Senior Social Impact Specialist

Senior Social Impact Specialist – Permanent Full-Time – Perth CBD

Western Power is about to embark on a significant program of infrastructure projects to support the State’s energy transition. To ensure we plan and deliver our projects in a socially responsible way, we’re seeking a Senior Social Impact Specialist to join our Social Performance & Approvals team.

As a subject matter expert, you will assess social impacts associated with transmission projects, and identify and support initiatives which aim to avoid, mitigate, manage, or enhance (where positive) these impacts throughout the project lifecycle.

The role will partner with Western Power’s Community and Stakeholder (C&S) function in delivering supporting engagement and communications activities to support the social impact assessment process.

Your Role in Action  

• Accountable for developing and implementing social impact assessment for Western Power’s transmission projects associated with the energy transition, which can include:
  • Qualitative and quantitative methodologies and workplans for social impact studies, including identifying social performance criteria.
  • Conducting socio-economic baseline studies and analysis and/or peer reviews
  • Providing input into social research programs
  • Preparing technical documents, reports and presentations.
• Collaboratively work within the Social Performance and Approvals team to inform and deliver engagement activities to support the social impact assessment process.
• Participate in multidisciplinary decision making with internal and external audiences to guide project planning and design process in ensuring social impact issues and opportunities are considered.
• Collaboratively work the Principal Social Impact Advisor to evaluate and report on the project performance against the social performance metrics throughout the project lifecycle, noting the aim to build place-based acceptance for the project and protect it from risk.
• Ensure effective communication and stakeholder management when interacting with communities and stakeholders, to foster trust and rapport based on authentic and genuine engagement.
• Build and maintain a constructive and consultative working environment through open communication and effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

 What Makes You a Great Fit 

• Tertiary qualification in Communications, Social Sciences, Social Planning, or related discipline
• Extensive knowledge, expertise and experience in delivering social impact assessment programs in mining, construction and or infrastructure sector.
• Demonstrated ability to execute large, complex programs of work with the ability to provide significant guidance, advice, and counsel.
• Strong stakeholder management skills both within and outside of the organisation, with the ability to influence and negotiate.
• Strong business acumen, analytical and problem-solving skills and exposure to risk management and governance processes.
• Highly developed analytical skills required to be applied to complex organisational challenges and opportunities.

By joining Western Power, you will contribute to powering a cleaner energy future. We are dedicated to fostering career development and promoting a healthy work-life balance, empowering you to drive innovation as we develop a network that will serve the Western Australian community for generations. You will also benefit from a range of perks and opportunities, including: 

• Over 50% of our employment opportunities are driven by career progression.  
• Flexible work arrangements to support part time work, working hours and working from home arrangements. 
• The opportunity to purchase up to four weeks of additional leave per year. 
• Access to salary packaging, social club activities, and discounted health insurance and gym membership. 
• An award-winning employee recognition and benefits programme. 
• An innovative team culture that’s enabling the transition to renewable energy and decarbonisation.   
• In addition to standard leave, enjoy two wellness leave days each year.
• Access to end-of-trip facilities at our Perth office and South Metro Depot, perfect for cyclists.

• On-site café available for convenient meals and refreshments throughout the day.

Applications close on 8th November 2024

We value diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applications from all backgrounds, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and LGBTQIA+ communities. Find out more about our Reconciliation Action Plan and Disability Access and Inclusion Plan. 

Learn more about Western Power here: About (westernpower.com.au) 

Find out how we’re building A Network for Life: A network for life (westernpower.com.au)