health and safety, fraud, illegal mining, or conflict minerals.

This position requires sound judgment, strong integrity, and constant vigilance. Every issue, even one that seems minor, must be reported through the proper SLR Better Mining channels without delay. Any failure to surface a risk or incident may create serious harm for communities, workers, and downstream supply chains.

Location and reporting

The position is based in Rwanda. It involves significant time on assigned mine sites, and the successful candidate should expect to spend most working time living at project mine locations.

The Field Agent reports to the Project Coordinator and collaborates closely with Project Analysts and Project Managers as needed.

Key duties

Field monitoring and data collection are central to this role. You will visit mine sites regularly, use SLR Better Mining tools and systems, and gather, verify, and submit information about incidents, risks, and developments around the sites.

You will assess and document risks related to human rights violations, including child labour, forced labour, and exploitation; health and safety hazards; environmental harm; fraud, corruption, and illegal mining; and conflict or security-related concerns linked to mineral production.

You must immediately escalate any identified risk, concern, or deviation from required standards, regardless of how serious it may appear.

You will work with local stakeholders to confirm incident details and site conditions, and support mine operators and community partners in carrying out agreed mitigation actions and corrective measures. You will also track progress against agreed objectives and ensure that activities implemented by cooperatives and local partners follow SLR Better Mining requirements.

The role includes monitoring compliance with mineral traceability procedures that follow OECD guidance, as well as overseeing and validating tagging and scanning activities at mine sites.

Senior Field Agent responsibilities, where applicable

In senior-level situations, the role requires a stronger level of autonomy and professional discretion. Senior Field Agents help protect the quality and integrity of work completed by Field Agents and serve as an important contact point for Analysts and International Analysts when site-specific issues need to be resolved.

They also work closely with Project Coordinators and Analysts on reporting, documentation, and quality assurance, including periodic office-based duties on a rotational basis.

Reporting and communication

You will provide timely and regular updates to Project Coordinators and Project Analysts, and transfer collected data to local database managers or other designated SLR Better Mining staff according to established procedures.

You should remain familiar with Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) and the related processes. The role requires active involvement in CAP planning, implementation, and follow-up together with the senior SLR Better Mining team, mine operators, and other relevant stakeholders.

Monthly mine site reports must be prepared and submitted on time. All reporting should reflect accuracy, transparency, and completeness.

Stakeholder engagement

The Field Agent is expected to build and maintain constructive professional relationships with a range of local stakeholders, including government authorities, mining cooperatives, civil society organisations, and community members.

You will help ensure communication is clear, responsible, and supportive of better practices and sustainable investment in mining communities. The role also involves working with mine operators and stakeholders on risk reduction measures and initiatives that improve site conditions and surrounding communities.

You will keep track of developments and initiatives in the local minerals sector, and facilitate, document, and follow up on meetings related to Corrective Action Plans.

Research, learning, and improvement

The position requires a mindset of continuous improvement. You will provide suggestions to make local monitoring systems more effective and efficient, and help improve reporting and representation materials.

You will also support the identification of training and capacity-building needs among supply chain stakeholders. Where needed, you may assist with or deliver awareness sessions and training for government officials, cooperative members, and other stakeholders.

Senior-level learning and team support

Where applicable, Senior Field Agents contribute to assessments of knowledge and capability gaps within the local team and help roll out training at local and territorial levels.

They also contribute to identifying skills gaps across the wider SLR Better Mining team, complete required training to maintain professional and ethical standards, pursue ongoing development relevant to the role, and mentor or train junior and newly recruited Field Agents.

Ethical expectations

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

Additional information

The role involves extensive presence at mine sites and a strong commitment to on-the-ground monitoring. Candidates should be prepared for a position that demands accountability, discretion, and prompt escalation of risks or incidents.