PURPOSE & OBJECTIVE

The Welding and Fabrication Specialist is responsible for the inspection, fabrication, repair, maintenance, quality control, and continuous improvement of welding and structural activities within a CIL processing plant environment. The role supports safe and efficient operation of fixed plant equipment, including tanks, piping systems, chutes, conveyors, structural steelwork, crushers, mills, and associated mechanical components.

The incumbent will provide technical leadership in welding and fabrication, ensure compliance with international welding standards and quality requirements, and play a key role in developing and upskilling the local workforce through structured training, coaching, mentoring, competency assessments, and skills-transfer programs.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Welding and Fabrication Operations:

• Perform welding, fabrication, modification, installation, and repair of plant equipment and structures.
• Carry out maintenance and repair of:
  • CIL tanks and agitators
  • Process piping systems
  • Chutes and hoppers
  • Conveyors and transfer points
  • Structural steelwork
  • Pumps, launders, and process equipment
  • Crushers, mills, and associated components
• Fabricate replacement parts and plant modifications in accordance with engineering drawings and specifications.
• Participate in planned shutdowns and emergency breakdown maintenance activities.
• Ensure all fabrication work meets operational, safety, and quality requirements.

Welding Quality Control and Inspection

• Conduct visual inspections before, during, and after welding activities.
• Verify compliance with approved welding procedures, drawings, specifications, and applicable codes.
• Monitor welder qualifications and performance.
• Review welding documentation, inspection records, material certificates, and quality reports.
• Ensure welding consumables are correctly stored, controlled, and traceable.
• Identify welding defects and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain welding quality records and support audits and compliance inspections.
• Coordinate NDT requirements and verify completion of inspection activities.

Maintenance and Reliability Support

• Conduct regular inspections of plant structures and mechanical equipment.
• Identify equipment wear, cracking, corrosion, and structural defects.
• Recommend repair methods to improve equipment reliability and service life.
• Participate in root-cause failure investigations and reliability improvement initiatives.
• Assist with shutdown planning, work scope development, and execution.

Health, Safety and Environmental Compliance

• Promote a strong safety culture through visible leadership.
• Ensure all activities comply with company safety policies and statutory regulations.
• Conduct risk assessments and job safety analyses prior to work execution.
• Lead toolbox talks and safety briefings.
• Ensure compliance with confined space, hot work, working-at-height, and isolation procedures.
• Maintain environmental standards and housekeeping within workshop and plant areas.

Training and Upskilling of Local Workforce

• A critical component of this role is the development of local employees and national workforce capability.

Training Responsibilities

• Design and implement welding and fabrication training programs for local artisans, apprentices, and trainees.
• Conduct practical and classroom-based technical training.
• Deliver coaching on:
  • Welding processes (TIG, MIG, FCAW, MMAW)
  • Fabrication techniques
  • Reading engineering drawings
  • Quality control and inspection requirements
  • Safe working practices
  • Equipment maintenance and repair techniques
• Perform competency assessments and maintain training records.
• Develop individual training and career progression plans.
• Mentor local supervisors, artisans, and trainee welders.
• Evaluate training effectiveness and recommend continuous improvement initiatives.
• Facilitate transfer of technical skills and operational knowledge to ensure sustainable workforce development.
• Support succession planning and localization objectives for the operation.

Workforce Development Objectives

• Increase the technical competency of local employees.
• Develop qualified welders and fabricators capable of working independently within the processing plant.
• Improve welding quality, safety performance, and productivity.
• Build a sustainable local maintenance capability through structured mentoring and coaching.
• Ensure sustainable transfer of technical knowledge to improve long-term operational capability.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

Education:

• National Certificate in Welding or equivalent trade qualification.
• Qualified Welder / Boilermaker.
• Welding Inspector qualification (CSWIP 3.1, SAIW Level 1, or equivalent).
• Additional certifications in:
  • TIG Welding
  • MIG Welding
  • Flux Core Welding
  • MMA/Stick Welding
• Valid competency in welding inspection and quality control.
• Training and assessment qualification will be an advantage.

Relevant experience:

• Expert knowledge of welding processes and fabrication practices.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Understanding of ASME, ISO, AWS, and applicable industry standards.
• Familiarity with welding procedure specifications (WPS) and welder qualifications.
• Knowledge of NDT methods and quality management systems.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Demonstrated experience managing shutdowns and maintenance teams.
• Proven track record in workforce development, skills transfer, and localization initiatives.
• Regional Context: Previous experience in West Africa or similar remote/developing regions is strongly preferred.
• Technical Skills: Strong working knowledge of maintenance planning and scheduling software (CMMS/EAM) and project management methodologies.
• Soft Skills: High emotional intelligence for cross-cultural team leadership, excellent negotiation skills, and proven capability in conflict resolution
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and motivate teams of people.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-cultural environments and remote locations.
• Ability to align the commercial and progress outcomes required by the company.

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