Social Affairs Specialist

Since its creation in 2014, Harbour has grown to become one of the world’s largest and most geographically diverse independent oil and gas companies.  Today, Harbour is producing between 475,000 and 485,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day with significant production in Norway, the UK, Germany, Argentina and North Africa. 

Harbour benefits from competitive operating costs and resilient margins, and a broad set of growth options including near-infrastructure opportunities in Norway, unconventional scalable opportunities in Argentina and conventional offshore projects in Mexico and Indonesia. With low GHG emissions intensity and a leading CO2 storage position in Europe, Harbour remains committed to producing oil and gas safely and responsibly to help meet the world’s energy needs. Harbour is headquartered in London with approximately 5,000 staff and contractors across its operations and offices.  

Ours is an inclusive workplace where individuals can bring their whole selves to their job and feel recognised for the value they add. We are committed to creating a genuinely inclusive and supportive working environment to ensure everyone has a positive experience at work. 

At Harbour Energy, we aim to recruit, retain and promote our people based on their unique skills, regardless of race, gender or background. We need excellent people to help shape and develop the future of our company. Could this be you?

If so, we want to hear from you. 

Purpose of Role:

• To ensure the effective management of the Company’s social commitments in the field through a trusted and highly experienced professional, covering both regulatory compliance and community engagement. This role is intended to strengthen and consolidate a social management strategy aligned with the Company’s regulatory, operational, and sustainability objectives, with a permanent on-site presence in Tabasco.

Critical Responsibilities (MAE/MATTE/HSES*):

• Ensuring that all activities are carried out in a safe manner complying with all regulatory requirements, legislation and Harbour Energy HSES Procedures.

Ethics and Compliance Responsibilities:

• Ensure that all activities and behaviours are carried out in accordance with Harbour Energy’s Ethics and Compliance Policies and Procedures, and to complete any compulsory compliance training as required.

Areas of Accountability, Responsibility and Competence:

• 1. Community Relations and Stakeholder Engagement:
• Establish, maintain, and strengthen long-term, trust-based relationships with communities in Ogarrio, Sánchez Magallanes (Block 30), and other areas within the Company’s area of influence.
• Plan, coordinate, and conduct meetings, site visits, and engagement activities with local authorities, community committees, organized groups, and community leaders.
• Identify, assess, and proactively manage sensitive issues, potential conflicts, and social risks associated with project activities.
• 2. Regulatory Compliance and Documentation:
• Monitor and ensure timely compliance with social requirements arising from resolutions, permits, and authorizations issued by SENER and other competent authorities.
• Ensure the proper management, traceability, filing, and submission of social reports and compliance documentation.
• Coordinate closely with the Legal and Environmental departments to consolidate and submit regulatory deliverables to the relevant authorities.
• 3. Sustainability and Shared Social Value:
• Align social commitments and initiatives with the Company’s sustainability strategy and, where applicable, with government sustainability objectives.
• Identify, evaluate, and recommend social investment opportunities aligned with community needs, regulatory expectations, and internal corporate guidelines.
• Support the design, implementation, and monitoring of projects aimed at generating measurable and sustainable social impact.
• 4. Internal Coordination and Strategic Support:
• Coordinate with Operations, Security, HSE, and Supply Chain teams to ensure consistency and alignment of social considerations throughout project execution.
• Provide timely, accurate, and strategic information to support management decision-making related to engagement with public-sector and community stakeholders.

Critical Skills*, Qualifications, Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Law, Agronomy, Sustainability, Political Science, or related disciplines.
• Master’s degree in Social Responsibility, Sustainable Development, or a related field is preferred.
• Spanish: Native.
• English: Advanced (written and spoken).
• A minimum of eight (8) years of experience in community and institutional relations management, preferably within the oil and gas sector.
• Demonstrated knowledge of corporate social responsibility frameworks, as well as crisis management and conflict resolution.
• Solid knowledge of the oil and gas sector, particularly with respect to social regulations and compliance requirements.
• Strong understanding of corporate sustainability strategies and comprehensive awareness of social issues relevant to the organization.
• Knowledge of international Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies, standards, and frameworks.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proven ability in conflict resolution and stakeholder mediation.
• Experience supervising contractors or field-based partners.
• Management and traceability of social donations and community contributions.
• Ability to prepare and deliver clear, structured, and persuasive presentations.
• Capacity to establish, coordinate, and sustain community committees or support groups.
• Ability to draft and manage collaboration agreements with community and institutional stakeholders.
• Experience engaging with the academic sector, including partnerships with local universities.
• Strong writing skills for the development of social narratives and communication materials (reports, bulletins, speeches, presentations, etc.).
• Ability to design and implement community strengthening and capacity-building strategies.

Inclusive recruitment is a vital part of our diversity, equity and inclusion strategy. Whatever your background, if you feel you need an adjustment during our selection process to suit your needs, please let us know, and we will be happy to help.