Job Reference: S2024044 Job Title: Communications & Engagement Executive Reports to: Head of Corporate Affairs Duration: 3 year fixed-term contract (with possible extension or permanency subject to funding and business needs). Who We Are SONI is Northern Irelands Transmission System Operator. We are the people behind Northern Irelands electricity grid. We make sure that every home, business, school, hospital, factory, and farm has power - when and where they need it. And thats just the beginning of our story. We have a critical mission. That mission is to transform the energy system to enable our society to reduce our carbon emissions and meet our climate change and net zero ambitions. Our focus is on safety, security, and reliability. Our work environment is challenging, fast-moving, collaborative and team orientated. Our culture is driven by continual development, knowledge, and teamwork. Our people are committed to reducing Northern Irelands reliance on fossil fuels and making decarbonisation a reality while providing a safe and reliable electricity supply in a way that secures the future for those who follow us. The work you will deliver with us here at SONI matters. Be part of the transformation The Role SONI has an exciting new opportunity for engaging, multi-disciplinary communicator, with a passion for community, to join our team in Belfast as a Communications and Engagement Executive. As part of our Corporate Affairs Team, the successful candidate will support the delivery of SONIs public engagement and project communications for our important network infrastructure programme. This is a fast moving and challenging role representing a key infrastructure provider to communities, media, elected representatives, council officials and other key stakeholders. It will involve supporting the planning and delivery of the full suite of communications activity including community and stakeholder engagement, media relations, public affairs, and digital communications. This will also include working with a range of external partners and consultants. Supporting the Senior Communications and Engagement Lead, and reporting to the Head of Corporate Affairs, the role will involve close working with our grid infrastructure team in the development and execution of community consultation and communications plans for our projects. This will include community liaison, pre-planning application community consultation reporting, website management, regional media, digital/social media campaigns and community event management. In addition, the candidate will play an important role in measuring, enhancing, and improving our engagement approach for developers, communities, councils, and other stakeholders. The candidate will also support the delivery of wider SONI corporate communications activity as and when required. Due to the nature of the role, working outside of office hours and weekends will be necessary, including occasional availability to support any out-of-hours issues management alongside other colleagues. Critical Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Essential Criteria 1 years experience in similar roles. A third level qualification in a related discipline (communications, planning/built environment, politics, journalism) OR 3 years experience. You will have experience of developing compelling communications content to promote a particular project or initiative. Demonstrable organisational and planning skills. Good written and oral communications skills. Excellent interpersonal skills along with a demonstrated ability to work as part of a team. A basic understanding of energy and infrastructure. A passion for local community. A full clean driving licence. Desirable Criteria Experience of organising events. Experience working in or with local communities. Knowledge and experience of local government and the planning system. Benefits package This is an opportunity to lead and contribute to the advancement of a critical component of the energy infrastructure. The rewards package includes a competitive salary commensurate with experience, eligibility for an annual performance related payment, private medical provision, competitive pension with employer matching arrangements, a variety of salary sacrifice schemes (e.g. pension and cycle to work) together with hybrid working arrangements (3 days office: 2 days working at home), competitive holidays and complimentary lunch, car parking and electric charging points on site. If you are seeking a challenging and impactful role within the electricity sector, we invite you to apply. Join us in shaping the future of SONI and the wider industry. Closing date for applications is 12 noon on 8 November 2024. SONI is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. All appointments are based on merit. Skills: Communication Engagement Executive