Manager, Energy Minerals and Circularity

The clean energy transition requires scaling up the supply of critical minerals, such as copper, nickel, lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements, used in batteries, solar panels, wind turbines and power grids. We urgently need to meet the world’s increasing demand for energy transition minerals in time, while protecting delicate ecosystems and local communities from the negative impacts of minerals extraction and processing. “Energy Minerals and Circularity” is a new pillar under WRI’s Energy program, taking a systems approach that addresses both the demand and supply sides of the minerals challenge. This includes managing demand for primary minerals through resource efficiency (often referred to as circular economy), as well as increasing responsible primary minerals supply.

Reporting to the Director of U.S. – International Engagement, you will integrate equity into your work. You will lead all aspect of the U.S. energy minerals and circularity program. This will include leading projects that both support improved mining practices within the U.S. and abroad; U.S. minerals policy development related to environmental performance, respect for indigenous rights, community benefits, and governance; supply chain security; and circularity, including reuse and recycling of solar PV and EV batteries and copper scrap.

By not only working on established projects but also leading the strategic development of new areas of work, you will be able to exercise and advance a broad set of skills in strategy development, project management, stakeholder engagement, research and analysis, report writing, strategic thinking, and coordination. You will be part of the US Energy program and have the opportunity to work with WRI experts with diverse backgrounds in the U.S., the global energy program, and connecting with different WRI country offices for cross-learning and collaboration and will develop an external network both domestically and internationally. 

You have an understanding of and experience with the mining sector, energy circularity issues, particularly solar photovoltaics (PV) and battery reuse and recycling, critical mineral challenges, as well as experience working with purchasers of industrial material. Experience with managing projects and deliverables and meeting client needs is important, and knowledge of philanthropy and government programs and awards processes is a plus. This is a unique opportunity to focus on driving responsible mining, strong governance strategies and circularity and lead work that has a meaningful impact on the decarbonization of the power and transportation sectors.

Working with management on strategy and project development, you will be able to evolve this portfolio of work as new opportunities arise. You will also leverage partnerships and expertise across WRI’s programs, centres, and country offices, while cultivating partnerships with community organizations, external experts, and government officials. You should be innovative and entrepreneurial thinker with an ability to identify and pursue new opportunities. You should also be able to effectively communicate insights from technical research to non-technical audiences both verbally and in writing.

What will you do: 

Strategy Development & Project Management :

• Coordinate across WRI program and issue areas to leverage institutional expertise, develop novel approaches to address EMC challenges, and build internal support for the team’s work
• Manage projects for various clients, including foundations and government entities, ensuring that the team meets deliverables, timelines, and budgets
• Manage contractors and partner organizations in both official and unofficial capacities
• Engage WRI research staff to ensure that shared insights are incorporated into ongoing workstreams to maximize alignment
• Supervise and guide the work of contributors, junior researchers and interns
• Grant writing and management: support fundraising efforts to expand work on energy minerals and circularity and develop content for proposals and concept notes, including deliverables, timelines, and budgets

Stakeholder Engagement :

• Organize and present at internal and external meetings, workshops, conferences and other dissemination activities
• Identify and connect with stakeholders for scaling circularity and responsible mining, including policymakers and private sector actors in the supply chain, such as miners, minerals processing companies, battery and other manufacturers, suppliers, developers, remanufacturers, and recyclers
• Develop partnerships to advance our work and coordinate and align our work with other NGOs and key stakeholders to increase impact
• Design and conduct interviews. Design and organize roundtables, workshops and other events
• Attend external functions and events, as relevant, to serve as a representative of WRI’s US Energy team
• Act as the internal liaison with both the EMC team working in in Global Energy and in other country offices, as well as other U.S. Energy pillar teams

Research and Analysis :

• Conduct research on responsible mining practices, indigenous rights, community benefits, technology, business models, policy drivers, and standards to support increased responsible mining and circularity in clean energy
• Conduct research on solar PV circularity with respect to markets for reuse of materials from solar projects at end of life
• Demonstrate thought leadership in the areas of minerals policy, business models to improve performance of the sector, recycling and second life opportunities, and demand management
• Present findings and recommendations both internally and externally
• Draft high-quality, high-impact reports, issue briefs, case studies and blogs. Manage review process

What will you need:

Education:

• You have completed a bachelor’s degree (or higher) in public policy, law, political science, economics, business, sustainability, environmental science/engineering/technology, or related fields. Some background in material science is desirable. Relevant work experience in lieu of degree is accepted

Experience:

• You have minimum of 7 years of relevant full-time work experience
• Experience in strategy development, project management, stakeholder engagement, conducting research, academic and business writing
• Knowledge of how to use Microsoft suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook), database management, cloud- and web-based communications (SharePoint, Microsoft Teams)
• Understanding of U.S. mining and environmental laws and regulatory programs, and voluntary ESG standards ecosystem, and responsible sourcing
• Knowledge of circular economy, particularly as it relates to solar PV and electric vehicle (EV) batteries
• Ability to lead and engage with large groups of diverse stakeholders on complex technical topics
• Strong cultural awareness. Enjoy and capable of communicating effectively with people from various professional and cultural backgrounds
• Motivated, proactive, reliable, with an ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Collaborative problem solver who can take initiative and set priorities
• Experience with grant writing and management.
• Experience reviewing and editing written and presentation materials and ensuring high quality publications
• Ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner
• A quick learner, detail-oriented, organized, and independent thinker

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in community and stakeholder engagement.
• Knowledgeable about geopolitics and trade.
• Public speaking and media engagement.
• You have worked in, or closely with, the private sector.

Languages:

• Verbal and written English proficiency. Others would be advantageous.

Source: https://jobs.jobvite.com/wri/job/o4lhvfwV