Country Manager, India

SUMMARY

Job title: Country Manager, India

Job type & duration: 2-year fixed term(renewable), full time position, with 3-month probation period.

Hiring organization: Responsible Mica Initiative (www.responsible-mica-initiative.com )

Reporting to: France-based Programme Director

Location: Ranchi, India

Apply by: November 30thth, 2025

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. In 2016, it was indeed estimated that more than 20,000 children are working in extremely harsh conditions to contribute to their family revenue.

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 child labor.

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 mica sector.

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 Country Manager, India.

The Country Manager, India will serve as RMI’s lead representative in India, driving implementation, partnerships, advocacy, and program expansion in close coordination with RMI’s global team and member organizations

The Country Manager, India will oversee and conduct strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and hands-on field operations, ensuring that RMI’s interventions remain aligned with its mission to eliminate child labor and unacceptable working conditions while improving the livelihoods and resilience of mica-dependent communities. The role will also focus on building and maintaining partnerships with NGOs, community-based organizations, and companies involved in the mica value chain, as well as representing RMI in high-level dialogues, conferences, and policy fora.

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, the Country Manager, India, will support the RMI Team with the below missions:

Strategic Leadership & Representation

• Serve as RMI’s lead representative in India, providing overall strategic direction and leadership.
• Translate RMI’s global strategy into country-level action plans and measurable outcomes in close coordination with the RMI Programme Director.
• Represent RMI with government authorities, partners, and industry stakeholders to strengthen its influence and visibility.

Advocacy & Policy Engagement

• Lead RMI’s advocacy efforts at national, state, and district levels to promote formalization, legality, and sustainability in the mica sector.
• Build strong relationships with government bodies and contribute to the development of enabling policies.
• Prepare policy briefs, position papers, and communication materials to support RMI’s advocacy agenda.

Programme Management and Implementation

• Oversee the planning, coordination, and monitoring of the RMI programme in India, including community empowerment, workplace standards, and traceability initiatives.
• Ensure that projects are effectively implemented, monitored, and evaluated against key performance indicators and impact goals.
• Supervise local implementing partners, manage budgets, and ensure operational excellence and compliance
• Develop or coordinate the development of compliance related material, training
• Conduct processor and mine compliance assessments against RMI standards in close coordination with the Workplace Standards & Sustainability Manager
• Provide capacity building to RMI members on topic specific subjects

Partnerships, Memberships & Fundraising

• Strengthen partnerships with NGOs, community-based organizations, companies, and government institutions.
• Engage new members and donors to expand RMI’s network and secure resources for program growth.
• Facilitate collaboration and alignment among stakeholders to advance shared sustainability goals.

PROFILE

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated leadership in multi-stakeholder, cross-sector initiatives, ideally in CSR, human rights, or supply chain sustainability.
• Proven advocacy and government relations experience, preferably with ministries or state-level authorities.
• Proven track record in social compliance, due diligence and ESG issues.
• Strong understanding of social, environmental, and economic issues affecting rural and mining communities.
• Excellent communication and representation skills, both written and oral (in English and Hindi).
• Solid experience in project and financial management, and monitoring and evaluation.
• 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:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in International Development, Public Affairs, Social or Political Sciences, Communications, or related field.
• Minimum 10-15 years of experience in program management, public affairs, or sustainable development.
• Experience in India-based field programs addressing labour rights, child protection, or supply chain governance.
• Proven track record working with government agencies, NGOs, and private sector actors.
• Experience in Jharkhand, Bihar and/or Rajasthan is a strong asset.

HOW TO APPLY

cover letter and CV, including a list of references