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

united kingdom

THIS IS AN UNPAID VOLUNTEERING ROLE.Role Title: Principal/Senior/ Research Officers (Energy & Environment)Role Nature: VolunteerLocation: Home-basedThe 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 passionate and senior research VOLUNTEERS to join the Energy & Environment Research Division (Research Division II) at the BCI as Principal Research officers, specializing in either Energy (PRO(II)1) or Environmental Policy PRO(II)2.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: 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 finds 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 Energy & Environment Research Division; Providing support in project management, divisional administration tasks, and recruitment duties to the Director of Research (Energy and Environment)RequirementsSkills & 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 writing skills and the ability to tailor communications to the intended audience; Excellent research skills and a methodological and detail-orientated approach; Strong 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 KnowledgeDemonstrable 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 (PRO(II)1) or Environmental Policy (PRO(II)2)); andGeneralist knowledge on topics central to the BCI such as climate change policy, adaptation and resilience, and blockchain technologyEducation & Training An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline; andA postgraduate research degree or equivalent professional research experienceRelevant 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; and Experience in working independently and with teams to drive forward projects using one's own initiativeBenefitsBlockchain 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; andHelp you develop long-lasting professional relationships with others. People who come together to make the world a better place forge a close connectionSelection ProcessAs 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.