The Hague, South Holland, Netherlands
Social Performance specialist with 23 years experience. Passionate about finding solutions that benefit both communities and companies in a sustainable way. Currently the Global Discipline Head, Social Performance and Non-Techical Risk integration for Shell International, based in The Hague, Netherlands. Holds an MSc in Heritage and Cultural Studies from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. (All views are my own)
Lead development and updating of Shell policy, guidance and approaches to social impact and risk management for oil & gas and Renewables projects at Group level Maintain deep knowledge on external authoritative standards/guidance and expectations Provide practical advice for Shell projects and assets based on good practice Facilitate cross company learning on these areas Build capacity and establish a global community of practice in these areas
Technical lead for several project, including: The auditing of a resettlement action plan in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Undertaking a hazards and sensitivities analysis for the Dili Airport upgrade for the International Finance Corporation (Timor Leste). Assessing social risks and opportunities associated with various infrastructure placement options for Shell. Technical lead for the conduct of a socio-economic and population distribution assessment for three centres for the Southern Coast Development (Tasi Mane) to support oil & gas development in Timor Leste. Undertook community engagement with numerous villages at each of the three sites. Data collected via engagement has been applied to the baseline and strategic assessment process to validate desktop findings. Acted as a Senior Advisor for Indigenous affairs management planning in the Kimberley Region, West Australia. Undertook stakeholder engagement and contributed to the development of the strategies and programs in order to overcome barriers to work for Indigenous people. Also worked with Indigenous business enterprises to build capacity and improve ability to participate in construction contracting and contributed to the development of the Indigenous affairs management plan. Other projects included overseeing the execution of a household survey as part of the socio-economic baseline assessment for Tullow Oil in Uganda, and development of a Social Impact Assessment for Rey Resources' Dutches Paradise Project in West Australia.
Worked extensively in Southern, Central and West Africa, including countries such as South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Mali, among others, predominantly in the mining industry. Been involved in the development and implementation of 10 resettlement action plans, 16 social impact assessments, 5 household surveys, among other social investigations. A key accomplishments during this time was managing the development of a Resettlement Action Plan to relocate 17,000 people in the north east DRC, as well as various other resettlements in Botswana, South Africa, Cote d'Ivoire and Mali. Acted as the Unit Manager of the Social Services Department for the last three years.
Lived among indigenous communities in Venda and Modjadji to promote community based cultural tourism