About the job International Mining Standards and Policy Advocate
Earthworks is a US-based non-profit organization working to protect communities and the environment from the adverse impacts of mining and energy development while seeking sustainable solutions. We support frontline communities, seek to reform government policies, improve corporate practices, influence investment decisions, and encourage responsible materials sourcing and consumption.
Irresponsible mining threatens communities and ecosystems around the world. Earthworks stands in solidarity with communities fighting mining injustice and provides technical, advocacy, networking, research, and policy support to communities and grassroots groups leading their own campaigns. We advocate for companies and jurisdictions to respect the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) of Indigenous communities, including their right to say no to mining.
Earthworks is hiring an International Mining Standards and Policy Advocate to engage with international standards bodies and international institutions advancing regulatory and policy proposals related to mining and raw material supply chains. This position will identify, track and seek to influence global mandatory and voluntary processes on mining with the goal of advancing human rights and environmental protections. This position will coordinate closely with Earthworks staff, allied organizations and coalitions.
This position will report to the Tailings Campaign Manager.
Responsibilities:
Researching, monitoring and seeking to influence international institutions, processes and standard systems related to mining and materials;
Coordinating with coalitions and partner groups, including Indigenous, labor and community-based organizations;
Playing the lead role within Earthworks mining team to draft and prepare submissions and recommendations to relevant international policies and processes (past examples include EU Battery Legislation, the Critical Raw Materials Act, OECD Environmental Due Diligence guidance);
Tracking and identifying opportunities and mechanisms for advocacy within the United Nations system, including the UN Environment Programme and Environment Assembly, and the UNFCCC, and working with Earthworks staff to develop comments, statements, or interventions;
Serving as Earthworks lead on audit reviews and comments submissions to the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA);
Monitoring and coordinating with allies to provide input into processes at the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and other relevant spaces related to mineral governance and deep seabed mining;
Working with Earthworks staff to monitor and develop statements or positions on the progress of the Global Tailings Management Institute and the Mining 2030 Commission;
In coordination with the US policy team, monitoring the activities of international financial institutions the US government participates in, as relating to mineral extraction.
In coordination with the US policy team, exploring new avenues of international advocacy within the US Government.
About Earthworks
Earthworks is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting communities and the environment from the adverse impacts of mineral and energy development while promoting sustainable solutions. Earthworks stands for clean air, water, and land, healthy communities, and corporate accountability. We work for solutions that protect both the Earths resources and our communities. Earthworks has a primarily-remote staff of 50 employees in over 20 states and DC.
Earthworks is committed to challenging and dismantling systemic oppression. Earthworks board and staff understand that promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) both within and beyond Earthworks is critical to carrying out our mission to protect communities and the environment from the adverse impacts of resource extraction. We understand that our commitment to DEI means a dedication to constant learning and improvement.
Earthworks welcomes applications from diverse candidates and is an equal-opportunity employer. Earthworks evaluates employees and applicants for employment on merit, competence, and qualifications and does not tolerate discrimination.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Earthworks we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Required Experience and Qualifications
Professional experience that includes work in international policy, EU policy, or multi stakeholder processes, preferably in a non-profit, advocacy, or social justice organization;
Familiarity and experience with EU, UN, ISA, and other international agencies;
Strong research skills and experience with reviewing technical and policy documents;
Excellent written and oral communication skills, particularly relating to concisely conveying highly technical information;
Strong project management skills, coupled with sharp attention to detail, a problem-solving approach, and a demonstrated ability to effectively manage competing priorities;
Ability to work in a highly collaborative environment (both within Earthworks and with broader coalitions we engage with) where teamwork, collegiality, and self-motivation are necessary for success;
Multicultural competence and a commitment to working with people from a variety of backgrounds, especially ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and an understanding of how systems of oppression affect current events;
Ability and desire to travel internationally;
Comfort with remote working environments.
Preferred Experience and Qualifications
Fluency in Bahasa, Spanish or French;
Location, Travel, and COVID-19
Location for this position is remote in the United States. Some travel may be required for certain positions. Employees who are unable to travel/attend in-person meetings for health or disability reasons may request accommodations. Earthworks COVID-19 policies prioritize the health and safety of our employees and the need to minimize the public health threat from COVID-19.
Earthworks requires all those hired to provide proof of full vaccination (vaccination and booster) against COVID-19. New hires who have disabilities that make the vaccine medically inadvisable or those who have a sincere religious belief that the vaccine is impermissible may request an accommodation by contacting Lezlie Griffin, Director of Talent and Equity, at lgriffin@earthworks.org. Accommodation will be provided only as required by applicable law.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $72,000-$76,000 annually, depending on experience. Earthworks provides full-time staff with a competitive package of benefits, including employer-paid medical, vision, dental, life, and disability insurance. Additionally, Earthworks offers unlimited paid leave, paid parental leave, and a 403(b) retirement plan (with a 5% match after one year of employment). After five years of employment, staff are eligible for a 12 week, fully paid sabbatical.
Bargaining Unit Status
Earthworks is a union workplace; our employees are represented by Earthworkers Unite/ Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). This position is included in the bargaining unit.
How to Apply
We strongly encourage and seek applications from people of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, and bilingual individuals. Reasonable accommodations will be made so that applicants with disabilities may participate in the application and interview process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.
Apply online at https://www.careers-page.com/earthworks-2/job/QY737939, including a cover letter, writing sample, and resume by March 15, 2024.
Qualified applicants can expect to complete three interview stages: an initial phone interview, a virtual panel interview, and a virtual final interview. Well also request a list of three professional references after the second stage of the interview process.