Job title: Socio-political and Corporate Strategy Associate / Senior Associate (Associate Level)
Job description:
About Critical Resource:
Critical Resource is a strategic unit within the ERM Group of companies specialised in consulting to top-level executives, advising on stakeholder, (geo)political, and ESG issues which have strategic implications. We advise some of the world’s largest companies and engage with international stakeholders at the most senior levels. We believe the future’s most successful energy and resource firms will be those that manage these risks better than their competitors.
We have two main goals: to provide authoritative, independent analysis on such issues; and to assist clients to manage them in a strategic, far-sighted and responsible way.
Our core team brings together high-level experience working for The Economist, McKinsey, the OECD, Chatham House and a number of major energy and resource firms. Our network of senior advisors spans over 75 countries and includes former senior executives in global companies, former ambassadors, government ministers, civil society leaders and other leading opinion formers. Our Senior Advisory Panel includes a former editor of The Economist, the chairs of Shell and Rio Tinto, and the former Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Sustainable Energy for All, among other eminent figures.
Core responsibilities:
- The majority of the time will be spent helping to lead Critical Resource’s client assignments for energy and resource companies on political and stakeholder issues facing their assets and developing corporate sustainability strategies. This would include both guiding the development of independent assessments of these issues for clients, and also designing practical, on the ground interventions to help them responsibly tackle key challenges around their assets (e.g. through stakeholder engagement, community programmes and other best practice initiatives). The work would involve coordinating the input of our global network of advisers, overseeing and managing research processes, and delivering high quality outputs and engagement.
- Helping to drive Critical Resource’s growth strategy on asset level ‘license to operate’ issues and corporate sustainability by building and maintaining client relationships, identifying new business opportunities, credibly communicating our capabilities to potential clients and ultimately helping to secure new contracts.
- Contributing to Critical Resource’s intellectual capital and external credibility in this area including through publications and thought leadership articles, and where relevant, conference presentations.
- Managing and developing junior colleagues.
Skills/Qualifications:
- 3-5 years+ of relevant work experience, with a good understanding of political, stakeholder or sustainability issues facing resource or energy assets and/or corporate sustainability issues, whether gained through in house experience within a resource or energy company (at the operational or group level), or alternatively through experience in political risk consulting, investor/financial institutions, academia, think tanks, civil society organisations, management consulting, law, development work, the diplomatic service, etc
- A strong academic record
- Excellent writing ability in English and strong communication skills
- A high level of proficiency in French or Spanish (other languages may also be considered)
- Understanding of global business trends, political/international issues; direct experience of the energy and resource industries and sustain ability issues is beneficial
- Proven ability to manage projects successfully, under tight deadlines and within budgets
- Proven ability to build strong client and stakeholder relationships
- Good IT skills, including familiarity with MS Office
Personal attributes:
- A highly diligent and thorough work ethic
- Strong analytical and research skills, ability to quickly grasp and dissect complex issues
- Entrepreneurial and energetic with an appetite for business development
- Personable character and a good team player
- High ethical integrity and commitment to confidentiality
- Professional approach, reliability and ability to meet tight deadlines
- This is an exciting opportunity for anyone who wants to further strengthen their experience and reputation in the climate and sustainability fields, in an environment which values excellence and entrepreneurship, and which is highly supportive of employees’ professional development.
Time & availability required:
Permanent, full time position with a six-month probationary period, starting as soon as possible. Some international travel may be required.
Critical Resource’s core team is based in London but there may potentially be an option to work from other ERM locations(https://www.erm.com/locations/).
To Apply:
We aim to build an “inclusive culture” by identifying, acquiring, developing and retaining a highly skilled and high performing workforce which reflects the diverse global marketplace in which we operate, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religious preference, sexual orientation, physical attributes, educational background.
If you share our values and are interested in this role, please apply via the link provided. Please be prepared to provide the following:
Your CV on no more than 2 pages.
- Your answer to the following two question. The total word count for both answers should be no more than 400 words. We are looking for well-written and persuasive answers that demonstrate clarity of thought rather than any deep research.
Question 1: Why are you interested in this role and what would make you a suitable candidate?
Question 2: What role should the natural resources industries usefully play in society?
When applying, you will have the option of “providing additional information to support your application”. Please submit your answers to the above questions, in this section.
Please submit your application by 25th April 2021ERM/CR does not accept recruiting agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, ERM/CR employees or any other company location. ERM/CR is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
Closing date: 25th April 2021