Specialist - Community and and Indigenous Relations

Company: Innergex Renewable Energy Inc.
Location: San Diego
Posted on: May 28, 2023

Job Description:

Specialist - Community and and Indigenous Relations Regular Full Time San Diego, CA, US Why should you join our team? Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. is an independent renewable energy producer with an extensive and growing portfolio of assets in Canada, the United States, France and Chile. The Corporation develops, acquires, owns and operates hydroelectric facilities, wind farms, solar farms and energy storage facilities. - For more than 30 years, Innergex has believed in a world where abundant renewable energy promotes healthier communities and creates shared prosperity. We are convinced that generating power from renewable sources will lead the way to a better world. We remain committed to responsible growth that balances people, our planet, and prosperity. We believe in offering an engaging, inclusive and supportive work environment where each team member can thrive. Your contribution! Reporting to the Senior Director, Corporate Relations and Policy, the Specialist, Community & Indigenous Relations will work closely with the project development, construction, operations and environment business units to support and ensure Innergex's portfolio of projects are set up for success. The purpose of this role is to establish strategic, long-term, mutually beneficial relationships based on trust and respect with local communities, local governments, businesses, community leaders/influencers, and Indigenous communities/governments through effective engagement processes that span the lifecycle of Innergex's assets. This role will be focused on the Central and Western US and may also be assigned to support projects and assets across the US.

• Responsible for subject matter expertise with project teams to develop and lead the execution of community engagement strategies; -
• Lead and manage engagement and consultation activities with local communities, local governments, Indigenous governments and other key local stakeholders; -
• Responsible for initiating, building, and maintaining relationships with Indigenous communities, governments and organizations required to carry out engagement, consultation, and partnership activities in line with legal and regulatory requirements, as well Innergex's values and commitments.
• Be a trusted advisor to the Development, Construction and Operations teams, manage day-to-day contact with key stakeholders and project partners;
• Represent Innergex, influence and provide issues management with local organizations;
• Represent Innergex with the local business community, labor groups and ENGOs, building positive and mutually beneficial relationships;
• Collaborate on local government relations with the Government Relations team to strategically align with state and federal government advocacy,
• Maintain current knowledge of and expertly advise the company on regulations, standards, ethics and best management practices pertaining to government, Indigenous and community relations;
• Work with the broader project teams to ensure the company is meeting all of its contractual and legal obligations with communities in development, during construction and throughout operations;
• Expertly identify, navigate and advise on issue and risk management needs as they arise;
• Employ a skilled and strategic approach to working with individuals and or groups who may raise opposition to project proposals and/or issues that arise during development, construction and/or operation
• Represent the company at high-value community events, increasing awareness of and delivering education on renewable energy, building-up and safeguarding Innergex's reputation; -
• Develop relationships and utilize local political contacts and relationships to affect change, protecting Innergex's reputation and advancing its business interests;
• Coordinate with Communications for press, and other external communications activities, as appropriate.
• Work with Sr. Director Corporate Relations and Policy to identify and deliver internal training on Indigenous Peoples including, but not limited to history, culture, Constitution of the United States, treaties, federal statutes, Indigenous law and regulatory bodies and United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
• Work with the Sr. Director Corporate Relations and Policy to identify processes and approaches needed to strengthen the organizational capability to engage, consult and partner with Indigenous communities. -
• 5-7 years of deep experience in community and Indigenous relations; -
• Experience in the Energy industry is an asset;
• Successful experience building relationships with grassroots organizations, community groups, business leaders and local governments;
• Proven ability to establish relationships with Indigenous leaders, communities and organizations based on trust, partnership, and mutual respect.
• Highly skilled at research planning and executing community engagement strategies;
• Experience navigating local government process and structure;
• Knowledge and experience with Indigenous consultation processes, related US legislation and policy, and international standards for Indigenous engagement such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the concept of Free, Prior and Informed Consent; -
• Evidence of strong interpersonal skills; including meeting, group and process facilitation and conflict mediation; -
• Proven track record managing multi-intertest stakeholders and opposition;
• Proven ability to translate technical and industry specific information to government, Indigenous and community groups; Additional considerations!
  • The position could be based at the company's San Diego (CA) office with a hybrid work model;
  • This position is a P3 level with a base salary of $77,900.00 - $134,400.00, exclusive of fringe benefits and/or potential bonuses. Pay Transparency Statement Compensation for roles at Innergex varies depending on a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, education, and level of experience. We believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer. -
    • Competitive salary and annual bonus; -
    • Three weeks vacation in the first year of employment and paid vacation during the holiday season; -
    • Insurance coverage, 100% paid by Innergex, effective the first day of employment;
    • 401K retirement plan with employer participation; -
    • Electric vehicle (E-VIP) incentive program;
    • Offices accessible by public transportation. Innergex is an equal opportunity employer that values each person's unique background, diversity, experiences, perspectives and talents. Innergex is committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment and bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications. The key to our success as a global company is to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. www.innergex.com Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Keywords: Innergex Renewable Energy Inc., San Diego , Specialist - Community and and Indigenous Relations, Other , San Diego, California