Community Liaison Officer - 12 Month Contract

About the Role

Scatec ASA, a leading entity in renewable energy development since 2007, is seeking a Community Liaison Officer (CLO) to join their team near Kathu, Northern Cape, South Africa. This role serves as the pivotal link between Scatec and local communities, managing stakeholder relations and facilitating social management processes to reduce project-related impacts. The CLO will also implement economic development initiatives and nurture sustained community engagement aligned with improving social welfare.

Key Responsibilities

• Forge and maintain strong ties with local communities to support positive and ongoing engagement.
• Represent Scatec in public meetings and liaise with community stakeholders as a company representative.
• Assist the project manager in interactions with local government bodies and utilities.
• Help execute the Stakeholder Engagement Plan by collaborating with the Environmental & Social project team.
• Deliver regular updates to community members and stakeholders regarding project status and local employment or procurement prospects.
• Develop and continuously update a stakeholder database and community profiles reflecting expectations and concerns.
• Provide timely feedback on social risks for integration into risk assessments.
• Coordinate with project management and government offices to facilitate community employment and opportunity programs.
• Actively participate in relevant community and economic development forums, including Local Economic Development (LED), Integrated Development Programme (IDP), youth and business forums, and IPP engagements.
• Monitor and evaluate Socio-Economic Development (SED) and Enterprise Development (ED) programs, supporting their ongoing success.
• Prepare monthly activity reports, as well as comprehensive reports and communications such as newsletters to inform senior management and stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary contact for community members in the designated area.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Completion of a relevant tertiary qualification (National Diploma, Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent) in community development, social sciences, or related disciplines.
• Good understanding of local/provincial government frameworks, regulations, and community dynamics.
• In-depth familiarity with local community culture, leadership, customs, and practices.
• Proficiency in both written and verbal English and Afrikaans.
• Proficient use of MS Office software suite.
• Flexibility to adapt working hours to operational needs.
• Valid driver’s license is essential.
• Preferred experience of 3 to 5 years in socio-economic development, stakeholder management, or project management.
• Capable of identifying and managing community risks and prospects effectively.

Essential Skills

• Excellent interpersonal communication abilities.
• Capability to act as a project representative in various forums.
• Strong skills in conveying both technical and general information at community levels.
• Competence in mediation and conflict resolution.
• Analytical skills for assessment and evaluation.
• Efficient information sourcing and filtering to relay community feedback.
• Ability to engage with various societal levels effectively.
• Event organization and time management expertise.
• Coordination and negotiation proficiency.

Personal Attribute Expectations

• Reliability: practicing transparent communication and attentive listening, sharing information candidly.
• Results-oriented: demonstrating initiative, independence, and solid prioritization skills.
• Innovative mindset: embracing entrepreneurship, adaptability, and continuous learning.
• Collaborative spirit: committed teamwork, responsibility sharing, flexibility, and positivity.

Additional Information

Scatec offers a stimulating work environment within an international, dynamic, and supportive team committed to renewable energy. The company promotes equal opportunity employment and values diversity, ensuring all qualified applicants receive full consideration without discrimination.