UNPAID VOLUNTEER - Director of Research (Sustainable Finance) in London

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.

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 engage with key stakeholders.

Education & Training:

• A relevant degree or training in the relevant discipline, at Ph.D. level, preferred;
• 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;
• 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;
• Knowledge of important Sustainable Finance standards.

Transformational Data Technologies:

• Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies;
• Artificial Intelligence;
• Internet of Things;
• Other aspects of Data and Distributed Computing.

Skills And Abilities:

• Excellent oral communication skills;
• Excellent English writing skills and detail‑orientated;
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to balance competing demands under pressure;
• Strong presentation skills;
• Aptitude in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish (desirable).

General & specialist knowledge:

• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office;
• Strong depth of knowledge on topics central to the BCI.

Benefits:

• 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;
• Help you develop long‑lasting professional relationships with others.

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.