Community Relations Manager - Tayabas - Levanta Renewables

Paglalarawan

Levanta Renewables is a renewable energy developer and independent power producer in Southeast Asia. We develop, build and deliver renewable energy solutions that work for each country in support of its transition to renewable energy, and do so in a sustainable manner while helping local communities. With a shared goal towards helping Southeast Asia realise its energy transition and net zero targets, Levanta is backed by Actis, a leading sustainable infrastructure private equity firm. We are developing 1.5 GW of renewable energy projects in Southeast Asia through M&A and greenfield development of C&I and utility scale projects.

We are seeking a Community Relations Manager to support the successful development and execution of wind and solar energy projects in the Philippines. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in managing the social performance of the projects by ensuring positive relationships with local communities, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies. The Community Relations Manager will focus on community engagement, social impact assessments, and sustainability initiatives to ensure that project activities align with best practices and contribute to the social and economic development of the regions involved.

Role & Responsibilities

Community Engagement:

• Lead the planning and implementation of community engagement strategies to foster trust and cooperation between the company and local communities.
• Organize and facilitate meetings, consultations, and workshops with community members and stakeholders to ensure transparency and address concerns.
• Develop and maintain communication channels for consistent interaction with local leaders, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other key stakeholders.

Resettlement & Livelihood Restoration Framework:

• Conduct and oversee social impact assessments to evaluate potential impacts of wind and solar projects on local communities.
• Lead livelihood restoration programs for affected communities, ensuring sustainable alternatives and skills development.
• Identify social risks and propose mitigation strategies in line with international best practices and Philippine regulations.

Stakeholder Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local government units (LGUs), regulatory bodies, NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Support the community liaisons between the project development team and community stakeholders to ensure smooth project implementation and address any social concerns promptly.

Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):

• Support the design and execution of CSR initiatives that deliver shared value for both the company and the communities where the projects are located.
• Ensure alignment with the company's sustainability goals and compliance with IFC PS social and environmental standards.

Ideal candidate should possess:

Educational Background:

• Bachelor's degree in social sciences, Community Development, Sociology, Anthropology, or a related field. A master's degree is a plus.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in community relations, social performance, or CSR, ideally within the energy or infrastructure sector.
• Experience in building & implementing livelihood restoration plans.
• Resettlement Action plan implementation in accordance to IFC PS experience is a plus.
• Proven track record of working with indigenous peoples, local communities, and government entities in the Philippines.

Skills:

• Strong understanding of social impact assessments, community engagement strategies, and stakeholder management.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to navigate complex socio-political landscapes and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with Philippine regulations, including the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA), and experience in managing projects involving indigenous communities.
• ESIA trained skills are a plus.

Cultural Sensitivity & Adaptability:

• Ability to work in diverse cultural settings and adapt to different community dynamics.
• Deep knowledge of local customs, traditions, and social structures in the Philippines.

Language: Fluency in English, Filipino & Tayabas Tagalog. Proficiency in other regional dialects is an advantage.

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to travel extensively to project sites across the Philippines.
• Demonstrated commitment to sustainability, community development, and ethical business practices.