Company Description

The demand for raw materials—minerals and metals—will increase immensely over the next 30 years. Driven by the enormous growth of the green energy transition and the need to abandon fossil fuels and embrace renewable, clean sources of energy, the demand exposes a high level of supply risk of some materials for Europe.

Raw materials will play a central role in the growth of clean technologies, and meeting, therefore, the EU’s 2050 climate-neutrality goal. In the wake of supply disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Europe’s lack of resilience for its growing metals needs has become a strategy concern.

And this is where EIT RawMaterials comes in.

Europe will require a vastly increased use of raw materials. Electric vehicles require six times the amount of raw materials than a conventional car, for example. To secure these high levels, great levels of innovation will be needed to digitalise, automate and electrify current processes along the entire value chain of raw materials, from responsible mining to recycling.

To this end, EIT RawMaterials along with its 300+ partners, supports the development of dynamic, long-term European partnerships among leading companies, research labs and higher education that collaborate together to develop innovation and education initiatives to achieve these goals.

To drive innovation in the raw materials sector, EIT RawMaterials powers innovators and entrepreneurs across the EU and beyond to turn their best ideas into cutting-edge products and services. We actively support the brightest emerging startups and entrepreneurs and to date we have worked with more than 140 upscaling projects as well as over 300 start-ups offering solutions to challenges across the raw materials value chain.

EIT RawMaterials also invests in the skilling of future generations of innovators for the raw materials sector through initiatives ranging from the education of school students to higher qualifications for industry professionals, as well as initiatives that seek to address the gender imbalance by attracting more women to STEM and the geosciences.

Apply for a position at EIT RawMaterials, an industry sector fast gaining prominence as raw materials pave the way for renewable energy to be fast-tracked, carbon emissions to be lowered and net-zero climate change goals achieved.

Join our vibrant international team and be part of this fascinating journey.

EIT RawMaterials is an Innovation Community within the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT).

Position

Position

EIT RawMaterials GmbH is looking for a passionate and experienced Principal Adviser in public affairs, to join our team in Brussels. This key role, reporting to the Director of Communications and Public Affairs, will be pivotal in driving our public affairs strategy, with a strong emphasis on engagement with the European Union.

Key responsibilities

• Strategy: Assist in creating and implementing a comprehensive external affairs strategy focused on the EU and its member states to support business objectives.
• Stakeholder Management: Serve as the main point of contact for engaging with key stakeholders such as the European Commission, European Parliament, EU Council, and Member State representatives.
• Advocacy and Representation: Develop and present position papers, policy briefings, and advocacy documents relevant to the raw materials sector. Represent EIT RawMaterials at key forums, including the European Raw Materials Alliance.
• Legislative Monitoring: Keep abreast of the EU legislative agenda, particularly regulations related to metals, minerals, and clean technology, ensuring our advocacy aligns with initiatives like the EU Green Deal and Critical Raw Materials Act.
• Global Outreach: Support efforts to expand EIT RawMaterials' presence and influence beyond Europe.
• Leadership: Manage external agencies and lead internal cross-functional teams to achieve strategic business outcomes.

Requirements

The ideal candidate:

Required qualifications.

• University degree in relevant area of study, or equivalent.
• 8-10 years of professional experience in a similar role.
• 3-5 years of experience in the raw materials or allied sector.
• 3-5 years of experience in an EU-focused public affairs or allied role.
• Fluency in English. Fluency in another European language is an asset.
• Strong interpersonal and networking skills.

Desired skills and capabilities

• In-depth knowledge of EU institutions and processes.
• Strategic thinking and long-term vision.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Highly motivated, self-starter and with the ability to lead through influence.
• Ability to work in a complex landscape, with diverse stakeholders in a multicultural environment.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Availability to undertake business travel up to 25%-30% of time.
• Eligibility to work in Belgium.

Other information

What we offer

• A multidisciplinary and multicultural working environment within a pan-European organization dedicated to developing the European and allied raw materials sector.
• Work in an international environment for disruptive and breakthrough innovations whose mission is to connect business with academia, research, and investment and visionary startups.
• Full-time work contract under Belgium law.
• Competitive salary package.
• Modern offices at the heart of the European area in Brussels.
• Opportunities for training and personal development.

Other information

The Principal Adviser (m/f/d) will be employed by EIT RawMaterials GmbH and based in Brussels, Belgium.

We encourage all types of diversity in our team.

The vacancy will remain open until the decision on the successful candidate is made.

Thank you for considering a career at EIT Raw Materials GmbH. Please take a minute to fill out the following form. After you have completed your application an email will be sent to you with information about how to check the status of your application.