Specialist Working at Height, Rigging and Lifting (Simandou)
12 Month Fixed-term | Guinea, West Africa
LOCATION: SIMANDOU IRON MINE PROJECT, GUINEA, WEST AFRICA
STATUS: 12 MONTH FIXED-TERM
ROTATION: 6 WEEKS ON / 3 WEEKS OFF
DEPT: HSE – INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (IMS)
Candidates are invited for the role of Specialist Working at Height and Rigging & Lifting. This role is rotational (6/3), based at the Simandou Mine Project.
About OGCS Guinee SARL
OGCS Guinee SARL is a consultancy company specializing in the provision of multi-disciplined Project Management Services to the Global Mining and Energy Industry. OGCS is supporting Rio Tinto’s Simandou Iron Mine Project in Guinea, which is a key initiative within the Rio Tinto portfolio, focusing on the efficient and responsible extraction of iron ore while upholding the highest standards of safety and environmental stewardship.
Position Overview
We are seeking a specialist in high-risk work management to provide technical leadership and assurance across the Simandou project, one of the world’s most significant integrated mining infrastructure developments, spanning mine, rail, port, and associated facilities.
In this role, you will act as the subject matter expert for working at heights, scaffolding, lifting operations, rigging, and dropped-object prevention, ensuring that these critical activities are planned, controlled, and executed in line with Simfer standards, industry best practice, and regulatory requirements.
You will work closely with HSE teams, project delivery groups, engineering, contractors, and training functions to strengthen capability across the project. Your focus will be on embedding robust risk controls, verifying workforce competence. You will be ensuring that safety governance is documented and actively applied across construction, operations, and maintenance environments.
Primary Responsibilities
In this role you will ensure that contractors and internal teams comply with Simfer standards, industry best practices and legislative requirements, while supporting safe execution of high‑risk activities across construction, operations and maintenance phases.
Working at Heights & Scaffolding
Provide subject‑matter expertise on Working at Heights (WAH), scaffolding design, erection, dismantling, inspection and verification.
Inspect and audit scaffolding structures and WAH installations to ensure integrity, compliance and safe access.
Support development and implementation of WAH governance, standards, procedures and competency requirements.
Lead investigations into WAH‑related incidents and near misses, ensuring root causes and corrective actions are identified.
Rigging & Lifting
Act as the project’s SME for rigging and lifting operations, including critical lifts, load handling and lifting plans.
Verify rigging studies, lift plans, crane selection, exclusion zones and on‑site execution of lifting operations.
Conduct audits and field inspections to ensure compliance with Simfer standards and Australian high‑risk work practices (or equivalent).
Coach and mentor contractor lifting teams to uplift rigging competence and safe practices.
DROPS (Dropped Objects Prevention)
Lead the implementation of the DROPS program across all project areas.
Conduct DROPS audits and inspections, verify critical controls and ensure effective barrier management.
Support engineering and construction teams in designing and maintaining DROPS‑resistant work environments.
Governance, Assurance & Systems
Develop and maintain high‑risk work procedures, technical guidance documents and verification tools.
Conduct regular audits, inspections and readiness reviews for scaffolding, WAH, lifting and DROPS.
Collaborate with the Training Department to develop and deliver competency programs including Verification of Competency (VOC).
Support OR (Operational Readiness) activities and integration of safe systems of work into project operations.
Provide regular reports, analysis and performance insights to HSE leadership and project stakeholders.
Capability Building & Contractor Interface
Mentor national talent and support capacity-building programs for scaffolding, WAH, rigging and lifting.
Work closely with contractor HSE teams to ensure alignment with Simfer's high‑risk work expectations.
Facilitate lessons learned and continuous improvement initiatives across all high‑risk work streams.
Required Qualifications and Certifications
Australian High‑Risk Work Licences (or equivalent) are mandatory
CPCCLSF4001 – Advanced Scaffolding Licence (or equivalent)
RIIWHS204E – Work Safely at Heights (or equivalent)
DROPS Training – DROPS Global or equivalent
Advanced Rigging High‑Risk Work Licence (RA Licence – Australia) or equivalent
Dogging High‑Risk Work Licence (DG Licence – Australia) or equivalent
Technical Skills
Demonstrated experience in scaffolding, WAH systems, lifting operations and DROPS management.
Ability to conduct high‑risk work audits, risk assessments and incident investigations.
Familiarity with lifting studies, critical lift plans and crane operations.
What You’ll Bring
Strong communication and stakeholder engagement capability.
Good physical fitness and ability to work at heights.
Proficiency in reporting and digital systems (e.g., SharePoint, contractor management systems).
Fluency in English (French is an advantage).
Valid B‑category driving license.
Working Conditions
The role is based at the Simandou project site (Mine) with travel to other project sites, both within and outside Guinea as required.
Working on FIFO (Fly-in-Fly-out) cycles under a 6-week on, 3-week off roster.
Collaboration with both field and office-based teams.
What We Offer
Work environment where safety is always the top priority.
Competitive base salary based on your skills and experience.