Regulatory & Public Affairs Manager

1. POSITION DETAILS

Position Title:

Regulatory & Public Affairs Manager

Reports to:

Country Manager, South Africa

Department:

RAPA

Business Unit:

T&G ENGIE South Africa

Period:

Full Time Local Employment Agreement

Contracted to:

ENGIE Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd

Location:

ENGIE Southern Africa Office: Building 1, Country Club Estate, 21 Woodlands Drive, Woodmead, Johannesburg South Africa, periodic travel required

CLOSING DATE:

06 November 2024

2. BACKGROUND

ENGIE is a long-term partner for Africa’s growing energy needs and a carbon-neutral economy. Our purpose is to accelerate the transition towards a carbon-neutral economy, through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally friendly solutions.

The position is key to support ENGIE’s businesses within South Africa, in the context of existing key businesses and strong growth ambitions. ENGIE is involved in the development and operation of renewable assets (onshore wind, solar PV, and concentrated solar power), and flexibility assets (OCGTs, Renewable Hydrogen and Battery Energy Storage).

3. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

ENGIE’s presence in South Africa is already strong and is set to grow. To grow the business means that the company needs a strong government relations manager to steer and navigate an integrated stakeholder approach aligned to the business focus, delivery and ambitions.

The purpose of the Regulatory and Public Affairs Manager role is to develop and lead the integrated strategic approach of government relations for ENGIE South Africa. This position aims to (1) understand key business stakes, then establish and represent the company’s position, as well as (2) monitor and explain relevant regulatory matters within the company (businesses in South Africa and corporate). To succeed, the incumbent will affect collaboration with relevant authorities in the South Africa to review and help frame policy decisions, navigate regulatory frameworks, and foster strong relationships with key stakeholders. The person in the role will also liaise and coordinate with a network of experts within the Group, in particular the Public Affairs Department, which reports to the Group General Secretary. He or she will be involved in existing networks for exchanges between the heads of public and regulatory affairs in the Group's various geographies. The role will comply with all applicable laws and ENGIE’s Ethical rules and policies.

Government and Regulatory Body Engagement:

• Cultivate and maintain positive working relationships with government agencies, policymakers, and regulatory bodies at various levels to investigate, understand and help frame policy formulation, and encourage regulatory environments that accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon neutral economy.
• Represent ENGIE South Africa in industry forums, advocating for ENGIE’s businesses across South Africa.

Policy Analysis and Stakeholder Insights:

• Monitor, analyze, and interpret legislative changes, regulatory trends, and policy developments affecting ENGIE’s businesses.
• Provide strategic insights and recommendations to senior management based on in-depth policy analysis, anticipating potential impacts on business operations. Prepare position papers on key topics.

Government Relations and Advocacy:

• Interpret national policy changes and developments to inform business strategy.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive government affairs strategy to enhance ENGIE’s reputation and visibility in the energy transition space, linked to the group and country strategy.
• Communicate and advocate for the ENGIE strategy in South Africa.  
• Leverage the local, national, and group mechanisms to bolster government advocacy and relations.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to effectively communicate the company's vision, initiatives, and contributions to sustainable energy solutions.
• Drive advocacy campaigns, leveraging thought leadership and partnerships with communications to improve public understanding of and support for energy transition initiatives.
• Ensure company-wide understanding of the political and regulatory environment and support cross-functional teams.
• Provide a comprehensive view of the ENGIE South Africa stakeholder landscape for the leadership team.
• When needed, arrange key meetings with ENGIE stakeholders and key government stakeholders.
• Manage the relationship with key foreign government stakeholders and agencies on behalf of ENGIE.

Risk Management and Compliance Alignment:

• Assess regulatory risks, based on political developments and coordinate proactive measures to mitigate potential impacts on business operations and project timelines.
• Implement systems and processes for ongoing regulatory monitoring, reporting, and compliance assurance, with legal.

Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Foster collaboration across departments including legal, finance, operations, communications, ESG and business development and GBUs to align public and regulatory strategies with overall business objectives.
• Collaborate between the broader Regulatory and Public Affairs team within the group and other countries to adopt the best practice and bolster the South African approach.

ESG Collaboration and Support:

• Provide strategic support to the ESG team, in incorporating relevant regulatory changes the overall ESG strategy and approach for ENGIE South Africa.
• Support the ESG team in their engagement with local government stakeholders.
• Contributing to societal reporting, managing stakeholder relations, and integrating government stakeholder criteria into investment decision-making.

4. KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Internal

• Country Manager and Managing Directors of GBUs in South Africa
• South Africa General Counsel and Ethics Officer, Communications Manager, and Head: ESG
• SPV CEOs and operational teams
• All internal stakeholders of ENGIE Companies in South Africa.
• Group Regulatory Affairs function and relevant Lines of Business

External

• South African government (local, provincial and national)
• Industry associations and regulatory bodies
• State owned enterprises
• Foreign governments in South Africa
• SEZs

5. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science, International Relations, Economics, Business Administration, Environmental Studies, Law, Public Policy or NQF equivalent. A master degree is highly desirable.

Language

• Fluent in English (verbal and written skills)
• Other languages would be a benefit
• Excellent writing, spelling, editing and proofreading skills

Experience and Qualifications Required:

The job holder will have:

• Proven experience (typically around 8-10 years) in government relations, stakeholder management, regulatory affairs, public policy, or a related field within the energy sector or a closely aligned industry, including work at a strategic level.
• Demonstrable track record in working collaboratively with Governments in key policy areas.
• Deep understanding of South African Government and Regulations
• Reputation for positive collaboration and contribution skills in public forums.
• A strong network in the South African energy industry
• Knowledge of foreign governments in South Africa

Behavioural Competencies

• Must be very organised with the ability to manage several simultaneous projects/activities
• Flexibility to adapt to evolving regulatory environments, handle ambiguity, and navigate through challenges or setbacks in a dynamic industry.
• Ability to analyse complex regulatory issues, assess risks, and make informed decisions that align with both business objectives and regulatory compliance.
• A creative mindset to identify innovative approaches within regulatory frameworks, driving initiatives that leverage regulatory knowledge and understanding for business growth.
• A commitment to responsible advocacy, balancing the company's interests with societal and environmental responsibilities inherent in the renewable energy sector.
• Having competent project management skills
• Being able to prioritise projects and tasks
• Appetite to work in an international environment
• Stress resistant, and open-minded

6. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Adheres to the Company Policies and Procedures and Ethics;
• Behaves in a responsible way;
• Lives the values of the Company.