Overview

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

We are looking for a passionate professional 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 mentoring research officers, publishing research, producing briefing materials for speeches and presentations at high-level conferences; and turning actions into impacts to shape sustainable finance policy agenda on a global platform.

BCI is currently looking for an outstanding volunteer to undertake the role of Director of Research (Sustainable Finance) leading Research Division I at BCI. As with all other roles in BCI, this is a voluntary unpaid role.

Responsibilities

  • To provide leadership, strategic planning, and administrative and personnel management across the entire Division, particularly with projects that combine “Sustainable Finance” and “Data Technologies” in response to demands from governments;

  • To report to the Director-General, the ExCo, and advisors on progress across the management and a wide range of projects taking place in the Division;

  • To coordinate research support for fellows’ councils in areas such as sustainable finance, renewable energy, carbon trading, biodiversity conservation, etc.;

  • To carry out primary and secondary research activities, including both quantitative and qualitative, analytical examination and publishing of high-quality research which spearheads the growing field of sustainable finance (particularly climate/environmental aspects);

  • To generate opportunities for strategic partnerships with the support of Strategy Officers;

  • To attend conferences and events to promote the BCI, communicate research findings and insights, and engage with key stakeholders.

Requirements

Education & Training

  • A relevant degree or training in the relevant discipline, at Ph.D. level, preferred; and

  • Experience in producing research outputs and structured reports for different audiences.

Relevant Experience

  • Proven ability in organization/business development (e.g. experience working in a target-driven role);

  • Experience in building constructive relationships with stakeholders;

  • Experience in 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.

  • Experience leading technology projects (e.g. AI, IoT, DLT) that support sustainable development.

Credentials

Green/Environmental/Climate/Sustainable Finance:

  • Deep understanding of the TCFD (Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures) Recommendations.

  • Working knowledge of different aspects of the finance sector – including asset classes (Fixed Income, Equities, Commodities, Derivatives), types of stakeholders (Institutional Investors, Exchanges, Asset Managers, Regulators), Risk Assessment, New Regulations (Basel III/IV), etc.

  • Knowledge of important Sustainable Finance standards – including Fixed Income (ICMA Green Bonds Principles, ISO 14030), Equities (SASB, GRI, IFRS), and EU Taxonomy.

Transformational Data Technologies:

  • Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies – including Ethereum, Corda R3.

  • Artificial Intelligence – particularly experience with Machine Learning (ML), both supervised and unsupervised.

  • Internet of Things – experience with real economy data in sectors such as Energy, Transport, Materials & Buildings, and Agriculture.

  • Other Data and Distributed Computing skills – including Cloud Infrastructure, Version Control (GitHub), DevOps, Software Development, Data Engineering, SQL/NoSQL databases.

The successful candidate is expected to be cognizant of the intersection of the above and other related fields to produce state-of-the-art research outputs. For example, “Blockchain Green Bonds” funding Energy Efficiency or Agricultural projects, and data from these projects aiding impact assessment or smart contracts.

Skills and Abilities

  • Excellent oral communication skills with the ability to develop effective working relationships across levels;

  • Excellent English writing skills and detail-oriented;

  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to balance competing demands under pressure;

  • Strong presentation skills with the ability to communicate ideas persuasively;

  • Aptitude in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish (desirable).

General & Specialist Knowledge

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office;

  • Strong knowledge of topics central to BCI – climate change, climate finance, blockchain technology, and artificial intelligence preferred.

Benefits

Blockchain and other emerging technologies – Climate change and sustainability:
These are two hot topics dominating headlines and gaining traction in research. BCI serves as an expert platform to help governments, inter-governmental and regional organizations, and corporates navigate emerging technologies for environmental good.

One of BCI’s core missions is to support policymakers in creating an enabling environment for adopting distributed ledger technologies. This role contributes to making BCI financially sustainable to help developing-country communities become sustainable.

What’s in it for the volunteer?

  • Mental stimulation and sense of purpose;

  • Advancement of professional career through connections and real-world experience;

  • Development of long-lasting professional relationships with like-minded individuals.

Selection Process

As a voluntary organization, BCI encourages applications from candidates with limited experience if they demonstrate the required skills in the written assessment. Most candidates will be invited to complete the following:

  • Section A: Verbal and Numerical Reasoning (20 multiple-choice questions)

  • Section B: Situational Judgement Test (20 multiple-choice questions)

  • Section C: In-Tray Exercise (open-ended assessment related to the role)

Candidates who pass all three sections will be invited to a phone screening, first interview, and final interview online.

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