The global energy transition is a monumental shift that affects every sector of society, from the largest corporations to the smallest communities. Its success hinges not only on technological innovation and financial investment but also on the ability to build and maintain trust among a diverse array of stakeholders. Without effective engagement, projects can face significant delays, public opposition, and a loss of social license to operate. A proactive and strategic approach to communication and collaboration is essential for navigating the complex web of interests and ensuring that the transition is just, equitable, and widely supported.

This program provides a comprehensive and practical deep dive into the principles and techniques of successful stakeholder engagement for energy transition projects. Participants will gain a fundamental understanding of how to identify and map stakeholders, design a tailored engagement strategy, and manage public consultations. The course covers everything from crafting a compelling narrative and managing media relations to resolving conflicts and building long-term partnerships. By focusing on real-world case studies and hands-on exercises, attendees will be equipped to transform potential opposition into valuable collaboration and ensure their projects are built on a foundation of trust and mutual respect.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• Project Managers in Energy
• Community Relations and CSR Professionals
• Government and Regulatory Officials
• Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Specialists
• Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Teams
• Business Development Managers
• NGO and Civil Society Leaders
• Public Consultation Practitioners
• Urban and Rural Planners
• Students in Sustainability and Policy

Objectives:

• Master the core principles of effective stakeholder engagement.
• Learn to conduct a comprehensive stakeholder analysis and mapping.
• Understand the key differences in engaging various stakeholder groups.
• Grasp the complexities of securing a social license to operate.
• Develop proficiency in designing and implementing a tailored engagement plan.
• Explore best practices in public consultation and information dissemination.
• Learn about robust approaches to managing conflict and opposition.
• Identify the critical legal and ethical considerations in engagement.
• Develop skills in crafting compelling narratives and using media channels.
• Formulate strategies for building long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships.

Course Modules:

Module 1: Foundations of Stakeholder Engagement

• The importance of stakeholder engagement in the energy transition
• The concept of a social license to operate
• The difference between consultation and collaboration
• The key principles of effective engagement
• The business case for proactive engagement

Module 2: Stakeholder Analysis and Mapping

• The process of identifying and categorizing stakeholders
• The role of a clear and focused research question
• Tools for stakeholder mapping (e.g., power/interest grid)
• Assessing stakeholder influence and expectations
• The importance of a "risk and mitigation" plan

Module 3: Communication Strategy

• Crafting a compelling and clear narrative
• Tailoring messages to different audiences
• The importance of a simple scorecard and a dashboard
• Selecting appropriate communication channels
• Best practices for transparency and honesty

Module 4: Public Consultation and Dialogue

• The goals and principles of public consultation
• Designing an effective consultation process
• The importance of a "data story map"
• Running a successful public meeting or forum
• Capturing and responding to public feedback

Module 5: Media Relations & Digital Engagement

• Managing media relations during a project
• The role of social media in public perception
• The importance of a clear and consistent reporting style
• Monitoring online sentiment and addressing misinformation
• The use of digital tools for broader engagement

Module 6: Managing Conflict and Opposition

• The common causes of conflict in energy projects
• De-escalation techniques and conflict resolution
• The role of a program's theory of change
• The importance of a "stakeholder analysis"
• Using negotiation to find common ground

Module 7: Community Relations & Investment

• Building a positive relationship with local communities
• The role of a clear and compelling KPI
• The difference between community relations and public relations
• Designing a community benefits agreement
• The role of local hiring and procurement

Module 8: The Role of Policymakers & Regulators

• Engaging with government officials and regulators
• The importance of a "risk and mitigation" plan
• The role of a simple scorecard and a dashboard
• Advocating for supportive policy
• Navigating the regulatory approval process

Module 9: Building Long-Term Partnerships

• The transition from a project-based relationship to a partnership
• The importance of a "data story map"
• The role of a long-term community benefits fund
• Establishing a joint-management committee
• The importance of a program's theory of change

Module 10: The Legal & Ethical Framework

• The legal requirements for public consultation
• The role of a "stakeholder analysis"
• The importance of a clear and compelling KPI
• Ethical principles in stakeholder engagement
• Best practices for data privacy

Module 11: Case Studies

• Case study: A wind farm project's successful engagement strategy
• Case study: A project that failed due to community opposition
• Case study: Managing a contentious public hearing
• Lessons learned from global projects
• The future of stakeholder engagement

Module 12: Project Management

• Integrating engagement into the project lifecycle
• The role of a simple scorecard and a dashboard
• Budgeting and resourcing for engagement
• The importance of a clear and focused research question
• Monitoring and evaluating engagement effectiveness

Module 13: Social Impact Assessment

• The role of a Social Impact Assessment (SIA)
• The importance of a "risk and mitigation" plan
• Using engagement to inform the SIA
• The role of a "data story map"
• The link between SIA and social license

Module 14: Data & Analytics

• Collecting and analyzing engagement data
• The importance of a clear and consistent reporting style
• Using sentiment analysis to understand public mood
• The role of a "program's theory of change"
• Reporting on engagement to senior leadership

Module 15: Corporate and Investor Expectations

• The role of ESG in project finance
• The importance of a "stakeholder analysis"
• The due diligence process for social risk
• Communicating a project's social performance
• The evolving role of corporations in the energy transition

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.