Who We Are:
At Northland, we’re enablers of change, united by our journey to transform the energy sector into the foundation for a sustainable future.
Since our inception, we’ve been early movers in the energy industry, adopting new initiatives that pave the way for communities across the globe and helping forge their path towards a carbon-neutral landscape.
We’re a different kind of independent power producer. As developers, owners and operators who are at the forefront of the energy transition, we’re uniquely positioned to leave a lasting impact in the regions where we operate. We’ve expanded our business across Canada, the United States, Latin America, Europe and Asia to become a global leader, all by bringing together industry experts to find solutions with an entrepreneurial mindset.
While our work powers communities across the globe, Northland is powered by our people.
As Global Head of Government Relations you will be responsible for leading the company’s global government relations, and geopolitical engagement in support of the development, construction, ownership, and long term operation of Northland’s energy facilities. You will work closely with external public affairs and government relations advisors and firms, legal counsel, and communications partners. You will also engage directly with governments, regulators, export credit agencies, export development agencies, trade commissioners’ offices, embassies, trade associations and multilateral institutions in Northland’s core markets.This position will be based in our Toronto Head Office. Additionally, this role will be 4 days in office per week, with one flexible day available for employees to work remotely.
Key Responsibilities
Global Government Relations Strategy
- Develop and execute Northland Power’s global public affairs and government relations strategy, aligned with the company’s long-term growth and asset ownership model.
- Identify, assess, and manage political, regulatory, trade, and geopolitical risks affecting infrastructure projects across development, construction, and operations.
- Provide clear, practical advice to executive and senior leadership teams on policy developments, government priorities, elections, and geopolitical trends relevant to Northland’s portfolio.
Government, Trade, and Institutional Engagement
- Build and maintain trusted, senior level relationships with national, regional, and local governments; energy, environmental, and permitting regulators; export credit agencies; export development agencies; trade commissioners’ offices; embassies; and multilateral institutions.
- Lead government engagement strategies that support market entry, expansion, project permitting and consenting, regulatory certainty, and long-term operational stability
- Represent Northland Power in government meetings, trade missions, industry forums, and policy discussions, as appropriate.
Project Development
- Partner closely with development, finance, legal, and commercial teams to support project approvals, stakeholder alignment, and long-term asset value.
- Lead engagement with export credit agencies, export development agencies, and trade commissioners’ offices in support of project financing, supply chains, and political risk mitigation.
- Support government to government advocacy where required for complex financing structures, ownership considerations, or trade related matters.
Market Entry, Delivery, and Operations Support
- Support business leaders and project teams by mapping political, regulatory, and stakeholder landscapes in priority markets.
- Design tailored engagement strategies for energy infrastructure projects.
- Advise on sensitive issues including permitting, local content, community impact, and government expectations.
- Anticipate and mitigate issues that could affect construction schedules, costs, or long-term operational performance.
External Advisors and Consultants
- Lead and coordinate the work of external public affairs consultancies, government relations firms, legal advisors, and communications agencies across Northland’s core markets.
- Define clear scopes of work, manage budgets, and ensure delivery of practical, outcome focused advice
- Act as the central strategic point of coordination across jurisdictions and advisors.
Issues Management and Reputation
- Anticipate and manage public policy, political, and trade related issues that could affect Northland’s reputation, relationships, or license to operate.
- Partner with communications and legal teams on sensitive matters and issue preparedness.
- Ensure engagement is consistent with Northland’s values, commitments, and reputation as a credible long term infrastructure owner.
Internal Advisory Role
- Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and internal teams on public affairs, government relations, trade, and geopolitical risk.
- Translate complex external developments into clear implications and actionable recommendations.
- Provide concise briefings and scenario analysis to support investment and strategic decisions.
Who You Are:
- Strategic: You think several steps ahead, anticipate organizational needs, and make decisions that align with long‑term business goals.
- Pragmatic: You balance ideal solutions with practical realities, focusing on what will drive meaningful, achievable outcomes.
- Commercially minded: You understand the financial and operational impacts of decisions and consistently look for ways to create business value.
- A strong communicator: You convey ideas clearly and confidently, tailoring your message to different audiences and building alignment across stakeholders.
Qualifications and Experience
- Degree in political science, public policy, international relations, economics, law, engineering, or a related field.
- Additional training or certification in areas such as international trade, energy policy, or geopolitical risk is considered an asset.
- Twelve or more years of experience in public affairs, government relations, diplomacy, trade policy, or political risk, ideally within energy, infrastructure, utilities, or other large scale capital projects.
- Demonstrated experience engaging with governments and regulators across multiple jurisdictions, as well as export development agencies and trade commissioners’ offices.
- Proven ability to operate as a senior individual contributor and deliver outcomes through influence and sound judgment.
- Experience managing external advisors across multiple markets.
What’s In It for You:
Our employees are the driving force behind our achievements. We are unwavering in our commitment to not only recognise your contributions but also to empower you to excel in every aspect of your life. Here's a glimpse of why Northland is the place where you'll truly thrive:
Thoughtful benefits – A competitive RRSP matching scheme of 8%; extended health, dental and vision benefits for yourself and your immediate family from day one; paid parental leave; Accident and Life Insurance and disability benefits are just a few of the benefits you’ll be able to access.
Wellbeing first – Staying true to our taking care of ourselves and each other value, you will have access to our global Wellness Program and Employee Assistance Program, including access to mental health resources.
Floating days and Birthdays off – As part of our commitment to promoting a healthy work-life balance, you will get your birthday off so you can celebrate however you choose! You will also receive three additional days off annually to observe any other events that are important to you.
We hire talented and passionate people from different backgrounds. If you’re excited about a role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with this job description, we still encourage you to apply. Learn more about our diversity, inclusion and belonging commitments.
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Pay Range:
$165,600.00 - $207,000.00This document is a guide. The duties, responsibilities, and requirements of the jobs as described herein are not inclusive and are subject to change.
Northland Power is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to creating a fair, inclusive and accessible environment. As part of our commitment we work to ensure our application process is accessible to all candidates. If you require special assistance or accommodation during the hiring process, please notify a member of the HR Department.
Artificial intelligence may be used to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position.
This is a replacement position.Northland Power Inc. Toronto, Ontario, CAN Office
30 St. Clair Avenue West, 12th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4V 3A1
