Energy Sector Community Benefits Advisor

The BCS Allegient Societal Considerations and Impacts (SCI) group seeks to add a professional with experience assessing community benefits (CB) of clean energy technology projects. Effective evaluation requires understanding of potential impacts and benefits of these projects on local communities due to the development and operation of facilities, plants, and other related infrastructure. The role involves analysis and reporting on project outcomes and risks, effectiveness of existing mitigations or plans, and advise on implementation of community engagement and feedback processes.

Position Background

The clean energy projects funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) will create new infrastructure with the potential to drive local and regional economic development, technological innovation, and high-wage employment for communities across the United States, including those located in areas designated as disadvantaged communities. It is critical to understand and address the societal considerations and impacts of these projects at local, regional, and global levels. Project proposals are solicited through Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) that require development of Community Benefits Plans (CBPs), which describe actions for: community and stakeholder engagement; diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA); environmental justice; and attracting, training, and retaining a diverse workforce to create quality jobs.

Position Functions

Specific activities and responsibilities may include the following:

• Review and analyze CBP documentation to ensure alignment with FOA requirements, DOE policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Support federal project managers (FPMs) and award Recipients with CBP development by leveraging expertise in community engagement, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, environmental justice and equity, and workforce development.
• Participate in Assistance and Validation (A&V) meetings throughout the life of projects to monitor and assess implementation of CBPs in support of FPMs and award recipients.
• Develop reports on A&V meetings and subsequent activities to document progress and compliance with the objectives, milestones, and deliverables outlined in CBPs.
• Engage with local community stakeholders, as requested, and participate in focused stakeholder listening sessions.
• Assist with development of internal DOE and public-facing information, data sets, and reports documenting the status of SCI work conducted under the selected projects.
• Engage in research and maintain up-to-date guidelines for best practices in SCI.
• Provide support to FPMs to oversee and develop detailed records of CBP implementation and monitoring.
• As needed, provide support for planning and facilitation of A&V meetings.

Job Requirements

• B.P.A., B.S. or B.A. degree with 6-8 years of experience related to the position. MPA, MS or MBA degree is a plus.
• Knowledge of and experience in project reviews assessing community benefits of energy technology research projects, facilities, operations, and commercial plants.
• Knowledge and understanding of energy sector and technologies to mitigate community and environmental impacts.
• Experience with stakeholder engagement and conducting listening sessions.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication, writing, editing, and presentation skills; meeting facilitation experience is a plus.
• Self-starter with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, as well as Microsoft SharePoint environment.