Secretary-General

Rare Earth Industry Association

About the Organisation

Rare Earth Industry Association (REIA) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to promoting a sustainable and responsible global rare earth element (REE) supply chain. It brings together stakeholders from across the rare earth industry, including mining companies, processors, manufacturers, research institutions, and end-users, to foster collaboration, innovation, and best practices in the sector. REIA’s core mission is to ensure a transparent, sustainable, and resilient rare earth supply chain that supports technological advancements while minimizing environmental and social impacts. 

REIA welcomes members from various sectors, including mining, processing, manufacturing, recycling, and academia. Members benefit from access to exclusive industry reports, policy updates, networking events, and collaborative initiatives aimed at driving innovation and sustainability in the rare earth industry.

About the role

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. 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. 

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 by its strategic priorities.
• Provide monthly financial updates and liquidity forecasts to the Treasurer.
• Lead budget preparation by 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’s social media, pres,s 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 about REE projects.
• Represent REIA as necessary at external meetings and events.

Skills, Competencies & Experience

• 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.
• 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.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced University Degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, Industrial Ecology, and related fields.

Compensation & Benefits

• Attractive Benefits Package
• Other Benefits

Working locations

• Brussels office with occasional travel required

How to apply

• Send an email to [email protected] with a CV and a cover letter by 28th February 2025 at 5 PM

Interviews

• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview

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