Public Affairs Specialist South Africa - Johannesburg at Vestas

Job Summary 

Are you enthusiastic about Public Affairs Management? Would you like to work in an international environment? Then join Vestas!

Vestas is looking for a Public Affairs Lead Manager, to be part of the Public Affairs team working with our Region covering Southern Europe, Middle East & Africa. We need someone who can understand, advocate, and shape the policy and regulatory developments that impact our business in South Africa, driving positive impact on the market framework.

Public Affairs is part of Marketing, Communications, Sustainability and Public Affairs global function here...

Responsabilities

•  Monitor all political, legislative, and regulatory developments relevant for Vestas and communicate internally when needed. Prepare policy notes.
•  Develop advocacy strategy, policy positioning and recommendations
•  Develop and maintain relationships with key policymakers from government & regulatory agencies - such as DMRE, DTIC, IPP Office, NERSA or ESKOM - to understand and support shaping energy policy. Organize meetings with them for Vestas representatives.
•  Represent Vestas and speak at industry conferences and industry associations such as SAWEA
•  Support Vestas's political agenda, marketing and branding activities, acting as "Vestas Ambassador"
•  Engage with Development Team to improve project development in RSA from a regulatory perspective
•  Support Finance Team in leveraging public and private financing for Vestas´ wind projects
•  Engage with Construction Team to support the execution of Vestas´ projects in South Africa
•  Support business development efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) emerging markets for wind power and for Power-to-

Qualifications

•  + 7 years of experience in the field of Public Affairs /Government Relations, policy, regulatory affairs
•  Solid networking skills and being able to present him or herself professionally and confidently
•  Relevant postgraduate degree (e.g., political science, international relations, business, engineering)

Competencies

•  Knowledge on the Energy Sector, Renewable/Wind Energy Market will be considered a favorable asset
•  Working experience from the public sector or from the private sector in a stakeholder relations or business development role will be an asset
•  Practical mind-set combined with solid and effective communication skills
•  Good business knowledge and ability to bridge policy activities with business objectives
•  High English written and oral skills