Country Director – Niger (Gold & Precious Metals Exploration)

About the role

Karub Holding is expanding its West African gold and precious‑metals exploration portfolio and is seeking an experienced Country Director to establish and lead operations in Niger. The successful candidate will be responsible for permitting, licence management, government and community relations, field operations, budgets and HSE performance.

Key responsibilities

• Establish and lead the company’s country operation, including office setup, local entity administration and staffing.
• Manage the exploration licence portfolio, ensuring compliance with Nigerien mining legislation and the Mining Code.
• Represent the company before the Ministry of Mines, regional authorities, customs and other government bodies.
• Build and maintain relationships with local communities, traditional authorities, landowners and partners.
• Plan, budget and oversee in‑country exploration programmes (mapping, geochemical sampling, auger, trenching, RC and diamond drilling).
• Manage contractors, drilling companies, laboratories, logistics and supply chains, including import/export and equipment clearance.
• Recruit, lead and develop national staff and field crews, building local technical capacity.
• Own country budgets, cost control, procurement and financial reporting in coordination with head office.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Geological Engineering, Geology, Mining Engineering or related field (MSc or MBA an advantage).
• Minimum 10 years of experience in mineral exploration or mining, with at least 3–5 years in country or project management.
• Demonstrated experience in West Africa, preferably Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali or Côte d’Ivoire.
• Proven track record managing exploration or mining permits and government relations in an African jurisdiction.
• Solid understanding of gold exploration, orogenic gold systems and Birimian/Precambrian greenstone belt geology.
• Experience managing budgets, contractors, expatriate and national teams, and remote camp operations.
• Strong grasp of HSE and security management in remote or challenging environments.

Required skills

• Exploration data management tools such as acQuire and DataShed.
• GIS and 3D modelling software.
• Knowledge of JORC Code and NI 43‑101 reporting standards.

What we offer

• Leadership of a country operation within a growing international gold and precious‑metals exploration portfolio.
• Direct involvement in project generation, ground acquisition and resource growth.
• Modern exploration culture built on scientific reasoning, disciplined QA/QC and responsible mercury‑free (Minamata‑aligned) practices.
• Dynamic, entrepreneurial and collaborative working environment.
• Long‑term career development with increasing technical and commercial responsibility.
• Competitive expatriate remuneration package, including rotation, accommodation and travel arrangements.