Function

As a Proximity Communication Officer in Wallonia, you will safeguard Elia’s reputation through communication relating to infrastructure projects and the grid’s existing infrastructure. You will help to develop and maintain long-term relationships with external stakeholders by fostering transparent and constructive dialogue rooted in local realities.

As part of the company’s strategy, you will contribute to the delivery of grid infrastructure projects within the investment portfolio, whilst adhering to established deadlines and budgets. You will also manage communications about the operation and maintenance of existing infrastructure, in particular, by highlighting maintenance and modernisation work, as well as initiatives that contribute to the reliability of the grid.

To this end, dialogue with external stakeholders is begun during the early stages of projects and maintained throughout the lifecycle of the infrastructure. Understanding and managing the local context are an integral part of your role, with a view to strengthening Elia’s local presence, taking into account the expectations of local stakeholders and developing lasting relationships of trust with external stakeholders. This proactive approach enables you to keep the relevant audiences effectively informed and to anticipate risks that could jeopardise the achievement of the objectives set.

Communication

Based on the corporate strategy and a predefined general methodology, you will define and implement communication strategies tailored to infrastructure projects, existing infrastructure and local issues identified within your area.

• You will develop and draft the communication plan, the outline and the communication tools in order to anticipate or address stakeholders’ concerns and questions.
• You will act as spokesperson and point of contact for the local press for certain projects.
• You will monitor press coverage and social media posts relating to projects, as well as topics likely to impact project activities.
• To prepare teams for public information sessions, you will take the lead and organise communication training where necessary.
• You will manage communications for certain cross-functional initiatives (outside the scope of specific projects).
• As a project communications specialist, you will play an active role in internal and external meetings.
• You will develop and implement communication initiatives that highlight existing infrastructure, in particular, maintenance and modernisation works, as well as local initiatives that contribute to the safety, reliability and sustainability of the grid.

Stakeholder management

• You will help to identify and categorise relevant stakeholders (authorities, opposition groups, associations, etc.).
• Based on a risk analysis, you will develop a plan of action.
• You will organise and attend meetings with stakeholders.
• You will coordinate the organisation (logistical aspects) and facilitate information sessions and other events with stakeholders.
• You will develop networks and long-term collaboration with stakeholders.
• You will act as the point of contact for local residents’ enquiries regarding the project or provide the necessary follow-up when the situation requires it (incidents, damage, etc.).
• You will continuously analyse the local context (political, socio-economic, community and media) in order to identify opportunities, risks and stakeholders’ expectations, and to adapt communication and engagement strategies accordingly.

Contacts & Reporting

• You will report directly to the Proximity Communication Manager.
• You will collaborate with and coordinate the work of external communications agencies to ensure the necessary support for certain tasks.
• You will maintain ongoing dialogue with the company’s external communications spokespersons to ensure consistency in messages and communications activities.

Your Profile

• You hold a Master’s degree in Communications or have equivalent experience.
• You have gained experience in the communications sector, preferably within an infrastructure company, the energy sector or the public sector.
• You have excellent writing skills and are able to communicate fluently with a variety of audiences, both in writing and orally, including when speaking in public.
• You have experience in stakeholder management.
• You have a good knowledge and understanding of the local and regional political landscape and how it operates.
• You have an interest in spatial planning and energy issues.
• You have experience in organising events such as information sessions.
• You are comfortable using social media and know how to use it effectively for institutional and community-focused communication.
• You are a French speaker and have a working knowledge of Dutch and English, both spoken and written.

Offer

Salary: a competitive salary package, allowance for representation expenses, year-end bonus, double vacation pay, meal vouchers (€10 per working day), eco-vouchers, sport & culture vouchers, bonuses based on individual and group results. 
Insurance: group insurance, hospitalisation insurance, ambulant care insurance for the whole family and also personal accident insurance. 
Vacation: You will be entitled to 20 vacation days and 5 additional vacation days, 6 local days, 4 exempt days (after 1 year of employment) and up to 5 long-service days (1 day for every 3 years in employment). 
Social fund: Year-end vouchers, birth and marriage allowance. We will also cover part of the cost of glasses, a dental prosthesis or similar needs. 
Communication: you will be given an iPhone, a phone subscription (for work and private use) and a laptop with internet reimbursement. 
Discounts: you will enjoy a 30% discount on your gas and electricity bill. 
Mobility: we will offer you a company car and public transport or a mobility budget. 
Elia shares: Elia will give you the opportunity to subscribe to shares with a discount of 16.66% on the average share price. 

Location

Quai Monnoyer 3, 1000 Brussels