Associate- Materials & Circular Focus

Systemiq is a system-change company committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement by transforming markets and business models in five key systems: nature and food, materials and circularity, energy, urban areas, and sustainable finance. As a certified B Corp, we combine strategic advisory with high-impact, on-the-ground work, partnering with business, finance, policy-makers, and civil society to deliver system change.

Systemiq orchestrates system change in clean energy, circular material solutions, and sustainable land use. This involves re-imagining industries, re-configuring the energy world, and regenerating ecosystems to address systemic failures, unlocking economic opportunities that benefit business, society, and the environment.

As a Strategy Associate, you will play a crucial role in various key projects within the Materials and Circular Economy platform. You will collaborate in project teams and manage complex multi-stakeholder relationships across the private sector, governments, NGOs, and industry bodies. You will contribute to workstreams that draw on expertise from both within the organization and external partners, and you will have opportunities to introduce and lead your own workstreams within the Materials & Circular Economy space.

Responsibilities:

• Co-create approaches with partners/clients to balance economic viability, ecosystem regeneration, and social inclusion.
• Gather and analyze data to provide insights based on agreed questions.
• Develop and maintain long-lasting collaborative relationships with project partners and stakeholders.
• Provide strategic insights and practical solutions for successful transformations.
• Support partners in monitoring, evaluating, and communicating their business models, visions, and impacts.

Leadership:

You will be part of the Materials & Circular Economy team, led by Partner Ben Dixon. Ben works across the circular economy and energy platforms and has collaborated with clients like the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the United Nations International Resource Panel, and large multinational companies in the packaging and chemicals industries. He also manages SYSTEMIQ’s work on plastics, contributing to a circular, less wasteful plastic packaging industry.

Requirements:

• Demonstrated contribution to change and impact in areas such as thought leadership, research, project management, client relations, or stakeholder management.
• Strong record of professional excellence and/or relevant academic achievements, with a keen interest in systems change.
• Proven ability in various contexts, and enthusiasm for working in a young, entrepreneurial company.
• Inspired by SYSTEMIQ’s mission and approach to system change.
• Master’s degree or equivalent.
• Passion for SYSTEMIQ's mission and the sustainability/environment/social enterprise space.
• 2+ years of experience in a professional system change environment, preferably in advisory/consulting, but relevant experience in start-ups, in-house strategy, project management, and investment is also considered.
• Understanding of key concepts and value chains in areas such as plastics, petrochemicals, mobility & transport, heavy industries, energy, consumer goods, manufacturing, construction, waste management, and electronics.
• Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and structuring skills with enthusiasm for presenting complex data intuitively.
• Intellectual and commercial curiosity, with a readiness to dive into new topics.
• Collaborative team player with a can-do attitude.
• Entrepreneurial spirit with the ability to identify opportunities and turn them into reality.
• Resilience under stress and resourcefulness to deliver.
• Alignment with SYSTEMIQ's values: creativity, challenge, collaboration, change, and care.

Diversity & Inclusion: At Systemiq, we believe that diversity and inclusion are crucial to system change and our mission. We are committed to embedding diverse and inclusive practices in all aspects of our work, including recruitment, performance management, and people processes and policies. We provide a supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and perform at their best, regardless of background, personality, gender, sexual orientation, race, mental health, religion, or other characteristics.

Reward and Recognition: The remuneration and benefits package will reflect the successful candidate's experience and expertise.