Position Overview

Reporting to the Director, Government Relations & Public Policy, this position is responsible for the development and influence of corporate decarbonization, climate policy and the relationships with officials that are key to the strategic direction and success of FortisBC. 

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership in successfully positioning FortisBC with municipal, provincial and federal governments regarding energy and climate action policy. Represents FBC on strategic and complex issues, acting as a consult to multiple stakeholder groups in order to inform significant operational decisions, longer-term policy and growth.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key government officials; act as a primary intermediary with government officials and the company; leads detailed negotiations to develop, interpret and apply climate policies and compliance pathways on behalf of FortisBC.  
• Engages with the various levels of government, acting as FortisBC’s representative on various panels and working groups, as a part of their process of developing, implementing, and measuring the success of climate action plans and other energy policy related issues. 
• Provide leadership and oversight in the development of energy policy and mitigating risks related to climate action policy. Positively influences energy policy at a municipal level in various community energy plans across the Province through B.C.’s provincial Climate Action Plan and, at a federal level, through Canada’s approach to climate change.  
• Provide leadership in effective development and execution of policy-related outreach and engagement activities to drive value through rate base growth and revenues, productivity improvements and mitigation of risk related to climate policy.
• Fosters long term relationships with external stakeholders including energy and climate action policy advocates. Leads the negotiation of agreements to enhance collaboration with governments and external organizations.  
• Advances key analysis which supports energy transition strategy, legislative change and capital investment opportunities while mitigating risk related to climate and energy policy.  Broadly communicates key findings and implications to federal, provincial and local governments, NGO’s, Indigenous communities, energy industry stakeholders and the public.
• Leads development of setting greenhouse gas reduction targets, often as a part of a government compliance requirement coupled with development of related plans to meet targets.  Monitors progress towards targets and communicates results with internal and external audiences.  Liaises with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment.
• Develops energy policy that results in growth in rate base and revenues, productivity improvements and mitigation of risks related to climate action policy. Develop related business case/analysis, legislation and Regulatory filings.
• Supports the regulatory process by working to advance FortisBC’s energy policy objectives in advance of regulatory filings. Participate in the analysis and writing of regulatory submissions, in conjunction with the regulatory group. 
• Collaborates with internal stakeholders such as External Relations, Environment Health and Safety, Operations, Energy Solutions, Renewable and Low Carbon Fuels, Low Carbon Transportation, C&EM, LNG Operations, Energy Supply, Resource Development, Project Directors and Regulatory to identify and advance FortisBC’s energy policy and climate action priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Environmental Studies, Political Science, Public Affairs or a relevant field plus a minimum of ten (10) years’ recent, related experience in a senior leader capacity in the development of public and climate policy. 
• Expert knowledge of municipal, provincial and federal energy and climate policies; extensive knowledge of the Utility Industry. 
• Advanced knowledge of public policy and ability to influence climate action policy, opinions, and regulations to improve the regulatory and economic environments.
• Ability to lead and influence change when faced with significant disagreement or tense work environment.
• Knowledge of regulatory principles and energy markets.
• Ability to relate to diverse groups of people with disparate agendas.
• Strong skills in the use of business analysis, financial evaluation methods, and project management.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships in a variety of working environments.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and collaboration to achieve positive working relationships including working with multiple stakeholders from concept through implementation.
• Ability to prepare and present information, motivate and influence others.
• Effective influencing and negotiation skills.
• Ability to apply judgment and innovative thinking in decision making.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and demanding work schedules.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with ability to explain technical concepts and technologies in a simple manner to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to plan, organize and execute work on time and on budget.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and demanding work schedules.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.