Associate- Materials & Circular Focus (Fixed Term Contract)

Company Description 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. Since our start in 2016, we have grown to more than 350 people working across locations in Brazil, Germany, France, Indonesia, Netherlands, UK and the US. We are a pure-play sustainability-focused company, dedicated exclusively to sustainability projects.

What We Do 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.

Associate – Circular and Materials Focus (5-Month Fixed-Term Contract)

Role Overview

As a Strategy Associate on a fixed-term basis, you will play a crucial role in key projects within the Materials and Circular Economy platform. You will work in project teams managing complex multi-stakeholder relationships across the private sector, governments, NGOs, and industry bodies. You’ll be expected to contribute to workstreams drawing on both internal and external expertise and may have the opportunity to lead your own workstreams.

Given the scope of one of the key projects, availability for occasional travel to Central America is required, and fluency in Spanish is essential for effective stakeholder engagement. Possible start date: August/September 2025

Responsibilities

• Co-create strategies with partners and clients that balance economic viability, ecosystem regeneration, and social inclusion.
• Gather and analyze data to provide actionable insights.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with stakeholders.
• Deliver strategic and practical recommendations for system transformations.
• Support partners in monitoring, evaluating, and communicating the impact of their business models and initiatives.

Leadership

You will join the Materials & Circular Economy team, led by Partner Ben Dixon, who works across circular economy and energy platforms. His portfolio includes projects for the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, UN International Resource Panel, and multinationals in packaging and chemicals. Ben also leads SYSTEMIQ’s work on circularity in plastics.

Requirements

Mindset, Skills & Experience

• Demonstrated impact in areas like thought leadership, research, project management, or stakeholder relations.
• Strong academic and/or professional record with a keen interest in systems change.
• Previous experience working in advisory/consulting, start-ups, project management, or in-house strategy roles.
• Experience in a top global strategy consultancy is a definite advantage.
• Passion for sustainability, systems thinking, and SYSTEMIQ’s mission.

Technical and Functional Skills

• Master’s degree or equivalent.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in relevant environments.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities.
• Experience or understanding of value chains in sectors such as plastics, chemicals, mobility, energy, construction, or waste management.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills, including in Spanish.
• Readiness to travel occasionally to Central America.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative, and entrepreneurial environment.

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.
• Providing 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.
• Supporting our people through all life stages, accommodating personal priorities, and promoting a sustainable approach to work and life.

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

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