Communications & Engagement Executive

SONI - System Operator for Northern Ireland; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

SONI is seeking a Communications & Engagement Executive to join their Corporate Affairs Team in Belfast. This role involves supporting public engagement and project communications for critical network infrastructure, requiring strong communication skills and a passion for community engagement. The position offers a competitive salary and hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Private medical provision

Competitive pension with employer matching

Salary sacrifice schemes

Flexible working hours

Complimentary car parking with electric charging

Qualifications

• 1 year experience in similar roles.
• Experience in developing compelling communications content.
• Basic understanding of energy and infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of SONI’s public engagement and project communications.
• Manage community liaison and consultation reporting.
• Enhance engagement approach for stakeholders.

Skills

Organisational skills

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Planning skills

Education

Third level qualification in communications or related field

Job description

Communications & Engagement Executive (S202524)

Job Type

Temporary Full-Time

Remote Work Option

Hybrid

Category

Administration, Secretarial, Document Control

Location

Belfast, County Antrim, United Kingdom

Role Title: Communications & Engagement Executive
Reports to: Head of Corporate Affairs
Location: Belfast (Hybrid)
Duration: 2 Year Fixed-Term Contract

About Us
SONI (System Operator for Northern Ireland) is Northern Ireland’s Transmission System Operator (TSO). We manage the electricity grid to ensure that power can flow from where it is generated to where it is needed. We are now transforming the power system for future generations. Be part of the change!

Our focus is on safety, security and reliability. Our work environment is challenging, fast-moving, collaborative and team orientated. Our culture is driven by performance, knowledge and continual development. Our people are committed to reducing Northern Ireland’s 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. Our future has never looked more exciting. This is an incredible opportunity to be part of it. The world is ready for change. If you are too, join us.

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 SONI’s 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.

What You’ll Need

Joining SONI as a Communications & Engagement Executive, you’ll need:

Essential:

• 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:

• Experience of organising events.
• Experience working in or with local communities.
• Knowledge and experience of local government and the planning system.

Applicants should note that based on the response, SONI may increase the shortlisting criteria.

What You Will Get

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, cycle to work and electric vehicle leasing) together with hybrid working arrangements (3 days office: 2 days working at home), flexible start and finish times, competitive holidays and complimentary car parking with electric charging point on site. If you are seeking a challenging and impactful role within the electricity sector, we invite you to apply.

Submit your application by uploading your CV with a cover letter (in one document).

Closing date for applications is 30 May 2025.

SONI is an equal opportunities employer. SONI is not providing sponsorship for this role.