Community Relations and ED Coordinator R720K per annumCape Town Excellent Career Opportunity with a leading Renewable Energy company in PV Solutions for a Community Relations and ED Coordinator. Reporting to the Stakeholder Relations Manager, you will be responsible for implementing and monitoring community development and social empowerment initiatives, as well as drafting the company Enterprise and Socio-Economic Development deliverables and identifying beneficiaries. You will be the driving force behind maximizing the positive impact of renewable energy projects on local communities and other key stakeholders.Key Performance AreasEconomic Development CoordinationCollaborate with internal and external stakeholders and draft a Community Needs Analysis for communities impacted by projects.Identify opportunities for local economic development, job creation and community development in alignment with Sustainable Development Strategy and Plan.Conduct Stakeholder mapping for all affected communities to determine the impact, influence, and interest of stakeholders.Cultivate and maintain strong relations with identified stakeholder groups and individuals, with due cognizance of their impact, to foster mutually beneficial corporate and community relationships.Monitor the compliance of contracted Community Relations service providers with their contractual deliverables. Ensure that the Community Relations Service providers' actions are aligned with the Sustainability Strategy and Plan.Design, in collaboration with the Sustainability Team, Enterprise and Socio-Economic Development programs with a measurable impact, aimed at empowering local communities through skills development, entrepreneurship, education, health and capacity building, with a focus on diversity and inclusion.Implement Enterprise and Socio-Economic Development programs, continually monitoring the impact.Acquaint yourself with related obligations such as BBBEE compliance and keep yourself up to date with industry best practices. You are to stay up-to-date and current regarding sustainable development concepts, community dynamics and development needs in rural South Africa.Establish and maintain comprehensive tracking and reporting mechanisms to measure the impact of sustainability and economic development initiatives. Submit monthly reports and provide periodic updates to the Steering Committee and corporate stakeholders.Interpersonal and Community Relations Liaise effectively with the Community, Stakeholder Manager, Asset Managers, Project Developers and Construction/ Operations Contractors.Organise and facilitate community meetings to address concerns, provide updates, and gather feedback.Develop strategies to promote community involvement and collaboration in renewable energy initiatives.Act as a liaison between the company and various stakeholders, including local government bodies, NGOs, and community leaders.Collaborate, engage, and develop strong relationships with diverse stakeholders to identify shared goals and opportunities for mutual benefit and Research and find solutions to complex and novel challenges.Adapt communication strategies to align with the unique cultural contexts of different communities.Identify, recommend, monitor, and supervise external consultants and other service providers as required.Maintain high standards of ethical conduct at all times.Qualifications and Experience Degree or equivalent in Social Science, Public Relations, Economics, Sustainable Development or similar.Minimum 3 years experience (Renewable Energy Power Generation/Infrastructure Development industry) in liaising with stakeholders and maintaining good relations with the community, preferably in the townships and in rural communities.In-depth knowledge of socio-economic and regulatory contexts in South Africa, with an appreciation of challenges and opportunities in the renewable energy sector.Experience working with South African government bodies and understanding of local regulations.Experience as a Community Liaison, or doing Community Development, Social Impact Assessments or Environmental and Social Management Systems.Must be fully proficient in English and either Sesotho, Sepedi or Setswana.Valid driver's license and have held this license for at least 3 years.Availability to travel within South Africa and spend a significant amount of time on-site and in the host communities.
