UNPAID VOLUNTEER - Principal/Senior Research Officers (Energy & Environment)

Blockchain & Climate Institute; United States; Remote; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading international think tank as a Principal/Senior Research Officer focusing on Energy and Environment. This volunteer role offers the chance to conduct impactful research, mentor others, and engage with stakeholders on critical climate issues. Ideal for professionals looking to enhance their skills and make a difference in climate change advocacy.

Benefits

Skill development

Professional networking

Real-world experience

Sense of purpose

Qualifications

• 10 years experience in independent/academic research.
• Experience in supervising colleagues and leading projects.

Responsibilities

• Conducting independent primary and secondary research.
• Delivering high-quality research outputs.
• Providing research guidance and mentoring.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Research

Organizational Skills

Presentation

Education

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline

Postgraduate research degree or equivalent professional research experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Reference management software

Job description

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS AN UNPAID VOLUNTEERING ROLE

Role title: Principal/Senior Research Officers (Energy & Environment)

Role nature: Volunteer

Location: Home-based

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

We are looking for passionate and senior research volunteers to join the Energy & Environment Research Division (Research Division II) at the BCI as Senior/Principal Research officers, specializing in either Energy or Environmental Policy.

We are seeking professionals who take a methodological approach to their work, possess strong research and leadership skills, and have a passion for stakeholder engagement and establishing strategic partnerships to progress BCI’s core mission. We are particularly interested in candidates with research experience in biodiversity (e.g. forest conservation), circular economy, renewable energy, and/or climate adaptation, supporting the Director of Research (Energy and Environment).

Responsibilities include:

• Conducting independent primary and secondary research in areas such as renewable energy, carbon trading, biodiversity and conservation, climate change adaptation, natural resource management, blockchain technology, and artificial intelligence, especially for developing-country governments
• Analysing both quantitative and qualitative data using suitable methodologies, drawing appropriate conclusions, and presenting findings clearly and concisely
• Delivering high-quality research outputs, such as written reports, concept notes, briefing materials, and presentations
• Providing research guidance and mentoring to Research Officers/ Senior Research Officers within the Energy & Environment Research Division
• Providing support in project management, divisional administration tasks, and recruitment duties to the Director of Research (Energy and Environment)

Skills and abilities:

• Excellent communication and leadership skills, including the ability to develop effective working relationships, work flexibly across professional and operational boundaries, and communicate effectively and professionally with internal and external stakeholders at all levels
• Strong English speaking and writing skills, and the ability to tailor communications to the intended audience
• Excellent research skills and a methodological and detail-oriented approach
• Strong organisational skills and ability to balance competing demands under pressure
• Strong presentation skills and ability to present ideas appropriately and persuasively

General and specialist knowledge:

• Demonstrable knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office and reference management software (e.g. Mendeley, Zotero)
• Specialist knowledge relevant to the role (Energy or Environmental Policy)
• Generalist knowledge on topics central to the BCI such as climate change policy, adaptation and resilience, and blockchain technology.

Education and training:

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline
• Postgraduate research degree or equivalent professional research experience

Relevant experience:

• 10 years experience in designing, planning, facilitating, and conducting independent/academic research

• Experience in supervising colleagues and leading projects
• Experience working in a target-driven role with tight deadlines
• Experience in building constructive relationships with stakeholders
• Experience in working independently and with teams to drive forward projects using one's own initiative

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 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
• 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 organisation, 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.