Community Liaison Officer: 12 Month Contract

Overview

Want to join a frontrunner in renewable energy that is actively seeking early entry into new markets globally? Since the establishment in 2007, Scatec has acquired extensive knowledge and experience in developing, building, and operating solar, wind and hydro power plants and storage solutions. Driven by our company values and competent global workforce, we aim to deliver competitive and sustainable renewable energy globally; protect our environment and improve quality of life through innovative integration of technology; and create shareholder value. We are present on four continents and are headquartered in Oslo, Norway.  

Main purpose of position: 

Currently we are looking for a Community Liaison Officer (CLO) to be based near Kathu, Northern Cape. As the Community Liaison Officer (CLO) you will be responsible to maintain stakeholder relations between Scatec and the community and implement social management processes to mitigate project-related impacts. Facilitate and administer the implementation of economic development projects, building and fostering an environment that supports continuous community engagement and healthy stakeholder relations. 

Main Responsibilities: 

• Relationship Building: Establish and maintain  effective relationships between the local communities and Scatec
• Build and foster an environment that supports continuous community engagement
• Liaise with local community stakeholders on behalf of Scatec
• Engage, facilitate and represent Scatec in the event of public meetings
• Support the project manager with interfacing with local government and utilities
• Stakeholder Relationship Management: Support Project E&S team in the implementation of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP)
• Provide regular and timely information and project updates to the local community and relevant stakeholders, including employment and procurement opportunities at site
• Create a stakeholder database, develop and regularly update community profiles and expectations
• Provide up to date feedback on social risk for inclusion in the Risk Matrix
• Institutional arrangements: Liaise with the project management & local government offices in terms of employment and other opportunities for the communities
• Participate in relevant forums as a Scatec repressentative, such as Local Economic Development (LED) and Integrated Development Programme (IDP) forums, Youth and Local business forums, IPP community engagements etc. 
• Social management and community development: Deliver monthly reports on activities.
• Review and identify potential partners for community development initiatives
• Support the monitoring and evaluation of the Socio-Economic Development (SED) and Enterprise Development (ED) projects in the communities
• Communication and Reporting: Develop and distribute regular communications to stakeholders, including newsletters, reports, and updates
• Prepare and present reports on stakeholder engagement activities to senior management
• Main point of contact with all community members within their respective geographical areas

Qualifications And Competencies: 

• An appropriate 3-year tertiary qualification (National Diploma/B-Degree/equivalent or higher) in community development, the human or social sciences, or related fields
• General knowledge of local and provincial government practices, local policies, regulations, and community dynamics
• Well-developed knowledge of local community cultures, leaders, customs and practices through prior involvement in the community
• Language: Fluent in both written and spoken English & Afrikaans
• IT skills: MS Office proficient
• Must be able to work flexibly according to operational
• Valid driver’s license
• At least 3-5 years’ experience in the following areas are a plus: socio-economic development, stakeholder management, project management experience
• Ability to identify key community risks and opportunities to be managed at the local level

Must have: 

• Demonstrated high level interpersonal and communication skills
• An ability to act as project representative
• An ability to articulate and deliver information both technical and general at community level
• Mediation and conflict resolution skills
• Assessment and evaluation capabilities
• An ability to source and filter information for feeding back to the community
• Demonstrated ability to liaise with all levels of society
• Demonstrated event management and time management skills
• Ability to coordinate and negotiate

Personal characteristics: 

It is part of every employee’s terms of reference to contribute to Scatec's vision: Improving our Future and adhere to our company values which are: 

• Predictable: demonstrate clear communication and listening skills, shares information in an open and honest way.  
• Driving results: demonstrate determination, pro-activeness, can prioritize and work independently. 
• Changemaker: demonstrate entrepreneurship, can challenge, fast learner, take initiates and adjust. 
• Working together: demonstrate teamwork, shares responsibilities, can compromise, has a can-do attitude. 

We offer:  

Scatec is an exciting, innovative, and ambitious company operating in a growing industry. We offer a challenging and interesting position where you will be part of a flexible, diverse, and truly international working environment consisting of highly competent and committed colleagues with a positive drive to make a difference. 

Scatec is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by appropriate law.

All hiring decisions are made based on merit, competence, and business need.