timesheetExecution
Job Summary / Principal Accountabilities
The External Affairs and Community Relations Manager is responsible for leading and managing government relations, stakeholder engagement, permitting coordination and community relations activities throughout the project lifecycle. The role acts as the primary liaison between the company, government authorities, regulatory agencies, local communities and external stakeholders to ensure regulatory compliance, timely approvals, effective communication, and strong community relationships that support successful project execution and sustainable operations.
Responsibility
• Develop and implement external affairs, stakeholder engagement and community relations strategies aligned with project and company objectives.
• Manage relationships with government authorities, regulatory agencies, local communities and key external stakeholders to support project execution and operational continuity.
• Lead the application, renewal, and compliance management of all required permits, licenses and regulatory approvals throughout the project lifecycle.
• Coordinate and facilitate engagement with local authorities, community leaders and public stakeholders to maintain positive relationships and social license to operate.
• Monitor regulatory developments, government policies and legal requirements that may impact project activities, permitting, and compliance obligations.
• Represent the company in meetings, public consultations, hearings and community engagement forums with government and external stakeholders.
• Develop and manage community engagement programs, grievance handling processes and social responsibility initiatives to address stakeholder concerns effectively.
• Coordinate with internal departments including Project, Legal, HSE, Construction and Operations teams to ensure alignment on external communications and stakeholder management activities.
• Prepare and present reports, updates and risk assessments related to permitting status, stakeholder engagement, and external affairs matters to senior management.
• Support issue resolution and crisis communication related to community concerns, regulatory matters and external stakeholder issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Identify and mitigate external risks that may impact project schedules, regulatory compliance or company reputation.
• Ensure all external communications and engagement activities are conducted in compliance with company policies and applicable regulations.
Minimum Requirements / Work Experiences
Qualifications:
Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Political Science, Law, Business Administration, Environmental Management, Social Sciences, or a related field.
- Master’s Degree or professional certification in stakeholder management, public affairs, regulatory compliance, or project management is an advantage.
Experience & Knowledge:
• Minimum 8–15 years of experience in external affairs, government relations, permitting, stakeholder engagement or community relations within oil & gas or EPC/EPCIC projects.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with local communities, public stakeholders and government institutions throughout project development and execution phases.
• Experience in managing stakeholder issues, conflict resolution and crisis communication in complex project environments.
• Familiarity with environmental and social impact requirements, land access issues and community engagement frameworks is an advantage.
• Knowledge of local government structures, regulatory frameworks and permitting requirements applicable to project operations.
• Experience working in multicultural and cross-functional project environments, including coordination with legal, HSE, construction, and operations teams.