Community Liaison Officer, Emalahleni

SW South Africa: Job Description for the Community Liaison Officer (CLO) role

Company overview Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy Ltd. is a global pure-play, end-to-end solar engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) solutions provider, and is one of the largest solar EPC solutions providers in the world. This division commenced operations in 2011 and was subsequently demerged in 2017. Present in 29 countries today, Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy Ltd. has operations in Asia, Middle East, Africa, Europe, AMERICAS and Australia.

An impressive portfolio of 258 solar power projects with an aggregate capacity of 11.6 GWp across geographies has positioned Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy Limited (formerly known as Sterling and Wilson Solar Limited) as the leading solar EPC solutions provider in the world.

Sterling and Wilson Engineering Pty Ltd. incorporated and having its office in Cape Town, is executing a 240MW Solar PV Project in Emalahleni.

Learn more about us at

Role overview The CLO will support the Project Manager in liaising with the local community within the Project Site and local government authorities to ensure project implementation as per schedule and scope and addressing the day-to-day concerns of the community.

This role will be based out of our Highveld project site in Emalahleni(Witbank) and the suitable candidate must reside in this area.

The incumbent will work closely with our project on-site team and will have a fixed term contract for the duration of the Project.

Responsibilities

Builds relationships between the organization and local communities

Actively engaging with local stakeholders to encourage community involvement, including hosting and attending meetings, and promotes mutual understanding and respect among all stakeholders.

Act as a liaison between the community, subcontractors, and the EPC Contractor, while keeping the Project Manager informed of community affairs.

Facilitates communication and collaboration

Supports community engagement and development initiatives

Collaborate closely with site HR to address grievance issues and manage conflicts effectively.

Prepare, update, and maintain a database of job seekers and local businesses (SMME) within the communities.

Keep a detailed record of all communications with local communities.

Build a "community spirit" around the project to foster collective engagement and enthusiasm.

Serve as a link between local resources and the Project Manager/Client, referencing the local resources database.

Address anticipated complaints, record them, and report on compliance and actions taken to the Project Manager.

Maintain documents, records, and reports as per stakeholder engagement plans, BBBEE requirements and economic Development Matrix.

Skills and competencies

Excellent interpersonal skills and fluency in English, and local languages (Zulu, Tsonga&Pedi).

Ability to confidently liaise with a variety of stakeholders and service providers and network with external contacts.

Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and sensitive to various socio-economic differences.

Excellence in negotiations, conflict management, support, advice and assistance.

The highest standards possible of integrity and confidentiality.

Resilience and personal strength, multi-tasker and ability to deal with conflicting priorities.

Time-management and organisational skills.

Valid Driver’s licence - the jobholder must be able to drive.

Administration experience, including excellent computer literacy (Microsoft Office)

Desired qualifications

Minimum Grade 12 certificate or equivalent.

A relevant diploma or equivalent will be an advantage

Minimum 4 years’ relevant working experience in a similar role.

Proven involvement and exposure to community development work.

Proven experience in community liaison or similar roles within the PV Solar, construction, or mining industries is a strong advantage. Specifically, experience with completed projects and stakeholder engagement in these sectors will be highly valued.

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