Community Liaison

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL VACANCY: COMMUNITY LIASON OFFICER

CEF SOC

 CEF is a Schedule 2 state owned diversified energy company reporting to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. The Mandate of CEF is to contribute to the security of energy supply of South Africa and the Region through exploration, acquisition, development, marketing and strategic partnership. It is derived from the CEF Act (No 38 of 1977) and the Ministerial directives issued thereafter.

JOB PURPOSE:

 The Community Liaison Officer (CLO) is responsible for fostering and maintaining positive relationships between SANPC Refinery and the surrounding communities. The CLO will facilitate communication, address community concerns, support corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and promote stakeholder engagement to ensure the refinery’s sustainable operations and social license to operate.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Matric and National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in Public Relations, Social Sciences, Communications, Development Studies, or related field.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in Community engagement, stakeholder relations, or public affairs, in which 3 years must have/be performing similar functions.
• Experience in working with oil, gas or industrial sector, community groups, NGO’s or government entities will serve as an added advantage.
• A bachelor’s degree/BTech or Degree (NQF Level 7) in the relevant field will serve as an added advantage

DESIRED ADDITIONAL SKILLS/ COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of community development principles and stakeholder engagement best practices
• Basic understanding of corporate social responsibility (CSR) frameworks
• Communication skills, Interpersonal skills, Networking skills and Problem-solving skills
• Conflict resolution skills, Negotiation skills and Report writing skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)
• Service orientated and proactive
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity to diverse communities
• Knowledge of local communities in Durban and surrounding areas.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

Community engagement and relationship management

• Act as the primary point of contact between the refinery and the local community.
• Organize and attend community meetings to provide updates on refinery projects.
• Build and maintain relationships and clear communication with community leaders, local government officials, NGOs and other stakeholders.

Stakeholder communication and issue resolution

• Document community concerns and track the resolution of action items.
• Provide timely responses to community inquiries and concerns.
• Ensure effective two-way communication between the refinery and the community.
• Address community concerns and provide timely feedback on refinery activities.
• Prepare and distribute community newsletters, bulletins, and reports.

CSR and community development

• Assist internal teams with the coordination of community development projects
• Coordinate enterprise and supplier development projects for the refinery.
• Identify community needs and propose relevant interventions

Reporting and documentation

• Maintain accurate records of all interactions and engagements with community stakeholders.
• Prepare reports on community engagement activities, CSR impact, and regulatory compliance.
• Provide insights and recommendations to management for improving community relations.

Published Date: 31 March 2025

Closing Date:     04 April 2025

 NOTE: The successful candidate/s for the advertised position/s will be required to undergo personnel suitability checks, which includes, criminal records, citizenship, financial checks, qualifications and previous employment (Reference checks). It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure that foreign qualifications are evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority and the evaluation certificate is attached to the application on submission. If you do not hear from the CEF SOC three months after the closing date of the advertisement, consider your application unsuccessful.  CEF SOC reserves the right to not fill this position. CEF SOC is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, and it is committed to the achievement and maintenance of diversity and equity in employment, especially in respect of race, gender and disability. This position will be filled in accordance with the CEF SOC Employment Equity Plan.