Volunteer - Principal/Senior/ Research Officers (Biodiversity/Circular Economy)

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.

We are looking for a passionate VOLUNTEER who takes a methodological approach to their work, conducts independent research and analysis, engages with key stakeholders, and establishes strategic partnerships to progress the BCI’s core mission. Driving the end-to-end research process, conducting both independent research and support to members of working groups, publishing research, producing briefing material for speeches and presentations for clients and external conferences; and turning actions into impacts to shape climate policy on a global platform. We are developing a pipeline of projects focusing on biodiversity (forest and marine conservation), circular economy, climate adaptation, and renewable energy. Volunteers with more experience may be appointed as Principals or Senior Research Officers.

As with all other roles in BCI, this is a voluntary unpaid role.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Provide research support for members of working groups in areas such as renewable energy, carbon trading, forest monitoring, REDD+, natural resource management, blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, etc.
• To carry out primary and secondary research activities including both quantitative and qualitative, analytical examination and publishing high-quality research which draws appropriate conclusions;
• To generate opportunities for strategic partnerships;
• To attend conferences and events to promote the BCI, communicate research findings and insights via powerpoint decks and engage with key stakeholders.

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;
• Excellent English writing skills and detail orientated;
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to balance competing demands under pressure;
• Strong presentation skills and ability to present ideas appropriately and persuasively; and
• Aptitude in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish (desirable).

General & Specialist Knowledge:

• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office;
• Strong depth of knowledge on topics central to the BCI such as climate change, climate finance, blockchain technology and artificial intelligence preferred;
• GIS skills like ArcGIS, ERDAS IMAGINE, etc.

Education & Training:

• A relevant degree or training in relevant discipline preferred; and
• Experience in producing research outputs and structured reports for different audiences.

Relevant Experience:

• Proven ability in organisation/business development (e.g. experience of working in a target-driven role);
• Experience in building constructive relationships with stakeholders;
• Experience of working independently and with teams to drive forward projects using own initiative; and
• Experience in designing, planning and facilitating independent research and the ability to meet tight deadlines.

Before you apply

Candidates must submit their CV, cover letter with some English research writing samples where possible. 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.

What difference will you make?

Climate change and sustainability these are two hot topic groups that have been headlining media outlets, dominating conferences & events, and gaining increasing traction in research and pilot projects. BCI is here as an expert platform to help governments, inter-governmental and regional organisations as well as relevant corporates to negotiate the complex landscape of emerging technologies for environmental good. We cement our expertise by putting in the hard work in researching, identifying and analysing the applications of emerging technologies so that informed decisions can be made by the stakeholders in the climate change and action network.

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 ensure BCI is financially sustainable before we make the developing-country communities sustainable.

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 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 connection.