Specialist – Community and Government Relations

Why should you join our team?

Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. is an independent renewable energy producer with an extensive and growing portfolio of assets in Canada, the United States, France and Chile. The Corporation develops, acquires, owns and operates hydroelectric facilities, wind farms, solar farms and energy storage facilities. 

For more than 30 years, Innergex has believed in a world where abundant renewable energy promotes healthier communities and creates shared prosperity. We are convinced that generating power from renewable sources will lead the way to a better world. We remain committed to responsible growth that balances people, our planet, and prosperity. We believe in offering an engaging, inclusive and supportive work environment where each team member can thrive.

Your contribution

Reporting to the Senior Director, Development, the Community and Government Relations Specialist will work closely with the development, construction, and operations teams to support and ensure the success of Innergex's project portfolio. The objective of this role is to establish strategic, long-term, mutually beneficial relationships based on trust and respect with local communities, local governments, businesses, community leaders and influencers, as well as Indigenous communities and governments through effective engagement processes that cover the life cycle of Innergex's assets. This role will focus on Innergex's projects in Quebec.

Your day-to-day

• Support project teams in developing and leading the implementation of community engagement strategies;
• Contribute to the development of strategies for social acceptability and regional integration of projects;
• Draft issue briefs, communication plans, and engagement reports for internal teams and senior management;
• Systematically document interactions with stakeholders and maintain an up-to-date database (consultation log, follow-up on commitments);
• Prepare mobilization and consultation reports and contribute to the social sections of environmental impact studies;
• Contribute to the content of communication tools (website, social media, newsletters) to reflect community and partnership activities;
• Support the preparation of visual materials and presentations for public events;
• Lead and manage engagement and consultation activities with local communities, local governments, Indigenous governments, and other key local stakeholders;
• Responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships with Indigenous communities, governments, and organizations to conduct engagement, consultation, and partnership activities in accordance with Innergex's values and commitments;
• Act as a trusted advisor to the development, construction, and operations teams, managing daily contact with key stakeholders and project partners;
• Represent Innergex to the local business community by establishing positive and mutually beneficial relationships;
• Work with project teams to ensure that the company meets all its contractual obligations and commitments to developing communities during construction and throughout operation;
• Adopt a strategic approach to working with individuals or groups who may oppose project proposals and/or issues that arise during development, construction, and/or operation;
• Represent the company at high-value community events, increase awareness and education about renewable energy, and strengthen and preserve Innergex's reputation;
• Build relationships and use local contacts and political connections to bring about change, protect Innergex's reputation, and promote its business interests;
• Collaborate with the Communications Department on press activities or other external communications activities, as appropriate.

Your skills, our requirements

• Possesses strong teamwork skills, promoting collaboration, open communication, and the search for common solutions;
• Highly skilled in research planning and executing community engagement strategies;
• Experience navigating local government processes and structures;
• Strong understanding of Indigenous consultation and engagement processes, as well as the legislative, policy, and regulatory frameworks that guide these relationships;
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills, including facilitating meetings, groups, and processes, and mediating conflicts;
• Proven experience in managing multiple stakeholders and conflicting issues;
• Knows how to move forward effectively with the information available, without waiting to have all the details in order to take action and move things forward;
• This position requires 25 to 30% travel to communities, so a valid driver's license in good standing is required;
• Fluency in English, both spoken and written;
• 5 to 7 years of experience in community and Indigenous relations;
• Experience in the energy sector is an asset;
• Successful experience in establishing relationships with community organizations, community groups, business leaders, and local governments;
• Proven ability to build relationships with Indigenous leaders, communities, and organizations based on trust, partnership, and mutual respect.

Additional considerations

• The position is based at the company's head office in Longueuil, steps away from the Longueuil-Université de Sherbrooke metro station.
• This position is a P3 level.

Our benefits

• Competitive salary and annual bonus;
• Three weeks vacation to start and paid vacations during the holiday season; 
• 100% Innergex-funded medical insurance from day one of employment, including primary care services through dialogue (or telemedicine) for permanent positions;
• Group retirement plans with employer participation;
• Electric vehicle (E-VIP) incentive program;
• Hybrid work model;
• Career development opportunities;
• Offices accessible by public transportation.

Innergex is an equal opportunity employer that values each person's unique background, diversity, experiences, perspectives and talents. Innergex is committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment and bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications. The key to our success as a global company is to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.

Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.