Community Benefit Advisor

About the role

This is the time for action – we need to move at pace and reform our energy system – to deliver energy security, to tackle climate change and to protect our people. 

In this role you will;

• Develop, manage and support the day-to-day implementation of Strategic Infrastructure’s Socioeconomic and Community Benefit Strategy.
• Develop the policies and procedures required to ensure consistent delivery of local and regional benefits across our portfolio of projects that make up the Great Grid Upgrade.
• Support a programme of communication and engagement activities with internal and external stakeholders such as government, local authorities, and non-government organisations, to develop and implement the strategy and protect and enhance the reputation of National Grid.

National Grid continues to offer hybrid working from office and home and are open to full time and part time applicants, as well as flexible working arrangements. 

About you

What we do isn’t just important – it’s essential. That’s why we look to recruit experts in their field. In this case, we’re looking for someone who has:

•  High articulation skills with very strong written, verbal and presentation skills.
•  Good networking and relationship management skills
•  Experience of effectively managing relationships and delivering outcomes through contractors and suppliers
•  Experience of managing a portfolio of diverse stakeholder engagement/communications programmes
•  Proven track record in developing and delivering stakeholder engagement communications strategies and preparing effective communications material for print, broadcast and social media, including web content.
•  An understanding of the external environment in which National Grid construction projects are carried out
•  A good understanding of the transmission and construction business as well as the planning process would be an advantage

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At National Grid, we’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace for everyone. So if you’re excited about this role but your experience or qualifications don’t match the job description exactly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might just be the right person for our growing business in this role or another one. 

What you'll do

•Support the Community Benefit Manager to influence and engage with internal and external stakeholders, enabling the effective delivery of our local and regional community benefit strategy. For example, by developing narratives that are supported by robust sources, to inform or present National Grid’s position. External stakeholders could include government and the regulator, local authorities, non-government organisations and potential partners in the regions where new infrastructure is proposed. Internal engagement activities could include updates to senior leadership and project teams, ensuring our strategy is well communicated and understood.
•Work with the Community Benefits Manager to develop a centralised policy and guidance, that ensures the consistent delivery of socioeconomic and community benefits across our infrastructure projects. Build effective working relationships with project teams who will be responsible for the delivery and reporting on their local community benefit plans. 

•Support the delivery of a suite of socioeconomic interventions and initiatives that respond to regional context and support project teams in building relationships with key stakeholders.

•Manage the Community Grant Programme and quarterly governance process to award and allocate grants, driving process improvements to promote and enhance the benefits of the Programme.

•Lead the regional delivery of our existing partnerships and programmes, ensuring they are effectively utilised and increase our presence and reputation in the communities that are proposed to host new infrastructure. Monitor progress on performance and ensure delivery against budget. 

•Support project teams with communications material to ensure a consistent narrative around community benefit. This may include supporting consultation materials, website content, or developing lines to take.

•Work with internal communications and Press Office to enhance National Grid’s reputation by promoting and communicating community benefit activities both internally and externally. This could include attendance at relevant forums and events. 

•Responisble for monthly reporting of team activities, supporting the wider External Affairs team as required. 

What you'll get

A competitive salary between £44,000 - £52,000– dependent on capability.

As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on personal and company performance and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. You will also have access to a number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.

More Information

This role closes on May 21st 2024 at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.

We work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office. 

We're committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve, and a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.

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About us

National Grid Strategic Infrastructure is a Business Unit created to propel our grid forward to deliver in 5 years, what has been achieved in the previous 30. By 2030 we aim to have 17 new major infrastructure projects live across England, Scotland and Wales.

Here at National Grid, we connect homes and businesses to power, making sure supply and demand match each other. We make sure the lights are on in schools, operating theatres, and sporting arenas; we’re thousands of people working on behalf of millions of people.

Our investment in Strategic Infrastructure via the Great Grid Upgrade will mean more home grown power, greater energy security and a cleaner future.

Whatever your role, wherever you work with us, you’ll help us hit stretching targets and achieve our far-reaching goal: to secure, clean energy that supports our world far into the future. Here, you will be at the heart of energy.