EIT Raw Materials, a Knowledge and Innovation Community funded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology is the largest and strongest consortium in the raw materials field globally. The community is now in its third year of full operation and consists of more than 120 partners, drawn from industry, research organizations and universities from 22 EU Member States. The activities of EIT Raw Materials are executed throughout the European raw materials ecosystem and are driven by six transnational Innovation Hubs, coordinated by the headquarters located in Berlin. The staff of the Innovation Hubs and headquarters jointly comprise the EIT RawMaterials team.

The EIT RawMaterials supports activities that strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship in the raw material sector. The activities cover the entire raw materials value chain: 

• Exploration and raw materials resource assessment
• Mining in challenging environments
• Increased resource efficiency in mineral and metallurgical processes
• Recycling and materials chain optimisation for End-of-Life products
• Substitution of critical and toxic materials in products and substitutions for optimised performance
• Design of products and services for the circular economy

In 2019 EIT RawMaterials will manage of portfolio of 180 projects coordinated by its partners, with new projects being awarded every year. It is the responsibility of the EIT RawMaterials to assist the partners in developing and running projects, and to support matchmaking and thematic events that will help partners develop new ideas, networks and partnerships. 

To drive the operations of EIT Raw Materials across Europe, EIT Raw Materials is currently recruiting one Senior Advisor to complement the existing team of thematic experts. 

The Senior Advisors report to the Programmes Director and will work closely with staff and partners at HQ and in the Innovation Hubs.

In this position, you will: 

• Develop, together with partners and Innovation Hubs’ staff, new ideas and partnerships in the Raw Materials sector.
• Help develop and balance the project portfolio of EIT Raw Materials acting as a liaison between project coordinators/consortia and EIT RawMaterials.
• Together with other EIT RawMaterials staff, assist stakeholders to successfully collaborate with and possibly enter the EIT RawMaterials consortium.
• Stimulate dialogue and actively facilitate knowledge exchange amongst partners and stakeholders within and across thematic areas.
• Participate in call development and proposal evaluation in collaboration with the EIT RawMaterials Programmes Director and Management team.
• Help ensure that the contribution of individual projects and of the project portfolio aligns with the overall goals and KPIs of EIT RawMaterials.
• Actively promote the EIT RawMaterials activities internationally, regionally and locally.

The ideal candidate has:

• A PhD degree in a topic related to the raw materials value chain.
• Expertise in the field of primary resources.
• In-depth scientific and technological understanding of one or more of the thematic focus areas of the raw materials value chain, including knowledge of current industry needs and challenges, global research and educational activities, and technological trends and tendencies in the field. 
• Documented experience and knowledge of financial matters (e.g., financing, investment) and/or social issues (e.g., social license to operate) related to raw materials is a strong advantage but is not essential.
• Good understanding of the European higher-degree and research environment.
• Good network in the raw materials innovation ecosystem and strong record of industry cooperation/experience.
• Demonstrated ability to influence, motivate, mentor and build partnerships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proactive, passionate attitude, excellent interpersonal and time management skills.
• Experience with project management and leadership at international level.
• Demonstrated experience in research and development and innovation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and fluency in spoken and written English. Knowledge of another EU language is an advantage but is not essential.

This is a permanent, full-time position with EIT RawMaterials GmbH. The Senior Advisor reports to the Programmes Director and will work closely with the HQ and Innovation Hubs Management Team, and with partners across Europe.

The Senior Advisor will be preferably based at the EIT RawMaterials Headquarters in Berlin, although other locations across the EU may also be considered. Irrespective of the main place of work, the Senior Advisor must be able to travel several times per month to different EIT RawMaterials locations across Europe. 

Applicants must have the right to work and live permanently in the EU at the time of application.

What we offer

A good remuneration package, and employment conditions and benefits within the range offered by EU Universities and Research organizations. A highly dynamic and stimulating work environment where you will be exposed to a wide range of industries, academic and research organizations, and cultures. The opportunity to make a tangible contribution to raw materials innovation and education across EU and worldwide.

We encourage a gender and diversity balance in our company.

Applications deadline is August, 31st.