Lead, Corporate Social Responsibility at Airtel

Job Description

The Lead, Corporate Social Responsibility will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy that aligns with the Airtel Africa Foundation’s FEED pillars—Financial Inclusion, Education, Environment, and Digital Inclusion.

This role will also oversee the implementation of employee-driven sustainability initiatives under the Employee Volunteer Scheme.

The role requires a visionary leader who can deliver measurable social impact while aligning CSR objectives with the overall business strategy.

Responsibilities

Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy:

• Assist in developing and implementing integrated CSR strategy that supports the Airtel Africa Foundation’s FEED (Financial Inclusion, Education, Environment, Digital Inclusion) pillars.
• Align CSR objectives with the overall divisional strategy to drive meaningful impact in targeted communities.
• Develop and Implement the Employee Volunteer Scheme activities, leveraging employee-driven sustainability initiatives to drive employee engagement.

Sustainability Planning and Execution:

• Develop and execute a long-term, sustainable plan for CSR activities that addresses the needs of targeted communities.
• Benchmark Airtel Nigeria’s CSR initiatives against industry best practices and competitor activities to ensure innovation and leadership.
• Collaborate with communities to ensure their participation and ownership in CSR project implementation.
• Develop an accepted and long-term strategic plan/set of priorities for targeted communities.

Project Management and implementation of CSR initiatives:

• Apply best practices in project management to ensure efficient and effective implementation of CSR programs.
• Establish and manage project timelines, budgets, and resource allocations to achieve strategic goals.
• Ensure CSR initiatives are executed with high quality and within defined timeframes.
• Oversee the upgrade of physical infrastructure of adopted projects.
• Liaise with relevant stakeholders (internal and external) in the procurement process for adopted in line with established procedures.
• Organize training programs where required.
• Ensure project Risk Mitigation and Reporting.

Stakeholders Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government bodies, NGOs, community leaders, and internal teams.
• Act as a brand ambassador to represent Airtel Nigeria in external CSR forums, partnerships, and initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment between CSR and business objectives
• Serve as internal resource and external representative on CSR matters.
• Ensure compliance with National Policies 
• Act as liaison between the organization and representatives of host communities and government agencies associated with Airtel’s CSR projects and programs
• Work with HR, Internal Communications and Employee Engagement change teams to develop communications and employee involvement plans as needed.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Develop and implement metrics to monitor the effectiveness and impact of CSR initiatives.
• Conduct regular evaluations to ensure initiatives are achieving desired outcomes and recommend improvements as necessary.
• Provide periodic reports on CSR activities and their impact to internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop monthly and annual reports on CSR activities.
• Monitor competitor CSR activities and prepare peer review reports as required.

Others:

• Monitor Employee Philanthropy Scheme Activities and implement CSR projects within contribution
• Review project proposals, applications, respond to, and prepare recommendations to the Director Corporate Communications
• Maintain and update a centralized database of reputable non-governmental organizations (NGOs), charitable organizations, and other key development partners. 

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8–10 years of experience in Corporate Social Responsibility or related fields, with at least 3 years in a managerial role.
• A minimum of Second-Class Lower Degree in Social Sciences, Environmental Studies, or any other discipline
• A master’s degree or professional certification in CSR, Sustainability, or related disciplines is an added advantage.
• Strong understanding of CSR frameworks, including sustainability and social impact measurement.
• Excellent project management skills, including the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate the impact of CSR initiatives.
• A track record of developing innovative and impactful CSR programs
• Aware of social issues and trends globally and within sphere of responsibility
• Negotiation skills and commercial awareness 
• Excellent writing skills
• Team player with high personal standards and goal oriented
• Cultural sensitivity, culturally aware and adept at working across multiple geographies
• Passion for social development and sustainability.
• Strategic thinker with a results-driven mindset.
• Collaborative leader with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
• High ethical standards and a commitment to corporate citizenship