Land Rights Specialist

The Land Rights Specialist is responsible for identifying, securing, and managing land rights and permits necessary for the development of renewable energy projects. This role is critical in ensuring standardised process for land acquisition, good landowner stakeholder relationship throughout the Development, Construction and Operation stage of a project. The Land Rights specialist will report to Head of Project Development.

Site Identification

• Conduct desktop and field assessments to identify suitable land parcels.
• Research and identify the landowners of potential projects sites using known databases and general research methods.
• Collaborate with internal project development teams to assist with identification and onboarding of new projects.
• Provide land related risk assessments, stakeholder mapping and strategy input.

Land Rights & Negotiations

• Negotiate property agreements with landowner(s) to provide PGE with appropriate rights to develop our projects.
• Negotiate land lease agreements, servitudes, and amendments with landowners.
• Advise and implement solutions for land-related permits such as sub-division, spatial planning municipal acts, rezoning, conveyancing, etc.
• Secure long-term access and usage rights for project sites.
• Secure all land-related third-party consents necessary to build and operate our projects.
• Implement systems to monitor active land contracts (e.g. payments, extensions, etc).

Stakeholder Relationships

• Technical delivery, and landowner relationship management for all related projects
• Work with the Project Development, PGE Legal Counsel and landowners to create and amend agreements, options, leases, and land sales.
• Understand context of relationships with communities, consultants, and Interested & Affected Parties (I\&APs).
• Liaise with land-related government departments (e.g. DALRRD, Eskom, DMPR, local municipalities) and advise project development team on land-related matters for non-land related government departments (DFFE, etc)
• Identify, initiate, and maintain positive working relationships with appropriate stakeholder including but not limited to:
• Landowners
• Site Developers
• Competing mineral rights holders
• Tribal Authorities
• Competing IPP’s
• Appropriate regulatory bodies
• Appropriate service providers
• Internal and external legal counsel

Public Outreach & Representation

• Organize and lead public hearings and community engagement sessions where it related to land security.
• Represent the company in land use hearings and regulatory meetings.
• Represent the company in industry activity/lobbying on appropriate forums.

People Management

• Manage all staff under supervision and conduct performance and talent management activities for direct reports, if relevant.
• Coach and mentor direct reports, if relevant. Identify team members for succession pipeline and career progression.
• Oversee effective utilization of systems and tools to ensure that knowledge is managed efficiently for continuous improvement.
• Recognize and make recommendations for the reward of high performing members; respects, promotes and accepts diversity.

Compliance & Governance

• Execute in adherence to all relevant regulatory and business practices.
• Conduct land, market, regulatory, and related project research, and regularly updating internal stakeholders on impacts to projects.
• Active risk management by applying and promoting a culture of on-going detection and resolution of Statutory, Regulatory compliance breaches.
• Ensure timely delivery on all statutory reporting requirements.
• Assist in driving the resolution management of the identified top 5 departmental risks.

Desired Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, LLB, Urban Planning or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressively responsible for land acquisition, permitting, project management or development experience in energy or a related infrastructure industry.
• Strong negotiation, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Familiarity with South African land use (both surface and sub-surface rights), and energy regulations is a plus.
• Excellent verbal, written, technical and computer communication and presentation skills.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office software with strong Excel skills.
• Proficiency in legal contracts (can draft basic land contracts and review complex contracts).
• Competency in Analytical Problem Solving, Strong Communication, Customer/Partner Relationships, and Technology Expertise.
• Language proficiency Preferable English and Afrikaans.
• Drivers license essential; willingness to travel frequently via road.
• Understanding of renewable energy infrastructure development (overhead powerlines, solar, wind and battery energy storage systems) is a plus.

Competences

Leadership Capabilities:

Participative Leadership

• Planning & Organising
• Monitoring & Measuring

Cognitive Capabilities:

• Analysis & Attention to detail
• Problem Solving
• Critical thinking

Interpersonal Capabilities:

• Assertive
• Methodical
• Drive & Action Oriented
• Flexibility
• Excellence & Qualify Orientation