Community Relations Specialist

The Community Relations Specialist will support stakeholder engagement efforts by assisting with report writing, community mapping, and communication activities. This role requires strong writing, analytical, and organizational skills to ensure effective documentation and support for community engagement initiatives. The role is office-based with occasional travel for community visits or stakeholder meeting engagements.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Stakeholder and Community Engagement Support:

• Assist in identifying and mapping key community stakeholders.
• Support the development of community engagement plans and activities.
• Track and document stakeholder interactions and community concerns.
• Coordinate with various stakeholders to gather community insights and provide feedback.

Report Writing and Documentation:

• Compile reports on community engagement activities, highlighting key insights and recommendations.
• Draft and proofread internal and external reports, presentations, and briefing documents.
• Maintain organized records of engagement activities and stakeholder communications.

Communication and Content Development

• Analyse and interpret the vision and mission of Knowledge Pele in terms of stakeholder engagement, enterprise development programmes and any other related obligations.
• Interpret clients and organisations needs and requirements in terms of stakeholder engagement, enterprise development plans and programmes.
• Identify stakeholder engagement, enterprise development project opportunities through consultation with relevant stakeholders.

Administrative and Project Support

• Coordinate logistics for stakeholder meetings, workshops, and training sessions.
• Support communication projects by tracking deadlines and ensuring that deliverables are met.
• Assist in data collection and analysis related to community engagement efforts.

Construction and Project Support

• Manage day-to-day relationship between EPC, community, and key stakeholders,
• Implement the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) during construction,
• Manage the Grievance Mechanism (intake, logging, investigation, close-out),
• Track and resolve community grievances and complaints,
• Coordinate community meetings, notices, and construction updates,
• Prepare monthly social performance reports for Sponsor / Project Manager
• Support EPC CLO and ensure compliance with agreed engagement protocols

DESIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Communications, Public Relations, Social Sciences, Developmental Studies or a related field.
• 2-4 years of experience in community relations, stakeholder engagement, communications, or a similar role.
• Experience in socio-economic development or corporate social investment (CSI) is an added advantage.

• Strong writing and report compilation skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication in English; be proficient in speaking Sesotho and Setswana.
• Ability to draft, edit, and proofread documents with attention to detail.
• Basic understanding of community mapping and stakeholder engagement principles.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and digital communication tools.
• The role will be 70% site-based and 30% office-based (head office)

KEY COMPETENCIES 

• Must have experience working on the construction of a renewable energy plant/site.
• Must have managed community relations and engaged with the EPC contractor.
• Must have managed CLOs (Community Liaison Officers) and community stakeholders. 

Leadership Capabilities:

•   Participative Leadership

•   Planning & Organizing

•    Monitoring & Measuring

Cognitive Capabilities:

•  Analysis & Attention to detail

•  Problem Solving

•  Critical thinking

Interpersonal Capabilities:

•  Assertive

•  Methodical

•  Drive & Action Oriented

•  Flexibility

•  Excellence & Quality Orientation