Community Relations Supervisor at Sahara Group

Key Deliverables

Community Relations & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary field representative for community engagement activities across OML 148 host communities.
• Build and sustain productive relationships with community leaders, youth groups, women associations, community development committees, traditional institutions, and other local stakeholders.
• Facilitate regular community engagement sessions to communicate operational updates, project activities, and company initiatives.
• Monitor community sentiments, emerging concerns, and potential operational risks, providing timely reports and recommendations to management.
• Manage community entry protocols and access requirements for operational teams and contractors.
• Support negotiations and implementation of community-related agreements and commitments.
• Coordinate resolution of community grievances and disputes before escalation into operational disruptions

Sustainable Development & Community Investment

• Support the planning, implementation, and monitoring of community development projects within OML 148.
• Liaise with community leadership to identify priority development needs aligned with company objectives.
• Track implementation of social investment initiatives and ensure delivery meets agreed outcomes.
• Monitor project execution and provide periodic updates on impact, progress, and stakeholder feedback.
• Support community awareness programs related to health, education, livelihoods, environment, and social development.

Operational Support & Free-to-Operate (FTO)

• Support operational teams in securing and maintaining uninterrupted access to company facilities and project locations.
• Coordinate community sensitization activities ahead of project mobilizations, maintenance campaigns, surveys, drilling programs, and other field operations.
• Facilitate peaceful resolution of issues that may affect operational continuity.
• Work closely with security and operations teams to identify and mitigate community-related risks.
• Support implementation of the company’s Shared Prosperity and FTO optimization initiatives aimed at reducing dependency on cash-based community interventions while promoting sustainable partnerships.

Government & External Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintain effective relationships with relevant local government authorities, regulatory agencies, community-based organizations, and other external stakeholders.
• Support engagement activities involving government officials, regulatory inspections, and community-related audits.
• Represent the company at community meetings, stakeholder forums, and engagement platforms as directed.

Governance, Compliance & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of stakeholder engagements, grievances, resolutions, commitments, and community agreements.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) requirements, and applicable regulatory obligations.
• Prepare weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports on community relations activities, risks, incidents, and mitigation actions.
• Monitor compliance with community-related commitments and follow up on outstanding obligations.
• Support budget monitoring and proper utilization of community relations resources.

Minimum Qualification

• Bachelor's degree in social sciences, community development, Political Science, Sociology, Public Administration, Mass Communication, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 5-8 years' experience in community relations, stakeholder engagement, external affairs, or related functions within the oil and gas industry.
• Prior experience working within Delta State and Niger Delta communities is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of host community engagement and conflict management practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and report writing.

Knowledge/Skills 

• Strong understanding of Niger Delta community dynamics and stakeholder management practices.
• Knowledge of conflict prevention, negotiation, and grievance management.
• Understanding of Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) requirements under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
• Familiarity with community development planning and implementation.
• Strong report writing and stakeholder engagement skills.