Secretary General

Secretary-General

The Rare Earth Industry Association (REIA or the Association) is a global, Brussels-based not-for-profit organization founded in 2019. REIA’s mission is to serve, promote and advance the sustainable development of the global rare-earth-element (REE) value chain.

 

REIA now seeks for a dynamic and strategic Secretary-General to lead the organization.

The Role

The Secretary-General leads the Association on a day-to-day basis as its chief executive, responsible for overseeing a small operations team to undertake initiatives in alignment with the Association’s objectives. The role includes the effective management and growth of relationships with the Association’s existing members, potential members, the Board of Directors (the Board), external partners and other stakeholders.

The Secretary-General acts as an advocate and ambassador for the Association within the REE sector, the broader critical-raw-materials sector, and beyond. The role reports to the Board.
Primarily working remotely, the Secretary-General is expected to spend a minimum of three days per month at the REIA office in Brussels, Belgium. An additional 4-8 weeks of international business travel may be required for the role, each year.
While intended to be a full-time position, with an engagement on either an employee or contract basis, REIA is open to considering candidates with the right experience and background who are seeking a part-time position.

Key Responsibilities

  • Execute the strategic direction of the Association in collaboration with the Board, its Chair, and associated working groups.
  • Ensure that the meetings of the Operations Team (weekly), Board and working groups (monthly), and General Assembly of members (bi-annual) are organized effectively, and coordinate the activities of all the Association’s bodies.
  • Ensure compliance with the Association’s statutes and bylaws, and general legal obligations.
  • Manage, along with the Treasurer, REIA’s finances in accordance with its strategic priorities.
  • Provide monthly financial updates and liquidity forecasts to the Treasurer.
  • Lead budget preparation in accordance with the required process.
  • Oversee day-to-day administration, including secretariat tasks, HR systems and team management, bookkeeping, payment processing and the like.
  • Ensure that the Association follows all Belgian employment laws and regulations.
  • Oversee the strategy and its implementation for REIA’ social media, press and communication activities.
  • Raise awareness of the Association’s objectives, ensuring consistent messaging across platforms.
  • Coordinate REIA’s events, meetings, and operational reporting, ensuring timely distribution of minutes and reports.
  • Manage membership acquisition and communication, facilitating engagement between REIA members and stakeholders.
  • Work closely with Association members to ensure to the maximum extent possible that REIA listens to their needs and concerns.
  • Provide advice and assistance to REIA members as necessary to ensure that they are familiar with the Association’s structure and procedures.
  • Support Association members with business intelligence, project matchmaking, and advocacy on relevant policy issues.
  • Ensure representation and inclusion of all segments within the complete REE value chain in discussions and strategic initiatives.
  • Build a positive organizational culture that encourages teamwork, innovation, and transparency.
  • Oversee the hiring process of REIA staff as required.
  • Lead organizational changes, aligning staff and resources with evolving industry demands and strategic initiatives.
  • Lead the Association’s expansion, identifying opportunities to attract new members and external partners.
  • Guide standardization and certification processes related to REEs.
  • Identify and direct opportunities for projects, and related grants and funding from various external sources in relation to REE projects.
  • Represent REIA as necessary at external meetings and events.

Job Profile

The ideal candidate should possess the following qualifications, knowledge and experience:
  • Advanced university degree in business, economics, engineering, industrial ecology or a related field.
  • A minimum of five years of experience in a senior management role, preferably in the REE industry and/or in the supply-chain management of commodities and resources.
  • Strong communication skills, both orally and in writing.
  • A keen sense of diplomacy, with an ability to build strong, long-term mutual relationships with stakeholders, leverage contacts to recruit new members, and influence decision-making processes and perceptions.
  • Fluency in English.
  • Knowledge of other European and/or Asian languages would be considered an asset.

How to Apply

Please send your CV to careers@global-reia.org

Deadline for applications: 28 February 2025

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