Community Affairs Lead

Job Purpose

This role aims to strengthen the relationship and positive image of TEPNG and its contractors working on the Ima Main Development Project with local landlord families, community interest groups, youth associations, NGOs, CBOs, and government agencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Community Affairs Manager for the Ima project by managing community relations operational activities aligned with company HSE policies.
• Coordinate the implementation of community development and management strategies in cooperation with JV-Onshore management and the CAPD department in Port Harcourt.
• Improve team coordination and ensure timely reporting to management on a weekly and monthly basis.
• Engage constructively with host communities to harmonize their values and expectations with company objectives, fostering trust and healthy relationships.
• Maintain ongoing communication with stakeholders including opinion leaders, youth organizations, family heads, chiefs, and community-based organizations.
• Ensure inclusive, fair, and transparent communication with all community members, including vulnerable and grassroots groups.
• Develop stakeholder maps and tailored engagement plans.
• Create appropriate communication tools to keep local communities informed clearly and equitably.
• Document and maintain accurate minutes of meetings held with community members, governmental representatives, and NGOs.
• Align communication strategies with the Community Affairs and Projects Development Department (CAPD) in PHC.
• Identify and analyze potential community threats impacting operations and vice versa, mitigating risks effectively.
• Promote a peaceful environment that supports uninterrupted operations and prevents sabotage, operational stoppages, property damage, waste, and revenue losses.
• Address grievances and concerns arising between individuals, communities, and the company related to operations through efficient grievance management systems.
• Identify the needs expressed by community members and recommend suitable solutions to management.
• Design and oversee equitable, transparent, and relevant community development projects consistent with sustainable development principles and TEPNG goals.
• Encourage community stakeholders to diversify income sources by promoting small and medium enterprise creation beyond oil and gas activities.
• Monitor the community development budget carefully while enforcing policies against conflicts of interest and bribery.
• Organize, facilitate, and participate in negotiations and meetings involving communities, local families, and other stakeholders.
• Promote local content by empowering community contractors and facilitating local employment opportunities wherever possible.
• Take part in evaluating community contractors using a scorecard system, with final validation by the Community Affairs Manager.
• Review and approve assistance contracts for community contractors upon management authorization.
• Assess job proposals originating from the community and provide management with informed recommendations.
• Maintain smooth operations of service and contracting companies within Ima, ensuring minimal community disturbances.

Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum B.Sc. degree in Engineering, Management Sciences, Social Sciences, Law, or related fields with leadership capabilities.
• At least 7 years of industry experience, with 3-4 years specifically in community relations being advantageous.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with excellent interpersonal abilities to engage with diverse social and cultural groups.
• Fluency in English with firmness, assertiveness, and high integrity when interacting with community members and stakeholders.
• Proven persuasive skills and ability to remain composed under pressure when handling sensitive or controversial issues.
• Negotiation and crisis management expertise is beneficial.
• A minimum of 2 years experience in contracts, cost management, and planning administration/control.