Belgium: Consultant - EU & Responsible Minerals

Aug 5, 2014 | Global Witness

Global Witness' research on conflict minerals in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has exposed how warring parties make millions of dollars each year through illegal control of the mineral sector. Our campaigning has led to landmark due diligence legislation being passed in the US and in DRC. Global Witness’ work on oil governance in South Sudan was instrumental in securing strong transparency and accountability provisions in the new Petroleum Act, and our banks team have exposed how major financial jurisdictions like the UK are being used to launder vast amounts of corrupt money, keeping millions in poverty and reliant on aid. In 2003 we were co-nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for our work on diamonds, and in 2007 we won the Commitment to Development Ideas in Action Award, sponsored jointly by the Washington-based Center for Global Development and Foreign Policy magazine. In 2014 we received the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship and the TED Prize (awarded to co-founder Charmian Gooch). Purpose of the consultancy We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Consultant who will provide expert advice and support for Global Witness’ campaign to promote strong legislative action by the EU on conflict minerals. The work will be focused on the European Union, its Member States, and other relevant Europe-based multilateral organisations with policies relevant to mineral supply chains. The Consultant’s tasks will include:

• Play a key role in developing GW’s strategy for strengthening the EU responsible mineral legislation, including identifying key targets.
• Facilitate advocacy contacts and, where appropriate, engage in joint lobbying of European Parliament, Council and Commission staff; maintain close contact with advocacy contacts during key phases of the campaign.
• Draft and review policy and advocacy material related to the campaign.
• Play a coordinating role for an EU-wide NGO coalition.
• Where appropriate, carry out outreach to Brussels-based NGOs, investor & consumer groups and industry associations and events.
• Support the development of a GW-wide EU strategy.
• Support other GW teams with campaigns relating to EU action on deforestation and land grabbing.

• Understanding and experience of working with the European Union and/or Member State governments.
• Understanding and experience of trade, development, or other international policies of relevance to the governance of natural resources.
• Ability to understand and effectively communicate complex policy issues to a range of audiences and identify opportunities for effective advocacy.
• Dynamic, self-motivated and outward facing individual able to engage with a wide range of stakeholders and be persuasive in public and private policy making.
• Organisational and administrative skills that demonstrate the ability to work efficiently and autonomously, as well as part of teams and coalitions.
• Experience developing and implementing advocacy and campaign strategies.
• A proven track record of writing, editing, and producing a range of written materials to a consistently high standard for a variety of audiences.

• Experience carrying out advocacy with governments and institutions with demonstrated impact.
• Experience working on business and human rights, supply chain issues or natural resource governance.
• Experience working in coalitions and directly with other NGOs.
• Proficiency in French is desirable.

How to apply: To apply for this position, please send a CV and covering letter to RecruitmentCampaigns@globalwitness.org (subject line: EU Consultant). Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted after the closing date.