Global Critical Minerals Lead

About the Organization:

Swaniti Initiative is a social enterprise that is working at the intersection of climate, governance and last mile delivery. We believe that while the willingness and resources exist, there are fundamental gaps in the execution within communities that is the biggest crisis in the climate movement. Swaniti works with subnational governments to conduct microplanning exercises in consultation with communities and key stakeholders, provides technical assistance to subnational governments toward implementation and supports in monitoring and delivery of programs. A significant focus of our work within climate and governance is on preparing the private sector and communities for energy transition. Therefore, understanding the critical minerals supply chain is very valuable.

As the race for critical minerals grows it is important to understand the supply chain issues and opportunities and to work with respective communities, state and national government to ensure critical minerals security. Swaniti has been working on globally in countries like India, Indonesia and South Africa with critical minerals resources and wants to support them effectively. Following would be the key objectives of this role

• Conduct groundbreaking research which can support in policy framing and implementation.
• Work with local and national government to build a stronger understanding about pathways forward in strengthening critical minerals supply chain.
• Identify pathways for more meaningful engagement on critical minerals.

About the Position:

Job Overview:

We are looking for an experienced professional to take on leadership role in critical minerals from a global perspective. The professional will be expected to further Swaniti’s vision on how to strengthen supply chains on critical minerals. Given the technical requirements of the space, following qualities would be favourably looked upon for the candidate

1. The candidate must have demonstrated experience in critical minerals. This can include conducting research programs with other think tanks, government agencies, private companies etc. on critical minerals focused on minerals policy.
2. Any published papers and documents around critical minerals would be looked upon favourably.
3. Demonstrated experience of working with state/central government would be advantageous. Alternatively, deep understanding about government/administration would be required for position.
4. Strong writing and communication skills would be critical for leadership role.

Roles & Responsibilities:

As mentioned above, Swaniti has been working on strengthening critical minerals supply chain as part of it’s focus on responding to the climate crisis. We are looking for Program lead who can support in a.) ground level analysis through primary data and research, b.) assistance to state governments on policy planning and program identification and c.) requisite monitoring and program implementation support on ground. Therefore, the Associate will be working as part of a larger team to be able to

1. Develop high-quality research documents, along with need assessment, situation analysis, data analysis, brainstorming with relevant stakeholders.
2. Coordinate, manage, and draft comprehensive research paper on critical minerals ecosystem.
3. Take innovative and research driven perspective on framing recommendations and policy insights for subnational stakeholders.
4. Liase with state administration on key requests/asks as appropriate.
5. Organize and execute events, seminars, and roundtable discussions etc. that are needed for the green skilling process.
6. Provide any additional support to build out capabilities
7. Work with organizational leadership to strengthen vertical

Benefits:

• Rewarding role and great job satisfaction
• Competitive compensation
• Working on cutting edge and timely research
• Opportunity to lead a team and hone talent in a unique space
• Work with senior policy makers to support through technical assistance.

Qualifications:

• Candidates must have at least 7 years of experience of working in critical minerals or closely related fields.
• Candidates must have experience in multiple countries across the global south.
• Established experiences of managing teams and delivering on technical assistance program will be strongly valued.
• Prior experience of working with government, multilaterals of recognized CSOs will be particularly valuable

Post-graduate degree in any field with a preference for those possessing a degree in environment, climate and sustainability, energy, skilling related field etc. is strongly preferred.