UNPAID VOLUNTEER - Principal/Senior Technology Officer (Artificial Intelligence)

Blockchain & Climate Institute; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Part time

Job summary

An international volunteer-led think tank seeks a Principal/Senior Technology Officer (AI). This voluntary role involves leading AI initiatives, collaborating with stakeholders, and supporting climate action through technology. Candidates should possess over 5 years of experience in AI and hold a relevant degree. This position offers the chance to impact sustainability efforts while gaining valuable experience in emerging technologies.

Benefits

Gain valuable experience in AI and sustainability

Mentorship opportunities with industry experts

Professional networking possibilities

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of professional experience in AI, Machine Learning, or Data Science.
• Fluent in English.
• Aptitude in additional languages like Arabic, French, or Spanish is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute AI technology strategy for projects.
• Build and manage the AI technology team.
• Research the best data sets and AI models for use cases.
• Ensure quality and scalability of technology products.

Skills

Excellent oral communication skills

Excellent organizational skills

Experience in building constructive relationships

Experience in independent research

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Python

R

TensorFlow

AWS

Job description

THIS IS AN UNPAID VOLUNTEERING ROLE.

Role Title: Principal/Senior Technology Officer (Artificial Intelligence)

Role Nature: Volunteer

Location: Home-based / Remote

The Blockchain & Climate Institute (BCI) is an international volunteers‑led think tank supporting and advocating the application of blockchain and other data technologies 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.

This role is for a Principal Technology Officer (PTO - Artificial intelligence) and is a very senior position reporting to the CTO. The successful candidate will provide strategic and technical leadership for Artificial Intelligence across all BCI projects. You will be responsible for overseeing and implementing the use of AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, Data Modelling and associated tooling for internal productivity and climate action. You will perform research, onboard and train other team members, execute proof of concepts and pilots, and build applications using available data sets and AI models.

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

You will have the opportunity to work with a diverse and passionate group of experts, collaborate with leading organisations and stakeholders in the field of climate and sustainability, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge and innovation in this domain. You will also gain valuable experience and skills in emerging technologies, project management, and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the AI technology strategy and roadmap for BCI’s projects and initiatives;
• Build, lead and manage the AI technology team, including hiring, training, mentoring, and performance evaluation;
• Research and identify the best data sets and AI models for our use cases and objectives;
• Design, develop, test, and deploy applications and solutions using AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, Data Modelling, and associated tooling;
• Ensure the quality, reliability, security, and scalability of our technology products and services;
• Monitor and evaluate the performance and impact of our technology solutions and provide feedback and recommendations for improvement;
• Communicate and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including project partners, sponsors, donors, and beneficiaries;
• Stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the field of emerging technologies, climate, and sustainability;
• Generate opportunities for strategic partnerships; and
• 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 organizational skills and ability to balance competing demands under pressure;
• Proven ability in computing or math‑related tasks of Agile technology projects;
• Experience in building constructive relationships with stakeholders;
• Experience in working independently and with teams to drive forward projects using own initiative;
• Experience in designing, planning, and facilitating independent research and the ability to meet tight deadlines; and
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to present ideas appropriately and persuasively

General & Specialist Knowledge

• Strong technical skills, proficient in various programming languages, frameworks, and tools for data analysis and AI development, such as Python, R, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit‑learn, etc;
• Familiar with various data sources, formats, and standards, such as APIs, JSON, XML, CSV, etc., and detail oriented;
• Experience in developing and deploying applications and solutions using cloud platforms, such as AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, etc.;
• A portfolio of supported Open‑Source GitHub projects (desirable);
• Experience in leading and managing technology teams and projects, including agile methodologies, budgeting, reporting, and documentation; and
• Passionate and knowledgeable about climate and sustainability issues and solutions, with a sense of mission and willingness to learn not just about technology but also about all other aspects that could be necessary to deliver impactful climate actions.

Education & Training

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related field;
• Fluent in English; and
• Aptitude in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish (desirable).

Relevant Experience

• At least 5 years of professional experience in AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, Data Modelling, or a related field;
• Nimble business mind with a focus on developing creative solutions;
• Strong project reporting skills with a focus on inter‑departmental and inter‑organisational communication; and
• Experience of working independently and with teams to drive forward projects using own initiative.

What difference will you make?

Blockchain and other emerging technologies. 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 organizations 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 analyzing the applications of emerging technologies so that informed decisions can be made by the stakeholders in the climate change and action network.

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.

Selection Process

As a voluntary organization, we are pleased to open the door for candidates who may not have the prior experience they need to start, progress, or switch their careers. To recruit the most suitable, talented, or potential new members out of the volume of applications received, it is the BCI’s policy to also consider inexperienced candidates to fill our voluntary unpaid roles as long as they can demonstrate the skills required in the written assessment. In the selection process, most candidates will be invited to complete the following assessment.

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

Section B: Situation Judgement Test (20 multiple‑choice questions)

Section C: In‑Tray Exercise (An open‑ended assessment relevant to the duties of the role)

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