Volunteer - Legal Research Officers (Emerging Technologies)

The Blockchain & Climate Institute (BCI) is an international volunteer-led think tank supporting and advocating the application of blockchain technology in the global fight against climate change.

The candidates for this VOLUNTARY unpaid role should possess the required knowledge about climate change-related legislation and affinity with distributed ledger technologies, but also be motivated to accomplish BCI’s mission.

Able to develop rigorous methodologies for legal research projects, candidates are expected to conduct independent legal research and analyses, as well as engage key stakeholders, including legislators, regulators, lawyers, and policymakers, to establish strategic partnerships for accomplishing the BCI’s core mission. With support from Members of the Regulatory Reform Working Group and under the guidance of the Head of Legal Research, Legal Research Officers are given opportunities to publish research papers and produce briefing materials for the consumption of partner governments. Principal/Senior Legal Research Officers will also be assigned to draft speeches and/or deliver presentations on behalf of the BCI at external conferences.

The standard time commitment for all BCI roles is on average one day per week to be flexibly spread across the week.

Your responsibilities as a Legal Research Officer will include:

• To provide research support on topics around legislation or regulation regarding international climate and environment-related treaties, etc.;
• To engage relevant stakeholders in the change and sustainability policy space for developing strategic partnerships or collaboration opportunities;
• To communicate BCI’s research findings and insights at international conferences or high-level events.

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent oral communication skills, including the ability to develop effective working relationships, work flexibly across professional and operational boundaries, and communicate professionally with internal and external stakeholders at all levels;
• Purpose-driven professional, with a passion for climate justice, innovation, and complex systems; and
• Fluency in one of these languages is desirable: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish (desirable).

General & Specialist Knowledge

• Strong in-depth knowledge of the following topics: big data (security), climate change, UNFCCC processes, and public international laws related to climate change and the environment;
• Basic understanding of the functioning of distributed ledger technology, token economy, smart contracts, and crypto-assets;
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office and legal research databases such as Lexis Nexis; and
• Familiarity with academic and referencing tools such as Mendeley.

Education & Training

• A Degree in law is required; and
• A Master’s degree in one of the following fields is highly desirable: International Environmental Law; Climate Policy; or Information Technology Law.

Relevant Experience

• Proven ability to conduct (academic) research in the fields of international environmental law, climate change policy, and/or Internet/Technology law (desirable);
• Proven experience working independently and collaboratively in a team to drive forward projects using his/her own initiative;
• Experience in designing, planning, and facilitating independent research and the ability to meet tight deadlines; and
• No law firm or start-up experience is required but it is desirable.

Blockchain and other emerging technologies as well as Climate change and sustainability - are two hot topic groups that have been headlining media outlets, dominating conferences & events, and gaining increasing traction in research and pilot projects. One of the most important aspects of BCI’s mission is to support legislators and policymakers to create an enabling environment for the adoption of distributed ledger technologies. To that end, this opportunity will deepen BCI's legal research on the interaction between existing legal frameworks and innovative technologies.

The benefits you will get from volunteering with BCI are enormous and some include:

• You will hone or learn new skills including research, presentation, writing, professional etiquette,
• Your mind will be mentally stimulated, hence providing you with a sense of purpose;
• You will advance and boost your professional career by helping you to make professional connections and giving you real-world experience at the intersection between climate and emerging technologies; and
• Help you develop long-lasting professional relationships with others. People who come together to make the world a better place forge close connections.

Before you apply

Candidates must submit their CVs, and cover letters with some English legal writing samples to us.

If shortlisted, you will be contacted by one of our recruiters to complete 2 x 45 minutes assessments. If successful, you will be asked to complete an in-tray exercise based on the role you have applied for prior to an interview with the Division Director. Please note that your details will be held in respect of GDPR compliance, for future volunteering opportunities with the BCI.