Head of International External Affairs

Who We Are:
At Northland, we’re enablers of change, united by our journey to transform the energy sector into the foundation for a sustainable future.

Since our inception, we’ve been early movers in the energy industry, adopting new initiatives that pave the way for communities across the globe and helping forge their path towards a carbon-neutral landscape.

We’re a different kind of independent power producer. As developers, owners and operators who are at the forefront of the energy transition, we’re uniquely positioned to leave a lasting impact in the regions where we operate. We’ve expanded our business across Canada, the United States, Latin America, Europe and Asia to become a global leader, all by bringing together industry experts to find solutions with an entrepreneurial mindset. 

While our work powers communities across the globe, Northland is powered by our people.

What you’ll do:

Head of International External Affairs is responsible for developing and executing integrated public affairs, communications and stakeholder engagement programs that support Northland Power's business objectives across priority international markets. Working closely with leaders in Business Development, Development, Construction, Operations, Government Relations, and Indigenous and Community Relations, the role helps advance project and corporate priorities through strategic communications and marketing, thought leadership, stakeholder engagement and reputation management initiatives.
This is a hands-on role for a communications and public affairs professional who enjoys turning strategy into action. You will develop and deliver market specific communications plans, build compelling content and executive messaging, support stakeholder and government engagement activities, coordinate media and speaking opportunities, manage events, and help strengthen Northland's profile with external audiences. You will also monitor emerging issues, identify opportunities to enhance Northland's reputation, and support campaigns that build awareness of the company's leadership.
Success in this role requires strong writing, project management and relationship building skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities across a dynamic international portfolio. Working as part of the global Corporate Affairs team, you will collaborate across functions and geographies and manage agencies, consultants and creative partners to ensure programs are delivered effectively, consistently and with measurable impact in our core markets.

This role is based in Madrid and requires working from the corporate office at least four days per week under Northland's hybrid working model.

Key Responsibilities

• In coordination with the global Corporate Affairs strategy, develop and execute integrated public affairs, communications and brand strategies that support business priorities across Northland's priority international markets.
• Partner with Business Development, Development, Construction, Operations, Government Relations, Indigenous & Community Relations, and Corporate Affairs teams to support market entry, project development, operational objectives and growth opportunities.
• Lead thought leadership, events, earned media, executive positioning and integrated communications programs that strengthen Northland's profile, support business objectives and build relationships with key stakeholders in priority markets.
• Develop high-quality communications materials, including key messages, presentations, briefing notes, speaking points, articles, Q&As, digital content and other market facing communications.
• Support brand marketing initiatives, including campaigns, sponsorships, market activations and marketing materials that reinforce Northland's brand and market positioning.
• Lead communications support for major project milestones, market announcements, executive visits, stakeholder engagements, business initiatives and issues management activities.
• Collaborate with Government Relations and Indigenous & Community Relations teams to ensure advocacy, stakeholder and community engagement activities are aligned with broader market strategies.
• Manage external agencies, consultants, event partners and creative vendors, ensuring work is delivered on time, on budget and to a high standard.
• Ensure all communications activities align with Northland's brand standards, corporate narrative and reputation objectives.
• Monitor media, policy, industry and stakeholder developments to identify emerging risks and opportunities, providing actionable insights and recommendations to support business objectives.

Travel

Frequent travel across Europe is required.

Qualifications and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Public Affairs, Marketing, Political Science, Business or a related field.
• 6–10+ years of experience in public affairs, corporate communications, public relations, brand marketing, integrated communications or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing integrate communications and marketing plans that support business objectives and strengthen reputation.
• Strong experience planning and executing events, stakeholder engagements, conferences, roundtables, project milestones or market activations.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex business, policy and technical information into clear, compelling messaging for different audiences.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, deadlines, agencies and stakeholders across multiple international markets.
• Proven ability to build collaborative relationships and influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Experience managing external agencies, consultants, creative partners, event vendors and other third parties to deliver measurable outcomes.
• Experience with media relations, digital communications, social media, content development and issues management is considered an asset.
• Previous experience in the energy or infrastructure sectors is considered a strong asset.
• Experience working across multiple countries, cultures and time zones is considered an asset.

We hire talented and passionate people from different backgrounds. If you’re excited about a role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with this job description, we still encourage you to apply. Learn more about our diversity, inclusion and belonging commitments. 

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This document is a guide. The duties, responsibilities, and requirements of the jobs as described herein are not inclusive and are subject to change.

Northland Power is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to creating a fair, inclusive and accessible environment. As part of our commitment we work to ensure our application process is accessible to all candidates. If you require special assistance or accommodation during the hiring process, please notify a member of the HR Department.

 

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