SA- Social Impact Specialist, Parys

Summary of Role:

The Social Impact Specialist role supports various power plants, taking responsibility for implementing the social impact projects in alignment with the Community Engagement strategy and BBBEE requirements, working closely with the legal and compliance team and their outputs according to the requirements of off-takers and the project Boards.

This role involves ensuring that the company operates in a socially responsible manner, engages effectively with local communities, and contributes to their sustainable development. The Specialist will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to align the company’s social initiatives with its strategic goals and regulatory requirements. The individual must have a fair understanding of ED Compliance reporting in relation to the elements of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment.

The impact of the Company’s social spending and its reputation within targeted communities depends on the quality and depth of knowledge of the Social Impact Specialist. Through the social impact initiatives, the Company will deal with a wide range of stakeholders, some of whom are highly skilled and experienced in their field of specialisation. These stakeholders are partners of the Company and representatives of civil society and the stakeholder community. The Social Impact Specialist is not only the face of the Company in these communities, but also a representative of what the Company stands for, its depth of knowledge and views on social impact initiatives as well as the level of commitment that the Company assigns to Community Initiatives.

The Social Impact Specialist, therefore, should be able to engage meaningfully and in an informed manner with projects, key stakeholders and government representatives with whom the Company partners in various programmes. The Social Impact Specialist also needs to be someone who understands the issues facing the targeted towns to ensure holistic management of development initiatives and to ensure that the effectiveness of partnerships between the Company and its stakeholders is not compromised.

What you will do:

Core responsibilities:

• Understand and develop community engagement plans and a positive intervention strategy.


• Implement the social impact activities and total community management during construction and operations in partnership with the construction and Operation teams, ensuring Mainstream's social licence to operate and ED Obligations are met.
  
  
  
  • Develop and implement stakeholder engagement plans to ensure transparent and effective communication with all relevant parties.
  
  
  • Manage stakeholder feedback and grievances, ensuring timely and appropriate resolution.
  
  
  • Prepare and deliver presentations to stakeholders on the company’s social performance during the Construction and Operations phase.
  
  
  • Maintain an up-to-date Stakeholder Database of active stakeholders in the beneficiary communities.
  
  
  • Initiate and establish networks with Government/Private sector and civil society partners.
  
  
  
  


• Maintain accurate records of community engagements and social impact activities by using Company Reporting Tools


• Identify important corporate and project stakeholders (including government, parastatals, NGOs, local communities) and develop plans to ensure positive relationships with them.


• Preparation of Economic Development reports (including Social and Ethics Committees and Boards) and forecasts for shareholders, financiers and Buyers.


• Monitor contractor Economic Development compliance and report to shareholders, financiers and Buyers.


• Procurement, Compliance and Contract management of social impact initiatives


• Embedding health and safety standards in social impact projects


• Collaborate with other IPPs and other sectors for maximum positive impact


• Ensure all regulatory & statutory submissions are submitted on time and to the correct standards
  

Further responsibilities:

• In-depth understanding of the key Socio-Economic needs of the different regions where Mainstream South Africa is active.


• Facilitate the transition of EnD initiatives into working projects


• Relationship building and positioning with key organisations and stakeholders.

What we require:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Community Development, Environmental Management, or a related field.


• A postgraduate qualification in a related discipline is an advantage.


• At least 5 years of experience in social performance, community engagement, or socio-economic development, preferably within the Renewable Energy industry.


• Proven track record of successfully coordinating and implementing sustainable social impact projects/programmes and community relations.


• Experience working in rural or underdeveloped areas in South Africa is highly desirable.


• The position may require travel to remote project sites and communities.
  
  
  
  • Flexible working hours may be necessary to accommodate community meetings and engagements.
  
  
  • High level of integrity and ethical conduct.
  
  
  • Strong cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity.
  
  
  • Excellent problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
  
  
  • Commitment to sustainable development and corporate social responsibility.
  
  
  
  


• Key Skills and Knowledge:


• Strong interpersonal skills, excellent communication, negotiation, coordination skills.


• Work in a multicultural environment and multidisciplinary teams.


• Strong understanding of social performance principles, including impact assessment and management.


• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.


• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.


• Knowledge of relevant South African social and environmental regulations.


• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).


• Read, write and speak in English and one other South African language


• Knowledge of the renewable energy project development sector and the process to develop utility scale wind and solar projects would be an advantage.


• Excellent writing and reporting skills
  
  
  
  

What we offer:

We offer you the opportunity to work in a dynamic and entrepreneurial organisation, in a growing market in a fast-paced industry.  You will receive a very competitive total benefits package, including an excellent base salary and bonus scheme.