Graduate External Affairs Officer, Strategic Infrastructure

Supports community engagement and stakeholder relations for major electricity infrastructure projects through communications, event coordination, stakeholder enquiries, supplier management, and project engagement activities.

About the Position

Strategic Infrastructure is part of National Grid Electricity Transmission and is responsible for delivering major electricity transmission projects across England and Wales. Our work will help connect more clean, low-carbon power to the transmission network and support the UK’s transition to a cleaner energy future.

This includes the delivery of major projects through the Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) framework, alongside the early-stage development of further strategic infrastructure.

Within Strategic Infrastructure, the External Affairs team helps build and maintain relationships with the communities, stakeholders and organisations affected by major electricity transmission projects. Working alongside project teams and specialist partners, the team delivers engagement and communications activities that help stakeholders understand proposed developments, provide feedback and stay informed throughout the project lifecycle.

Their work plays an important role in supporting the successful delivery of major infrastructure projects that will connect more low-carbon energy to the network and support the UK's transition to net zero.

As a Graduate External Affairs Officer, you'll help us engage openly and effectively with the communities and stakeholders affected by major electricity infrastructure projects. Working alongside experienced external affairs colleagues, you'll develop an understanding of how community engagement and communications support projects from early development and planning through to construction and delivery.

You'll gain hands-on experience preparing communications materials, supporting engagement activities and working with project teams, stakeholders and specialist suppliers, while developing valuable communication, commercial and project management skills.

What You'll Do

You'll help deliver community engagement and communications activities that support major infrastructure projects.

• Support the planning and delivery of community and stakeholder engagement activities across a range of projects.

• Prepare clear and accessible communications materials that help explain complex project information to a wide range of audiences.

• Assist with community meetings, stakeholder events and liaison groups, helping to coordinate communications and engagement activities.

• Support responses to external correspondence and stakeholder enquiries.

• Work with project teams to identify stakeholder and communications requirements throughout the project lifecycle.

• Help coordinate and manage community relations agencies and other specialist suppliers that support project engagement activities.

• Contribute to supplier management, procurement and commercial activities, including monitoring the quality of externally delivered services.

• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders while developing your communication, commercial, stakeholder management and project management skills.

What You'll Need to Apply

You'll need to achieve a minimum 2:2 in Environmental Management, Sustainability, Communications, Public Relations, Politics, Geography or another closely related degree discipline.

It doesn't matter when you graduated or whether you're currently studying towards your qualification. We're looking for graduates with an interest in communications, community engagement and major infrastructure projects.

You'll enjoy turning detailed information into clear and accessible messages, building positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and developing your commercial and project management knowledge. Most importantly, you'll be eager to learn, contribute ideas and help deliver meaningful engagement that supports the successful delivery of major infrastructure projects.

Please note: Due to the amount of travel required for this role, you must obtain a full, valid UK driving licence no later than 27th June 2027 (at least three months before your start date).

If you progress to the assessment centre stage, you must have passed your driving theory test before attending and be able to provide evidence of this.

You’ll need flexibility to travel within role and throughout your rotations in order to carry out the requirments of this role you'll need to travel to sites, offices and our training centres.

Location

This role is based in Euston Road, London and offers flexible hybrid working, where possible.

To be eligible for this role, you must currently live within a 60-minute driving commute of NW1 3BF and be able to commute from your existing primary residence. Relocation to meet this requirement is not permitted.

As part of your application, you'll be asked to confirm that you meet this requirement and provide the postcode of your current primary residence. This information will be used to assess your eligibility.

You'll be expected to attend your contractual office location at least three days per week. Flexibility to travel as required throughout the role and during rotations is also essential.

What You'll Get In Return

We are proud to offer a starting salary of £38,472 with annual salary increases throughout the programme.

As a first step in your career within the energy industry, our Graduate Programme offers a unique opportunity to develop your skills, gain valuable experience, and build a long-term career with National Grid.

Alongside a tailored development programme designed to power your career at National Grid, you'll also enjoy a range of fantastic rewards and benefits, including:

• 26 days' annual leave, plus statutory holidays.

• A competitive pension scheme.

• Access to flexible benefits, including cycle-to-work and holiday buy/sell schemes.

• The opportunity to participate in our Sharesave and Share Incentive Plans.

• You’ll develop well-rounded skills through practical experience.

• A £2,000 joining bonus upon starting the programme.

• A £2,400 payment upon successful completion of the programme.

• An accommodation allowance of up to £200 per month as you move around the business during placements.

• Additional annual leave when moving between placements, plus support with relocating your personal belongings.

• Dedicated mentoring, regular feedback, networking opportunities, and volunteering opportunities to support your development.

• A permanent role with National Grid upon successful completion of the programme.

About the Graduate Programme

As you'll be joining our 18-month graduate programme, you'll have a tailored development pathway to support you as you develop a wide range of leadership, business, and technical skills. You'll attend in-person and virtual development sessions throughout your programme to equip you with the essential skills required, as you begin your career at National Grid.

We're committed to the personal development of our colleagues so as well as the support from your line manager as you navigate your new role, you'll also have access to 1:1 coaching and a mentor, from a previous cohort to help you transition from campus to corporate life.