Job Description - Technical Analyst

Organisation - Critical Minerals Association (UK)

Apply by - 18^th September at Midnight

Hours – 40hr/ week (part-time options available, please specify your preferred working pattern in your cover letter)

Salary - £32,000 per annum (excluding bonuses)

Type – Virtual (in-person in London 1 day a week if possible)

Duration – 12 months (with the possibility of extension)

Start date – 12^th October

The Critical Minerals Association (UK) (CMA) is looking for a Technical Analyst to support with research, policy development, consultations, academic partnerships, events, engagement with our members and to lead on work including but not limited to: the circular economy, skills, UK domestic critical minerals (mineral extraction/ processing), and ESG.

This is an exciting role which will position the right candidate for future opportunities in a career in the critical minerals sector.

The CMA (UK) aims to raise awareness of the importance of critical minerals (e.g. lithium, rare earth elements, cobalt etc.) for society, national security and renewable technologies (batteries, electric vehicles, wind turbines). This is an exciting and rapidly expanding sector with plenty of opportunities for expanding networks, and the association is well-positioned to introduce the right candidate into our wide-reaching network. We are looking for a candidate who can help to champion the UK’s critical minerals sectors and support growth and change.

At the Critical Minerals Association (UK), no two days are the same. Established in 2020, we continue to be a reputable, fast-growing start-up with a diverse, entrepreneurial team working on projects that shape the future of the critical minerals sector. Our work spans policy, communications, and international collaboration, bringing us into contact with leading figures from industry and government. Known for our credibility and expertise, we foster a strong team spirit and support one another to take on new challenges and deliver meaningful impact in a rapidly evolving landscape.

The candidate must be a UK resident with the right to work in the UK. The position will be home-based but the postholder will be expected to travel nationally as needed. The ability to travel to London from time to time will be expected, but we welcome applicants from all across the UK and can work with the postholder to determine reasonable travel expectations based on home location.

This is a multidisciplinary role which would be perfect for a candidate with strong technical and quantitative skills who likes getting stuck into a wide variety of tasks. The postholder will need to demonstrate strong organisational skills, and be comfortable building strong relationships with new stakeholders. We expect the postholder to be attentive to detail in written communications, and have a self-starter attitude to deliver work. The job holder will be expected to help manage admin and have a track record of delivering to deadlines, as well as demonstrable time management skills. The job holder will be a team player and demonstrate their ability to work with others on engaging various individuals.

The role is an exciting opportunity to join a small but growing team, learn about topical industries, which are attracting interest globally. As a small organisation, we provide the perfect opportunity for entrepreneurial, innovative individuals who like getting things done. The role provides space for the postholder to take ownership of their work, come up with new ideas, and expand it into new arenas.

Job Description

• Support on technical aspects of our research and reports, including responses to government consultations

• Support delivery of outcomes of our UK Domestic Critical Minerals, Perceptions and Engagement, Circular Economy and ESG working groups

  • Lead on the Secretariat and organisation of the working groups

  • Research and prepare policy positions through engagement with members, particularly related to ESG/ Skills / Circular Economy/ UK Critical Minerals extraction and processing

  • Organise workshops/ events for members related to topics of interest around ESG/ Skills / Circular Economy/ UK Critical Minerals extraction and processing

  • Communicate persuasively key policy positions developed through working groups with external stakeholders including government

• Support on delivery of our careers and skills work, including our annual careers event with the Natural History Museum in London

  • Lead on our academic partnerships including writing letters of support, leading on delivery of commitments promised and working with the team on outcomes

• Support the team with relevant event delivery including our annual critical minerals conference

• Ensure projects are well-organised and admin is managed effectively

Essential skills

• Strong technical, research and quantitative skills

• Excellent organisational skills and ability to work to competing deadlines

• High level of attention to detail

• Enthusiasm to learn and develop new skills, competencies and capabilities

• Demonstrating a desire to be a team player

• Flexibility to work on multiple projects simultaneously, without reducing quality of work

• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and accessible way to a wide range of audiences

• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders

• Ability to quickly grasp complex topics

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 - Word/ Excel/ Powerpoint, Teams, and Zoom

• Bachelors’ degree in a STEM subject (preferably related to minerals, e.g. Geoscience, Mining Engineering, Materials science, Metallurgy, Chemistry, etc.)

• Demonstrable interest in critical minerals and knowledge of at least one of the following: Critical minerals, geopolitics of resources, metals and mining, materials science, metals/ battery recycling, or related sectors

• Demonstrable interest in pursuing a career in the sphere of critical minerals

Desirable skills

• Experience using social media – Linkedin/X

• Experience using design software e.g. Canva

• Experience organising events

• Experience working on or leading research projects

Please apply by sending a CV and cover letter (1 page max) to kirsty@criticalmineral.org. In your cover letter, please include evidence of your ability to deliver in this role and your interest in critical minerals. Please also include an example of previous research and/or evidence of technical proficiency in your field.