INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL VACANCY: STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS MANAGER

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 Stakeholder Relations Manager is responsible for developing and executing strategies to build and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders, including government entities, community leaders, business partners, and regulatory bodies. The role ensures that the refinery’s operations align with stakeholder expectations, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and regulatory requirements.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Matric, bachelor’s degree/BTech Degree (NQF level 7) in Public relations, Communications, Political Science, Business Administration or related field.
• A minimum of nine (9) years’ experience in stakeholder relations, government affairs or corporate communications, preferably in the energy sector, oil & gas, or industrial sectors of which 3-5 years must be at Managerial level.
• Experience in oil, gas, or industrial sector working with community groups NGO or Public entity will serve as an added advantage.
• A postgraduate qualification in stakeholder management, public affairs, or corporate governance (NQF8) will serve as added advantage.

DESIRED ADDITIONAL SKILLS/ COMPETENCIES

• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and government processes in South Africa.
• Experience in handling community engagement and CSR projects.
• Ability to manage high profile events and stakeholder meetings.
• CSR and sustainable development best practice
• Conflict resolution and grievance handling procedures
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity in dealing with diverse community groups
• Communication skills, Interpersonal skills, Networking skills and Problem-solving skills
• Conflict resolution skills, Negotiation skills and Advocacy skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Stakeholder engagement and communication

• 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.
• Maintain clear communication with community leaders, government officials, and NGOs.
• Provide timely responses to community inquiries and concerns.

Grievance and issue resolution

• Address and document community concerns, escalating critical issues when necessary.
• Mediate disputes between the refinery and community members.
• Develop strategies to mitigate potential community conflicts related to refinery operations.

CSR and community development

• Oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation of community development programs (Skills development, education, health and environmental sustainability)
• Plan and coordinate CEF’s CSI initiatives for the refinery ensuring alignment with the Group’s broader CSI commitments
• Partner with local businesses, training institutes and developmental agencies to drive economic empowerment projects
• Develop, organise, implement and oversee enterprise and supplier development projects for the refinery.

Reporting and documentation

• Maintain accurate records of community interactions, concerns, and resolutions.
• Prepare detailed reports on stakeholder engagement, CSR impact, and regulatory compliance.
• Provide insights and recommendations to management for improving community relations.

Published Date: 31 March 2025

Closing Date:     09 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 must be submitted upon request. 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 not to 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.