UNPAID VOLUNTEER - General Counsel - Volunteer

The Blockchain & Climate Institute (BCI) is a global, volunteer-led think tank advocating for the use of blockchain technology in combating climate change. We are seeking a General Counsel to lead the Legal Advisory and Governance Section within our Director-General’s Office.

The General Counsel (GC) role is pivotal to BCI’s success as it navigates the legal complexities of promoting blockchain technology in global climate action. As BCI grows and works in rapidly changing, highly regulated international environments, the GC ensures that the organization operates within all relevant legal frameworks, proactively anticipating and mitigating potential risks.

The GC will support BCI’s mission in several critical ways:

• Overseeing and managing the Legal Advisory and Governance Section, bringing strong leadership to the legal team, ensuring that all legal advisors are working strategically and efficiently.
• Providing expert and timely advice to the Director-General and all BCI divisions on a broad range of legal matters, including contract law, employment matters, intellectual property, data privacy, regulatory compliance, and governance issues.
• Playing a key role in policy development and risk management by drafting, reviewing, and implementing internal governance policies and procedures.
• Facilitating effective stakeholder engagement by managing legal relationships with partners, donors, and governmental organizations.
• Acting as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to the leadership, empowering BCI to pursue innovative projects with confidence.

What are we looking for?

When considering the ideal qualities and experience for a volunteer, it is important to align expectations with both the goals of the organization and the role’s specific needs. Effective volunteers not only amplify organizational impact but also enrich the collaborative environment.

• A strong sense of commitment is essential. Volunteers should be genuinely dedicated to the cause and goals of the organization, demonstrating reliability in the completion of assigned tasks.
• Adaptability and flexibility are top priorities. Volunteers who approach changes with an open mind, creative thinking, and solution-oriented attitudes are particularly valuable.
• A collaborative mindset and strong interpersonal skills are vital, as volunteers frequently interact with staff, other volunteers, and sometimes external partners or stakeholders.
• Professionalism and integrity must underpin a volunteer’s approach, especially when representing the organization in public or in relation to sensitive projects.
• Previous experience in volunteering, community service, or leadership positions is beneficial, as it shows initiative, empathy, and a readiness to help others.
• Self-motivation and a proactive attitude cannot be underestimated. The best volunteers demonstrate initiative and can manage their time efficiently.

What will you be doing?

We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated General Counsel to join our Director-General’s Office and oversee the Legal Advisory and Governance Section. As General Counsel, you will play a pivotal role in providing strategic legal advice, managing legal risks, and supporting the organization’s diverse work at the intersection of technology and climate action.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the Legal Advisory Section, providing direction, mentorship, and oversight for both senior and junior legal advisors.
• Serve as principal legal advisor to the Director-General and all business units, delivering expert counsel on matters such as compliance, governance, contract law, employment law, privacy, data protection, and intellectual property.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of legal documents, including legal opinions, policies, memoranda, contracts, and dispute settlement agreements.
• Evaluate and interpret legal risks associated with organizational decisions and initiatives, including blockchain and technology-related projects.
• Oversee the development and review of internal governance practices and policies, staying ahead of external regulatory changes.
• Advise on corporate and charity governance, fundraising, marketing, competition law, trademarks, copyright, defamation, and litigation.
• Monitor the implementation and compliance of legal clauses within contracts and corporate documents.
• Act as a strategic partner in the development of organization-wide legal strategies and objectives.
• Foster strong communication across departments to ensure legal compliance and effective liaison with external counsel as needed.
• Model best practices in professional ethics and foster a culture of legal excellence and continuous improvement within the legal team.

Key Competencies:

• Strong analytical and research skills, with demonstrated critical thinking and organizational abilities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex legal matters clearly to non-experts.
• Proven leadership with the ability to mentor, inspire, and motivate a legal team.
• Adaptable, proactive, and able to thrive independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, mission-driven work environment.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects, manage competing deadlines, and respond flexibly to urgent or changing priorities.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Qualified solicitor or barrister in the United Kingdom, with a minimum of 10 years’ post-qualification experience.
• In-house experience is highly desirable, especially within a not-for-profit or charitable environment.
• Broad and in-depth legal knowledge spanning corporate law, contract law, employment law, compliance, data protection, and litigation.
• Direct experience advising on governance issues, reviewing policies, and drafting or negotiating legal documents in complex and international settings.
• An understanding of blockchain technology and its legal implications is a strong advantage.

Skills & Attributes:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English with a proven track record of building effective working relationships at all levels.
• Able to operate with integrity, discretion, and a commitment to upholding organizational values and compliance standards.