Job title: Policy Advisor, India
Job type & duration: 2-year fixed term(renewable), full time position, with 3-month probation period.
Hiring organization: Responsible Mica Initiative ( )
Reporting to: France-based Programme Director
Location: India, Ranchi
Starting date: ASAP
Application will be reviewed on a roll in basis and shall include a cover letter, a CV, and a list of references. Any incomplete application will be disregarded.
THE CONTEXT OF INDIA'S MICA INDUSTRY
Mica is used in a wide range of industries that benefit from the mineral's diverse attributes. The cosmetics, automotive coatings and printing ink industries utilize mica's visual properties. Mica is a natural insulator used throughout the electronics industry, serves as a filler in plastics and construction materials and is used as a lubricant in the oil and gas drilling sector, among other applications. About 25% of the world production of mica comes from illegal collection in North-East India. As a result of poverty and lack of available quality education, some families have had no recourse but to bring their children with them to collect mica to supplement their incomes.
ESTABLISHING COLLABORATION
In 2009, companies eager to find ways to tackle the endemic problems in the region that lead to the use of child labor began to take action independently and collectively. In February 2016, members of the global mica supply chain gathered in Delhi, India for the first Mica Summit, which galvanized companies and civil society organizations to act and led to the formation of the Responsible Mica Initiative. The Responsible Mica Initiative was formally established in January 2017.
ABOUT THE RESPONSIBLE MICA INITIATIVE (RMI): TOWARDS RESPONSIBLE INDIAN MICA SUPPLY CHAINS
The Responsible Mica Initiative (RMI) is a global 'Coalition for Action' - putting policy into practice - comprised of multiple organizations committed to establishing a fair, responsible and sustainable mica supply chain in the states of Jharkhand and Bihar in India that will eliminate unacceptable working conditions and eradicate childlabor.RMI uses a multi-stakeholder and holistic approach that engages companies, civil society organizations, industry associations and governments to develop and implement three integrated program pillars that will establish responsible workplace standards, empower local communities, and establish a legal framework for the micasector.
RMI's program pillars implement the mandates and fulfill the goals established by intergovernmental bodies such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the OECD's Practical actions for companies to identify and address the worst forms of child labor in mineral supply chains.Today, RMI has more than 100 members who count among the major cosmetics, paints, automotive brands and suppliers, and internationally recognized NGOs.
POSITION
To support the continued growth of RMI's activities in India and to strengthen RMI's engagement with upstream supply chain actors on their path toward responsible and sustainable practices, the Responsible Mica Initiative is seeking a highly motivated and experienced professional for the position of Policy Advisor, India. The Policy Advisor will support the Responsible Mica Initiative's mission to enable legal, formalized, and sustainable mica supply chains in India. The role focuses on government relations, policy advocacy, and stakeholder engagement at national, state and district levels, particularly in Jharkhand and Bihar, while ensuring strong coordination with RMI members and partners.
MISSIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES
In accordance with the decisions of the Board of Director and the Executive Director and under the supervision of the France-based Director of Programmes, Policy Advisor, India, will support the RMI Team with the below missions:
1. Advocacy & Government Relations (50%)
Develop and coordinate a government relations and advocacy strategy for Central as well as Jharkhand and Bihar Governments, with the support of the RMI Programme Director and in coordination with the India Country Manager and relevant stakeholders (CSOs, supply chain actors, government agencies, etc.).Build corresponding needed network.Sensitize state and district-level governments in Jharkhand and Bihar and encourage their engagement towards legal, formalised, and sustainable mica supply chains.Sensitize and engage Central Government to make a case for mica and encourage their engagement towards legal, formalised, and sustainable mica supply chains throughout the country.Actively involve RMI members (downstream and processors) in the definition and implementation of advocacy strategies and ensure regular reporting and feedback to members.Develop high-quality advocacy and policy materials in support of the Initiative's government relations agenda, including:Talking pointsLegislative and regulatory summariesFactsheets and briefing notesTestimonies, reports, letters, and policy recommendationsPlan and support meetings, consultations, events, and official engagements with government representatives and other key stakeholders to advance the Initiative's objectives.Monitor, analyse, and report on regulations, directives, and policy developments related to mica mining and supply chains in India, including but not limited to:Mining lease auction processesMining and environmental regulationsLabor, child protection, and social welfare policiesProvide timely policy intelligence and risk/opportunity analysis to inform RMI's strategic positioningMonitor mica related developments and define strategies for other states relevant to mica mining such as Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh
2. Policy Analysis, Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement (50%)
Conduct policy research and analysis related to mining formalization, responsible sourcing, child labour elimination, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability in mica-producing regions.Support coordination between government authorities, civil society organizations, community stakeholders, and supply chain actors to align policy and implementation efforts.Contribute to the development of position papers, strategic notes, and internal briefings to guide RMI's engagement in India.Support the alignment of advocacy efforts with RMI programmes and field activities, ensuring policy coherence and practical relevance by liaising and working closely with the Country Manager and the Workplace Standards Manager.Represent RMI in relevant multi-stakeholder platforms, consultations, and working groups at state and national levels, as appropriate and agreed with the rest of the RMI Team.Contribute to internal planning, reporting, and learning processes, including inputs to donor or member reports when required.
PROFILE
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Strong understanding of Indian governance structures, at national, state and district levels.Demonstrated experience engaging with government officials, civil society organizations, and private sector stakeholders.Knowledge of mining, natural resources, supply chains, child protection, or labour rights is a strong asset.Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills, with the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear and persuasive materials.Strong coordination and facilitation skills, with experience working in multi-stakeholder environments.Excellent communication skills, ability to adapt posture depending on stakeholdersAbility to pitch and construct arguments effectivelyFluency in English required; Hindi and other local languages are a strong advantage.Ability to work independently while maintaining alignment with a global organization.Proficient IT, analytical, and reporting skills.Flexibility to travel frequently within India and occasionally abroad.Personal qualities: humble, diplomatic, persevering, and collaborative.
Education & Desirable Experience:
Advanced degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Law, International Development, Social Sciences, or a related field.Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in policy advisory, government relations, advocacy, or public affairs, preferably in India.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates, please forward your application (cover letter and CV, including a list of references) by email to: .
Any incomplete application will be disregarded.
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