Head of Research
As an independent research organisation, the Responsible Mining Foundation (RMF) encourages continuous improvement in responsible extractive value chains by developing tools and frameworks, sharing public-interest data, and enabling informed and constructive engagement between companies and other stakeholders.
In line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, RMF’s vision is that extractive value chains should benefit the economies, improve the lives of peoples, and respect the environments of producing countries - while allowing for companies and their investors to benefit in a fair and viable way.
The Foundation produces the biennial Responsible Mining Index (RMI) Reports: evidence-- based assessment of large-scale mining companies’ policies and practices on key economic, environmental, social and governance (EESG) issues. The latest edition, the RMI Report 2020, covers 38 of the world’s largest mining companies that together account for about 28% of global mining production. Other research products include, for example, regular editorial-style Research Insights on topical EESG issues, a recent report Mining and the SDGS: a 2020 status update, a Mine Site Assessment Tool and ongoing studies on Responsible Extractives Trading and on the severe adverse impacts of mining.
Head of Research
As an independent research organisation, the Responsible Mining Foundation (RMF) encourages continuous improvement in responsible extractive value chains by developing tools and frameworks, sharing public-interest data, and enabling informed and constructive engagement between companies and other stakeholders.
In line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, RMF’s vision is that extractive value chains should benefit the economies, improve the lives of peoples, and respect the environments of producing countries - while allowing for companies and their investors to benefit in a fair and viable way.
The Foundation produces the biennial Responsible Mining Index (RMI) Reports: evidence-- based assessment of large-scale mining companies’ policies and practices on key economic, environmental, social and governance (EESG) issues. The latest edition, the RMI Report 2020, covers 38 of the world’s largest mining companies that together account for about 28% of global mining production. Other research products include, for example, regular editorial-style Research Insights on topical EESG issues, a recent report Mining and the SDGS: a 2020 status update, a Mine Site Assessment Tool and ongoing studies on Responsible Extractives Trading and on the severe adverse impacts of mining.
Job summary
The Head of Research position presents an exciting opportunity to lead a small dynamic and multi-disciplinary team and collaborate with a well-established network of external experts to develop further RMF’s successful and highly respected research programme.
The Head of Research acts as the lead content, analysis and output holder for the Responsible Mining Foundation. The Head of Research is responsible for overseeing the design and review of research methodologies, frameworks and tools; the planning and management of research activities of the Foundation in coordination with external experts and service providers; and the development of research reports and other communications products related to the research results.
As a member of the Executive Team, the Head of Research works in collaboration with other members of the Executive to support RMF’s theory of change, and with RMF’s Stakeholder Engagement programme to support the use of the Foundation’s research results and tools by a wide range of stakeholders.
The immediate focus of the incoming Head of Research will be preparation for the third edition of the RMI Report, continued work on ongoing studies, and further development of research frameworks related to RMF’s three transversal issues of climate change, gender and human rights.
Activities and Responsibility
· Lead the development, review and implementation of methodology frameworks including for the global RMI Reports and other research projects of RMF;
· Oversee, plan and manage the research cycle including management of work of RMF’s internal research team and of external consultants to maintain timeliness of deliverables;
· Consult on methodology with external experts, stakeholders, and RMF’s Expert Review Committee and engage with stakeholders on RMF research results in various contexts;
· Lead the team of internal researchers including team development, coaching and mentoring;
· Coordinate the work of external consultants and service providers related to research activities;
· Further develop RMF’s internal research capacity and content expertise;
· Maintain a high-performance culture and a rigorous and impartial approach to research work;
· Oversee management of data storage and research platform maintenance;
· Plan and manage production of research-related publications, in collaboration with the communications function;
· Evaluate the effectiveness of the methodologies and research processes used and recommend any adjustments for future research activities;
· Identify opportunities to enhance the leverage capacity of the research products to encourage continuous improvement in responsible extractive value chains;
· Support external representation of RMF at web events, online meetings, conferences, media briefings, and similar fora;
· Maintain familiarity with other initiatives and developments in the research field and trends in the management of EESG issues in the extractive sectors;
· Identify and develop opportunities for collaboration with like-minded organisations and initiatives.
Competencies
· In-depth knowledge of the extractive industries and the extractive value chain more broadly;
· Knowledge and understanding of the stakeholder dynamics related to the extractives sector, and expectations of society regarding economic, environmental, social and governance issues;
· Highly respected researcher with demonstrated understanding of methodology and analytical research approaches;
· Qualitative and quantitative proficiency;
· Appreciate the need for analytical rigour and irreproachable impartiality;
· Ability to think strategically and plan ahead for an efficient, impactful research programme;
· Inquiring and independent thinker who can convert complex data into useful explanatory concepts and compelling narrative;
· Proven project management and team leadership;
· Ability to work effectively in teams in a collaborative and cooperative spirit;
· Experience in and appreciation for how research grounded in interdisciplinary collaboration and a smart mix of methods can impact systems outcomes;
· Editorial judgment and proven ability to communicate research methodologies, frameworks and results clearly and concisely in both verbal and written form;
· Excellent personal communication and presentation skills, online as well as in-person;
· Fluent English, other languages are an advantage.
Qualifications
· Post-graduate in economics, mining engineering, extractive resource management,environmental sciences, development studies or other related field; PhD an advantage;
· At least 5 years of mining-relevant experience preferably in an academic, research instituteor think-tank context;
· Highly developed analytical, qualitative and quantitative skills;
· Track record of successful project management and team experience;
· Established record of publication and/or editorial performance;
· Articulate in English – written and spoken at first language level; other languages a bonus;
· Travel: willing to do occasional international travel;
· Nationality/work status: qualify to work in Switzerland.
Work Environment and Location
This position offers the opportunity of international exposure in a fast-paced learning environment, while contributing to the conceptual and practical understanding of responsible practice within extractive value chains. RMF is based in the Geneva area, Switzerland.
How to Apply
A cover letter, resume, sample of analytical writing and reference contact information are required to be considered for this position. Pre - employment background checks are a standard procedure. Send your application including a CV, motivational letter and writing sample (in one PDF file) addressed to administration@responsibleminingfoundation.org. The email subject line should read: Head of Research. Receipt of application will be confirmed. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further interviews.
Deadline for applications: 15 January 2021.
Head of Research pdf. role profile
SDG
ODD
Responsible Mining
Compliance
Environmental responsibility
Human rights