Volunteer - Media Officer

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.

*This is an unpaid, volunteer position*

We are looking for innovative and driven communications professionals who are keen to join a VOLUNTEER team to play an important role within the climate action community. The Media Officer will help shape and deliver the BCI Media and Communications Strategy to drive the achievement of BCI's goals and objectives. If successful, you will get exposure to high-profile communications projects and handle a range of exciting responsibilities. The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of public relations and campaign delivery as well as a passion for generating interesting content. The Media Officer will support the Head of Communications and PR, as well as the wider Leadership and Communications teams.

Your responsibilities will include:

• To help lead and execute the implementation of the BCI Communications strategy;
• To support content planning and maintain integrated communications programs across public relations, social media, website, newsletters, and audio-visual materials;
• To support a broad range of stakeholder engagement initiatives, including those involving COP27 later this year;
• To raise the profile of BCI among relevant audiences, both within and outside the climate change policy community;
• To perform target audience research for insights on BCI’s target audience in order to execute successful communications activities;
• To support BCI's external and internal events including major industry events, such as COP27
• To build relationships with the media and act as a media contact when necessary;
• To maintain a strong knowledge of developments in the climate action and emerging technology sectors to ensure BCI content is on the pulse and engaged in trending conversations.

• Proven experience as a Media Assistant or other administrative role;
• Experience in digital advertising is a plus;
• Familiarity with media planning and buying;
• Proficient in MS Office; experience with media analytics software (e.g. comScore) preferred;
• Good research skills;
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities;
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills;
• Ability to meet tight deadlines under minimal supervision;
• BSc/BA in Marketing, Advertising, or a similar field.

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;
• Complete fluency in English and an engaging writing style; Additional language skills are desirable, in particular, French and Spanish;
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• A proven ability to build and maintain strong media relationships with key journalists;
• Demonstrated flexibility within a team environment;
• A wide degree of creativity and a good grasp of storytelling;
• Proven understanding of communication channels (e.g. media outlets, social media);
• Confident communicator;
• Strong attention to detail;
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to balance competing demands under pressure.

General & Specialist Knowledge

• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office tools;
• A solid list of media contacts within climate and/or technology is preferred;
• Understanding of social media management tools;
• Strong depth of knowledge and a keen interest in the topics central to the BCI such as climate change, climate finance, and blockchain technology desired.

Education & Training

• A relevant degree or experience in Communications.

Relevant Experience

• Proven relevant position in the communications area of an organization (not-for-profit or environmental organization is advantageous);
• Experience working in a target-driven role;
• Solid experience in leading and delivering strategic PR, social media, and/or communications campaigns;
• A portfolio of exceptional writing and editing;
• Experience working independently and with teams to drive forward projects using one's own initiative.

What difference will you make?

As an organization, BCI focuses on building the relationship between blockchain (and other emerging technologies) and finding sustainable climate solutions. This has been a hot topic that has been headlining media outlets, dominating conferences & events, and gaining increasing traction in research and pilot projects. BCI is an expert-led platform that helps governments, inter-governmental and regional organizations as well as relevant corporates, negotiate the complex landscape of emerging technologies for environmental good. With over 160 volunteers across BCI, we research, identify and analyze the applications of emerging technologies so that informed decisions can be made by leading stakeholders in the global climate change and action network.

The BCI Communications team aims to tell the BCI story and our role in driving innovation to mitigate climate change and create a cleaner and greener future. As a think-tank and advocacy group for such a major issue, we understand the importance of being a credible expert and advisor which is why it is essential to demonstrate our research-driven approach to the relevant stakeholders.

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 a close connection.

Before you apply

Candidates must submit their CVs, cover letters, English work samples, and contact details in their applications. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a set of written exercises virtually to assess their suitability for this role and the organization. Candidates who have passed the written exercises will be invited to attend virtual interviews with the hiring managers.